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Montreal/Vancouver/Calgary/Toronto Blue Jays

2011-04-09T15:17:00.000-04:00

A few days ago in Montreal a charity sports luncheon was held and many of the 1994 Montreal Expos happened to be in attendance. This obviously brought up many great memories of the team that had the best record in baseball at the time of the strike, but it also raised another question - could baseball return to Montreal?

Unlike the lingering questions of hockey returning to Quebec City, no one is realistically hoping for a return of the Expos to the Stade Olympique. What was discussed was the Toronto Blue Jays playing either exhibition or regular season games in Montreal. This comes on the heels of the very under publicized news that Jays games will actually be broadcast on radio in Montreal.

Toronto Blue Jays president Paul Beeston doesn't think it is likely that the Jays would play a regular season game in Montreal, but the Jays have not ruled out perhaps playing an exhibition game in the belle province in the future. This off season the Jays tried to increase their national profile this past winter with a road trip to Calgary and Vancouver and a trip to Quebec might not hurt.

The larger question here is why teams and leagues try to play games at neutral site. The obvious reason is money. By moving a game to a neutral site the franchise gets paid. For example the Buffalo Bills got a windfall payment of many millions of dollars from Rogers to play games in Toronto. When NFL teams agree to play in the International Series in London, England they get a payment from the league because they are not playing at home that weekend.

Do teams and fans get anything out of playing away from their home stadium? In my opinion not really. Teams end up playing a 'home' game on a neutral field. For example in Toronto during the Bills series, many fans come for the experience of seeing an NFL game. They wear their Raiders jersey or Tom Brady jersey, they don't cheer big third downs or even know who the Jills are. Also, players don't have the comfort of being in their home game routine. They have to sleep in hotel rooms and eat hotel food as they would on the road. Fans aren't necessarily seeing teams they enjoy and since they often don't get to see NFL/NBA/MLB games they aren't sure how to act and you get complaints from viewers on TV or from players that the crowd was poor. Fans obviously get to see world class sporting action which is great, but they often pay a higher price for a ticket than what fans normally pay.

In the end these experiments to sell your team in other communities are a losing proposition, unless you are the big dog of your sport (Yankees, Lakers, Steelers) and you can gain fans in other parts of the country or world because you are legendary franchises. For example the Raptors or Nets aren't going to be the big team in London just because they played two games there. The team that Londoners will cheer for is the team that wins championships.

Now, if we can just get a real team in Toronto....

Toronto Blue Jays 2011 Season Preview: A Good Season to be a Fan

2011-03-30T21:59:00.000-04:00

The expectations for the Toronto Blue Jays have not been this high since the mid-90’s. With a team that finished 85-77 and in fourth place in a difficult AL East in 2010, which ended up being about 15 wins better than what was supposed to happen, the leap to the next level in 2011 is a dream that fans in Toronto are hoping becomes a reality.

The magic number to make the playoffs in the American League will be 95 wins and for the Jays to improve to that threshold they need to keep doing the things that made them potent in 2010 – hit the ball extremely well for power, hope that the other big three in the AL East stumble slightly and finally play well against the NL during inter-league games.

In 2010 the Jays were led by heavy bats who hit home run after home run and a deep pitching staff. Although the formula for success will be relatively the same for 2011, some of the faces and places have changed.

The pitching staff was the biggest surprise of last season. The young staff was thought to be developing and several of the pitchers who were supposed to lead the team ended up injured but the Jays still managed to put lots of quality starts together. They hope the same will happen this year. With 99% of the pitching staff, including all the starters under the age of 30, there is a bright future in Toronto.

After the trade of Shaun Marcum to the Brewers, Ricky Romero and Brandon Morrow will be the top two starters this year. Romero finished 2010 with 14 wins and as the ace of the staff in 2011 he’ll be asked to win at least that many and should oblige. Although Morrow didn’t get the high win totals of some of the other members of the staff last season, he should be able to win at least 14-15 games this season. Morrow arguably has the best ‘stuff’ of anyone on the staff and will provide quite the 1-2 punch with Romero.

The third, fourth and fifth starters this season will probably flux throughout the season depending on injury and innings count. To start the season, the Jays will have top 50 prospect Kyle Drabek make the jump to the majors. A lot is expected of Drabek since he was the key piece of the Roy Halladay deal. Brett Cecil who finished 2010 with the team lead in wins is back and if he can continue his pace the Jays will definitely have a chance at the 95 wins. Jo-Jo Reyes, Jesse Litsch and Mark Rzepczynski will also all get chances to take the hill for the Jays this season. All are hard throwing, young pitchers who will hopefully be able to give 6-7 innings a start and then make way for the strong bullpen.

The closer spot will only have one question this season, who is going to get the ball? To start the season it will be Jon Rauch taking over from the inconsistent Kevin Gregg. Others that will get the ball at the end of the game will Frank Francisco or Octavio Dotel. In a scenario with everyone healthy, Francisco should be the guy with the ball at the end of the game, but it is always nice to have options. Jason Frasor returns as the set-up man and will be counted on to be a shut down pitcher and hold the lead when called upon.

Other names that fans will see out of the bullpen this year include Shawn Camp, Carlos Villanueva, David Purcey and Casey Janssen.

Now that the pitching staff has been set, the players that will score the runs to protect them need to be covered. The outfield has had the biggest makeover. With the magnificent trade to unload the contract of Vernon Wells there was the open spot in centrefield. Newly acquired Rajai Davis from the Oakland A’s brings speed and enough offence to make up for the year on, year off Wells. Travis Snider has claimed left field as his own. He will need to be more consistent as a young player, but it seems Jays management has confidence in him to be the man going forward. For awhile it seemed like the weak link in the outfield might be in right, but that is no more as manager John Farrell has decided that reigning home run champion and the Jays newly minted face of the franchise, Jose Bautista will be the everyday right fielder. Although it would be nice to see Bautista hit 50 home runs again, it will be tough for him as opposing pitchers will be on the look out for that sweet swing.

In the role of back-up outfielders will be Juan Rivera, Jayson Nix and Cory Patterson. Also, lurking are Scott Posednik and young farm hand Anthony Gose.

The infield defence may be a little inconsistent at times and could cause some pain to the Jays pitching staff. They will probably make up for it with their bats, but the more sure handed they can be, the more likely the Jays are to get closer to that magic 95 wins. Returning to the hot corner is Edwin Encarnacion. Encarnacion gets a bad rap for his defence but he covers a lot of ground, and as long as he can keep his throws accurate enough he will have a fine season. The person at the other end of EE’s throws is Adam Lind. The young star has moved to first base and has proven himself defensively. He needs to return to his 2009 offensive form again though and that could make him an all-star. The middle of the infield is strong with former all-star Aaron Hill manning second base. Hill is also a player who needs to return to his 2009 offensive form. Hitting for a .206 average despite hitting 26 home runs just isn’t going to cut it. At shortstop is Yunel Escobar. A solid defensive player who also adds some speed on the base paths will turn the double without problems and help keep those ERA’s down.

Behind the plate this year is super prospect JP Arencibia. After making his debut last year with a bang, Arencibia was frustrated at the plate and then was relegated to back-up duty behind Bengie Molina. This year, he is the undisputed starter and needs to make the most of his opportunity. Molina will still get the opportunity to play enough as he will catch Brandon Morrow and probably Jo Jo Reyes.

With all the shifting in positions in the infield, the everyday DH ends up being Juan Rivera. Arriving from the Angels as part of the Vernon Wells deal, Rivera has to be consistent at the plate and provide the protection for the likes of Hill, Lind and Encarnacion and his job will be complete.

There you have the team that will take the field for the Blue Jays this season and try once again to make Canada proud by bringing the playoffs North of the border.

Across The Pond - Raptors vs. Nets in London, England

2011-03-07T13:40:00.000-05:00

A change of venue could not help the Toronto Raptors win over the weekend. The Raptors and the New Jersey Nets played two games at the 02 Arena in London, England on Friday and Saturday. These were the first two regular season NBA games ever played outside of North America. After the weekend, the Nets now have the honor of having the only wins on foreign soil as they beat the Raptors in both contests.

In the Friday night’s game, the Nets came out on top 116-103 with newly acquired Nets guard Deron Williams controlling the contest by scoring 16 points and adding 11 assists, even though he was listed as questionable to play due to injury leading up to the game. This gave him his fourth straight double-double since joining the Nets at the trade deadline. Other Nets didn’t seem affected by the time change and media responsibilities during the visit to London as Brook Lopez contributed with 25 points. The Raptors managed to score points, but the defense once again let them down. DeMar DeRozan had a game high 30 points and is really blossoming into a well-rounded player, but it wasn’t enough to beat the Nets
Saturday’s game was a treat for the London fans as they received some free basketball. The game went into triple overtime, and in the end it was the Nets who came out on top 137-136. Andrea Bargnani had a chance to win the game for the Raptors at the end of both the first and third overtime periods, but failed on both attempts. Fans were treated to some great performances during the 3.5 hour game though. Brook Lopez once again came through for the Nets by scoring 34 points, grabbing 14 rebounds and blocking 8 shots. Deron Williams wasn’t too bad himself with 21 points and 18 assists. For the Raptors, Bargnani did have 35 points and 12 rebounds and DeRozan had another 30 point game in the loss.

Now that fans in the UK have seen live NBA basketball will they become fans like the NBA wants? Will they become fans of the Nets or the Raptors? Only time will tell, but history really isn’t on the NBA’s side.
The Nets are trying very hard to become “Europe’s Team”. Since being purchased by Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, they have added a Russian version to their website and have started to sign promotional deals and run basketball camps across Europe. Winning games during the inaugural NBA international series will help their profile (all fans like winning teams), but it will still be an uphill battle for them. Traditionally, in areas that don’t have pro teams, the franchises that become popular are the ones that win championships or have the best/most recognizable players. The Yankees with their 27 World Series trophies or Manchester United’s popularity across Asia are prime examples. In this case, the Nets and Raptors are not in that class.

The NBA shop had a sale prior to the weekend, and instead of using NJ or Toronto players to sell to European fans who may be visiting the website shop during this period of time, they featured Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers, LeBron James of the Heat, Kevin Durant of OKC, Joe Johnson of Atlanta and Derrick Rose of the Bulls. If these are the players and teams that are the face of the NBA why wouldn’t the league consider sending at least one of them?

This has been common practice of leagues of the major North American sports leagues. They have never really send their best product overseas and it is baffling as to why. When soccer comes to North America, the teams that tour are the top clubs – Manchester United, Chelsea, Celtic FC, and Real Madrid have all played games during the past few years. The NBA sends two teams that are out of the playoffs. You could argue that they wouldn’t have known that at the beginning of the season, but neither team was predicted to have a good season.

The NFL has played an International game for the past 5 seasons. Only one of the games was exciting (Saints 37 vs. Saints 32) while the other games were poorly contested and featured the likes of the perennial losing teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, SF 49ers (twice!), Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Miami Dolphins. The New England Patriots did play in one contest, but they did that because their owner, also owns Liverpool FC. Next season it is rumoured that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be one of the teams featured in the International Series since the game is being played in Ireland where the Steelers owner is the US ambassador.

The NHL sends more teams over than any other league to kick off their regular season schedule each year for the past couple of seasons. This season it was the Bruins, Blue Jackets, Coyotes and Wild that traveled to Europe for games. Of those teams, only the Bruins have had any success recently. Next season the Washington Capitals are already rumoured to be one of the teams travelling. This finally makes sense. Send your most marketable player in Alexander Ovechkin to promote the game and show the fans the best brand of hockey possible.

If the big four sports in North America want to make any in-roads in Europe, they can’t force the issue. They will have to let the love for the game and the leagues come naturally. The things they can do to help fast track the passion for the game is to bring the best product when they do play games in Europe, continue to promote the best teams and players because if you have no allegiance to a team, you want to cheer for winners and of course, don’t run out of beer during your games.

Sunday Best

2011-02-27T20:34:00.000-05:00

Another week has passed in the sporting world and it is about time that we review some of the best and worst from the week that was...

1. NBA Trade Deadline
-Best: Portland acquiring Gerald Wallace. He will help that team immensely. He adds a scoring threat, able to play defense and he will excel on a team/franchise that cares about basketball.
-Worst: (tie) Boston trading away Kendrick Perkins and Houston trading away Shane Battier. Kendrick Perkins was an key member of a very tight Celtics team. With the Eastern Conference stacking up on talent, having a big man who can defend the likes of Dwight Howard and Amar'e Stoudamire, along with the Lakers big men can not be looked upon lightly. Why was that Battier trade made again? A team that has struggled with injuries and trying to stay competitive trades away a player that has come to epitomize hard work and basketball smarts to a team who are the exact opposite of hard work and basketball. The Grizzlies are one of the teams that are rumoured to be on the move, so for Battier to go to the basketball abyss of Memphis is a shame.

2. Spring Training has started
Baseball is back! Lots of stories to start the year; do the Yankees have any pitching? Can the Cardinals sign Albert Pujols during the season? Will the hometown Blue Jays be able to improve on their 2010 campaign?

3. New golf #1 player
Most casual golf fans know the top 5 golfers in the world, or at least they think they do. A new number one player in the world was crowned during the World Match Play Championships over the weekend Martin Kaymer. The next world ranking will be Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald (who won the tournament) and Graeme McDowell. It's the first time since March 15, 1992, that the top four spots have been occupied by Europeans.

4. Tournament Time
Just around the corner is the busiest time of year for gamblers, NCAA men's basketball tournament. This year the field is wide open due to many reasons. The biggest is the fact freshman leave for the NBA, bring favourites back to the pack every year and creating huge parity. This season, all the top teams have lost games to inferior opponents which makes gambling on the tournament all that more fun. If you are unsure who to cheer for this year, the best choices might be Texas (two Canadians on the team) or Syracuse (one Canadian) or Gonzaga (three Canadians). So pick a squad and go nuts

5. UFC Slowly Becoming Boxing
In the main event of UFC 127, the fight between BJ Penn and John Fitch fought to a majority draw. I've seen alot of fights in my day and I can't really recall one where I left saying "you know, they beat each other up equally". Boxing started to fall off when it was the judging that became the story as opposed to the fighters, if the UFC isn't careful it risks falling into the same trap.

6. Oscars vs. Razzies
With the whole twitter phenom, people loving to react quickly and judge others, it really is a shame that the Razzies hasn't taken off. Halle Barry started what should have been a trend of actors and actresses going to accept their award. I wish it would take off.

It's Gotta Be The Shoes

2011-02-20T16:30:00.000-05:00

With this being the NBA All-Star weekend, it is not only a weekend of great basketball displays (celebrity game, skills challenge, 3pt contest and the dunk contest) but a weekend to display new kicks. If you haven't seen all the new shoes, you can head over to Nice Kicks for a round up.

In honour of all the new shoes hitting the market here are my 5 all time favourites in no particular order;

Air Yeezy: The Kanye West show, not only is it really sharp looking, it glows in the dark!

Air Jordan IV: My personal fav Jordan sneaker. This one is a classic and came in the best colourways as well.

Adidas Shell Toe: I'm a classic guy, that loves classic lines, plus how can you turn down sneakers that RUN DMC co-signed.

Reebok Pumps: Now these aren't the original pumps that needed the side pump, but they are damn cool, especially since the pump was the same material as a tennis ball.

Check out the
Air Jordan Alpha 1 iD Basketball Shoe
I designed at NIKEiD.com

NIKE iD Air Jordan Alpha 1 with MMMMBLT on the side, SICK!

What is your favourite footwear of all-time?

Things I Think and Things I Know

2011-02-18T18:37:00.001-05:00

Lots going on these days and since most of my thoughts on sports have been in the spoken word for the past 3 weeks (have you heard about the podcast?), figured it was time to check in online and write something nice.

Here are some things I think and things I know (h/t to Peter King)
1. Really looking forward to baseball season. The Jays are going to be decent and the A's are favorites in the AL West.

2. Not looking forward to hearing about labour situations for the next 8-10 months. With both the NFL and NBA about to renew the CBA's there is going to be lots more going on in board rooms instead of on playing fields.

3. The two 10 year old girls that have been "discovered" on youtube by Simon Cowell and Lady Gaga will not be the next Justin Beiber. Beiber is a hit because of his image and the fact that 10-15 year old girls need someone to crush on. Boys of the same age don't crush on 10 year old girls and won't buy the posters, teen beat magazine, go see the movie, etc...that made Beiber the phenom.

4. Bautista signing with the Jays for 5 years and $64 million is fine by me. Winning with young players doesn't happen, you need to sprinkle in veterans and a couple of stars. Bautista can be that for the Jays.

5. I've really started to enjoy coffee the last 6 months. I'm not a cup a day guy yet, but want to stretch my boundaries a little, besides second cup/starbucks/timothys - what do I need to try?

6. NBA All-Star weekend is probably the best of the pro sports All-Star weekends. Many activities beside the game that you tune in for (3pt contest and dunk contest), even if you end up disappointed in the end.

7. Brian Burke re-vamping the Leafs line-up is smart. It will take the rest of the season for the Toronto sports media to realize the new guys he has brought in our crap and then he is off the hook until the start of next season.

8. Do baseball players really need a month of spring training anymore? They used to because they wouldn't train in the offseason. Now that they arrive to camp in shape (except for Joba Chamberlain), why have a month to get ready. Two weeks tops...

9. CC Sabathia showed up to Yankees spring training about 20 lbs lighter. He lost all the weight by giving up his habit of eating a BOX of Cap'n Crunch cereal each day. That guy must have some serious cuts on the roof of his mouth.

10. How long can you wear the jersey of a player who has been traded from your favorite team? Carmelo Anthony is either going to be dealt in the next couple of weeks or will sign elsewhere in the offseason. Do I get a one season grace period before having to purchase a new Nuggets jersey? I don't want to spend all the money for a new jersey of a player who will be gone quickly.

11. Can you believe Joe Smith (former number 1 overall pick) has now played for 12 different NBA franchises? It ties the record of Chucky Brown, Tony Massenburg, and Jim Jackson (h/t Uniwatch Blog).

500 Level Podcast - Episode 2

2011-02-09T10:27:00.000-05:00

Well look at that...this wasn't a one and done project. Very happy to post the second episode of the 500 Level Podcast where my co-host Aman and I talk about Toronto sports.

In episode 2 we cover the Super Bowl (can't ignore that), the Phil Kessel mess with the Leafs, the end of the Raptors losing streak, the return of Touchdown Atlantic and some TFC training camp news.

Go ahead and download the podcast here - 500 Level - Feb 9

or listen to the live stream;

Any comments, feedback or questions - hit us up by email - 500LevelPodcast@gmail.com or on twitter @500_Level_Pod

Foodie Times - Restaurant Review - AME

2011-02-06T15:33:00.000-05:00

Saturday evening I had the pleasure to join some friends at AME. AME is a Japanese restaurant in downtown Toronto. In his previous incarnation it was called Rain. For those of you who care, AME is the Japanese word for rain.

AME is participating in the Winterlicious promotion that is currently happening. Winterlicious can be a great program. It allows wannabe-foodies the chance to eat at high-end restaurants that they probably wouldn't otherwise try. Customers get to pick from a special "winterlicious" menu that is a set price. The issue many customers have with this special is that they feel they are not getting the best from the restaurant. They feel they are often neglected for the regular patrons. Luckily, this was not the case last night at AME.

We were seated in a corner booth that was well appointed with traditional Japanese fabrics on the comfortable chairs and bankettes. The finishings on the table were high quality chopsticks (and a rock to rest them on) and a cloth napkin.

Sitting and enjoying the conversation, it was easy to also enjoy the atmosphere; funky music played in the background throughout the evening, but not lound enough to be a distraction, and the decor throughout the restaurant (and including the bathroom) was well done.

Now that the mood was set it was time to eat and drink. The waiter took the time to not only explain the winterlicious menu, but also the regular menu incase we were interested. He was also knowledgeable with regards to the short sake list. This is one area the restaurant could definitely expand on. The idea of the menu is to share food with your partner, I'm not that good at sharing what's on my plate, but didn't have much choice last night.

We started our dining experience with a plate of Salmon Maki. It was well prepared, very tasty actually. Our dinner mates had the Unagi maki, which they seemed to enjoy very much as well. The next course was the snapper sashimi. Usually, the wife isn't a huge fan of sashimi, but she couldn't resist trying these. Presentation of both these dishes was excellent and made you feel like you are eating at a high end restaurant.

We then received our two hot dishes and our side. Everyone at the table chose the same items - Miso marinated striped bass and the Teriyaki Cornish Hen. The item that was left in the kitchen - the vegetarian mushroom salad. Again, the whole table decided on the same side dish, the Waygu beef rice. The other choices were very plain, and when you have a chance to eat Waygu beef, you go for it.

The piece of bass and the cornish hen were each single serving pieces. For an XL individual like myself, sharing wasn't necessary, but I couldn't leave the wife starving. The bass was very soft and fell apart while trying to get it to my mouth with the chop sticks. The miso crust was a nice touch. The Teriyaki cornish hen was garnished with...wait for it...7 spice popcorn. If you don't think that was the first part of the plate that I went for you are seriously mistaken. The cornish hen was very tender and juicy. The Teriyaki flavour wasn't overpowering, so you were able to enjoy the meat.

Unfortunately, the sides was brought after we had finished the main course. I'm not certain if this how the chef plans to serve every meal or he just couldn't get the rice ready at the same time as the proteins. Either way, the Waygu beef rice was very tasty and a nice way to finish off the meal. Dessert was carrot cake that was served with an tiramisu. Very tasty and a great way to cleanse the pallette.

After we had finished the meal, and the group enjoyed some coffee and tea, there was no pressure for the cheque to be settled and we were permitted (as you should be) to enjoy the restaurant until we felt it was time to leave.

Overall, this was a great experience and would recommend AME if you needed a higher end restaurant to entertain a client, take the wife or girlfriend for a special evening out or as we saw last night a night out with friends before hitting the town.

Super Bowl Preview - Packers vs. Steelers

2011-02-05T18:06:00.000-05:00

With the Super Bowl only one day away (or today, depending on when you read this) we can now break down the game confidently knowing nothing will change between now and gametime.

Whether you are a fan that has been watching since training camp in August or you are going to a Super Bowl party and you really want to sound knowledgeable in front of your boyfriends friends, these are the hot topics for you to consider;

1. Defense vs. Defense
This Super Bowl matches the number 1 and number 2 defenses of the league. Steelers took the top spot, while the Packers were #2. The Steelers are great against the run, and average against the pass, while the Packers are top 5 against both the run and the pass. Both defenses have to worry about containing the opposing QB breaking out of the pocket and gaining yards on the ground. The key to the Steelers defensive success will be containing the fast Packers wide receivers and can Harrison and Woodley put enough pressure on Aaron Rodgers to force mistakes. The key to the Packers defensive success will be to take advantage of the injuries on the Steelers offensive line. If they can put pressure on with their defensive line and contain the run, it will force Big Ben to throw into coverage with the ball hawking Packers secondary.
ADVANTAGE: PACKERS

2. QB Battle
Both these quarterbacks have had great seasons. Big Ben obviously had 4 less games at the start of the year, but he has proven once again that he is a top tier NFL QB. If he wins this Super Bowl, he will have 3 rings before the age of 30 putting him in the same company as Tom Brady and Joe Montana. Aaron Rodgers has been red hot with his play in the last 4 weeks of the season. He has made the leap into the discussion of a top QB. These guys have similar skills, but what we have seen from Big Ben in the past is that he can still get the win even if his team plays poorly. Rodgers hasn't really proven this yet, and has shown a lack of killer instinct going down the stretch of games. It will be a battle of who makes the fewest mistakes.
ADVANTAGE: Ben Roethlisberger

3. Injuries
The Packers led the league in games missed due to injury, but luckily for them they were all in the first few of games of the season which let them recover and fill the holes. Injuries to Ryan Grant, Jeremichael Finley and Nick Barnett were tough to swallow at first, but they have managed to fill the voids. The Steelers have caught the injury bug in the last couple of weeks. The offensive line has been decimated by injuries. Both starting tackles and starting centre Maurkice Pouncey are all likely to miss the big game. The other injury concern for the Steelers is all-pro and defensive player of the year Troy Polamalu. He has battled an Achilles injury all season long. Polamalu will definitely play on Sunday, but he will have to be on top of his game to keep the Packers wide receivers from breaking big yards.
ADVANTAGE: Packers

4. Intangibles
This is the area that will probably decide the game. The first is penalties. The Packers had a couple of really bad games with lots of penalties (vs. the Bears they had 18 penalties), but overall they weren't as bad as the Steelers in terms of penalty yards. The Steelers with the depleted offensive line have to be careful that they don't get holding and illegal motion penalties. The other side of the ball, everyone knows James Harrison is good for one unnecessary roughness penalty.
The Steelers also have the experience of being in the big game. 26 players on the Steelers roster have Super Bowl experience, while only 1 Packer has been to a championship game. The Steelers should be more relaxed and ready for all the delays and distractions that come with playing in the Super Bowl.
Although the QB's are the stars of the show, the running game might decide the outcome. The Steelers feature a back (Rashard Mendenhall) that could easily gain 100 yards. The Packers on the other hand have a practice squad runner in James Starks who has made a splash, but no one is really sure what he will deliver from game to game. If either player can keep the chains moving and put their team in second and medium, and convert third and short yardage situations it will dramatically help the teams success.
ADVANTAGE: Packers

5. MVP Candidates
The obvious MVP candidates are the two QB's. If there teams win Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers will obviously have played well and will be prime candidates to win the MVP. Other players to watch as MVP candidates will be Steelers tight end Heath Miller. The Packers give up big yards to TE's all season and if Miller has a big game, he could get himself some hardware. As mentioned earlier, the Steelers defense is ranked number one for a reason. Troy Polamalu, James Harrison or LaMarr Woodley could all make cases for themselves as MVP with an interception or a couple of sacks or a fumble recovery. On the Packers side of the ball wide receiver Greg Jennings could be on the receiving end of lots of Rodgers passes which could give him an MVP trophy. The other players to look out for might be Sam Shields. The Packers corner plays opposite Charles Woodson so might get picked on a little more, opening up for him to make some big plays. Packers defensive tackle BJ Raji also gets to work against the back-up centre which might allow him to make some impact plays and get his hands on some hardware.
ADVANTAGE: Steelers

It will come as no shock what my pick for the game is;
Packers 28 vs. Steelers 13

GO PACK GO!!!

Debut of the 500 Level Podcast

2011-02-02T17:49:00.004-05:00

We told you about it on twitter, facebook and now it is here! The debut of the 500 Level Podcast.

Aman and myself have taken to the airwaves to give you opinions, news and views on the Toronto sporting landscape. We'll talk about Raptors, Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Argos and then give you a quick "around the world" segment to cover big events like the Super Bowl, March Madness or the Masters.

Listen to the podcast by streaming the audio

Or follow this link to download the podcast.
500 Level Podcast Link

Once it is downloaded you can import it into iTunes. If you have any difficulty downloading please leave a comment or email us at 500LevelPodcast@gmail.com

You can also follow us on twitter @500_Level_Pod

Tell your friends!

Super Bowl Week

2011-02-01T18:40:00.000-05:00

It's Super Bowl week and it didn't take long for the headlines to develop. The Packers caused a media frenzy over a botched team photo, the Steelers touched down waving terrible towels and an ice storm hit Dallas giving everyone a taste of what the Super Bowl in Indianapolis and NY are going to be like.

Adding to the hype machine is Pepsi. For each round of the playoffs they have a quick music video to promote the game. Usually it involved rappers from the hometown team (Big Boi of Outkast did the Atlanta vs. Green Bay game), but this one features Snoop Dogg, representing LA, ughh?

You should know by now that I will be cheering for the Packers on Sunday, but we still need to break this game down. In the coming days, we'll examine the story lines;
1. Defense vs. Defense
2. QB Battle
3. Injuries
4. Intangibles
5. MVP Candidates

NBA All-Star Fantasy Draft

2011-01-29T14:07:00.000-05:00

Last night the NHL debuted a new twist in the all-star game format by having team captains select their teams like a fantasy draft. It was a great format and it was fun to break up the Sedin brothers, to join the Staal brothers and to see who was going to picked last (Phil Kessel of the Leafs).

Since the NHL all-star draft has already happened and the NBA all-star game is just around the corner, what would be better than drafting the NBA all-stars in a similar manner. So, I got basketball guru P-Double to draft the teams with me. We based the teams on the starters that were released by the NBA last week and the potential all-stars as we see them.

The two captains were named, Derrick Rose and Chris Paul because the point guards always run the show in a game like this. P-Double won the coin flip and selected Rose as the captain of his team. That left me with Paul and the first pick.

With the first pick, I chose the King - LeBron James. You can't pass up the best player. P-Double countered with the best young player and likely scoring champ, Kevin Durant. With the second pick in his back to back, the man who rejuvenated basketball in New York was chosen - Amar'e Stoudemire. The names are flying out fast and furious and I didn't want to be caught without a big man, so Dwight Howard was my next pick. Then, I had to go with the one player who will have the killer instinct no matter the situation, Kobe Bryant. P-Double then solidified his front line with Pau Gasol and Carmelo Anthony. For my fifth starter I chose the player who will make the all-star game fun again, human highlight reel Blake Griffin. That pick let out a huge groan from P-Double as he really wanted Griffin.

Blake Griffin in the all-star format will be magical, he'll be throwing down dunks left, right and center.

After Griffin went, the teams got rounded out with Rondo and then Westbrook going back to back. The big surprise was all-star starter Dwayne Wade slipping to round 8. For one of the best all-around players in the league to fall that far in this type of draft was a little surprising, but we have seen this year though that the hybrid type guards can be tough to play with. Teams that have an "alpha dog" point guard like Rose, Paul, and Rondo are all contenders while Tyreke Evans for example has floundered with the Sacramento Kings.

Since two Toronto guys were drafting the team it was no surprise who went last - Chris Bosh. Although Bosh probably wouldn't go last if players did the draft (or fans in other cities) but for our purpose it felt right. Bosh has played well when healthy, but for all the reasons he went to Miami - winning a championship, playing with friends and exposure are all falling short. The Heat have struggled lately and the dream of 70 wins went down the toilet quickly, playing with friends hasn't worked so well as the "big 3" have all been injured and haven't found their playing style together on the court and the exposure has dipped quickly. The "big 3" has quickly turned into "Wade and LeBron", both Wade and LeBron were also voted in as starters by the fans and Bosh is left to hope that the East coaching staff chooses him. If he stays in Toronto, and carrying the team to hopefully a .500 record, he would be a lock as an all-star. Just like China votes for Yao, Canada would have voted for Bosh.

It was a fun experiment and here are the full teams, starters in bold. Leave a comment and let us know who you think wins this fictional game;

Team P-Double                                                               Team BLT
Derrick Rose                                                                  Chris Paul
Kevin Durant                                                                  Kobe Bryant
Amare Stoudemire                                                          Blake Griffin
Pau Gasol                                                                        Dwight Howard
Carmelo Anthony                                                            LeBron James
Russel Westbrook                                                             Rajon Rondo
Dirk Nowitzki                                                                   Kevin Garnett
Kevin Love                                                                       Deron Williams
Paul Pierce                                                                        Dwayne Wade
Raymond Felton                                                                Manu Ginobli
Tim Duncan                                                                       Al Horfod
Chris Bosh                                                                         Joe Johnson

A Potential Star

2011-01-27T22:02:00.000-05:00

We have reached the mid-way point of the NHL and NBA seasons and once again and the all-star games of both leagues are just around the corner.This game is a showcase for the immense talents that both leagues have and it gives sports fans in Toronto another chance to wallow.

The teams in Toronto - Leafs and Raptors are both struggling this season and neither squad boasts talent that gives the fan base hopes. The Leafs have one all-star, Phil Kessel, but only because they have to. The other players that were supposed to be all-stars have fallen well short and this will leave the Leafs on the outside looking in April again this season.

The Raptors are in a similar situation. They lost their all-star in free agency and currently none of the 20 players that have seen time for the Raps this season could crack the top 12 of an all-star roster. Unlike the Leafs, there may be some hope for the Raptors. Andrea Bargnani has developed into a scorer who can hit the big shots, but unfortunately he can't play any defense. This holds him back from cracking the top echelon. If he did play a lick of defense and rebounding just a bit, there is no way he could be held off the all-star team. He would be a younger KG. Demar DeRozan should have a place in the all-star game - dunk contest. As DeRozan matures he might have a chance to crack an all-star line-up, but right now the position is just too loaded, he is making the leap. One other unlikely all-star candidate for the Raptors in the years to come might surprise you - Jarryd Bayless.

One reason we might have to start paying attention to Bayless is because of Kevin Love. The Timberwolves rebounding machine was on the Bill Simmons Podcast this week and was asked about players from his generation that could still make the jump into the NBA elite. He only had one answer - Jarryd Bayless. What made Kevin Love think of Bayless? He talked about other players from that 2008 draft class like himself, Derrick Rose, Eric Gordon, Michael Beasley and Russel Westbrook who he has played against and with since he was 15. He mentioned that all these players, and he lumped Bayless in with them, have an intense desire to be great and to leave a legacy when they leave the NBA.

Now I understand that just because a player has a desire to be great doesn't mean that he will be. But, as Love mentioned, he hasn't been wrong too many times when he has evaluated talent. He picked out Westbrook and Griffin at the age of 15. So besides effort and finally a chance to play what does Bayless have going for him.

Bayless plays fast and hard, gets to the rim, can definitely run the team and he has the right attitude to be a team leader and an all-star. Here's hoping that Kevin Love's prediction comes true.

Friday Night Lights

2011-01-23T10:01:00.002-05:00

It is not often that MLB can take the spotlight away from the NBA and NFL in the months of January and February, but for one Friday night people were talking baseball.

On Friday, there were 3 major transactions. The first was the Toronto Blue Jays trading former all-star and face of the franchise, Vernon Wells to the Anaheim Angels for Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera. Before the blogs and tweets could analyze that deal, the Tampa Bay Rays made a splash by signing not one, but two former AL East rivals - Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon.

The Ramirez and Damon deals seems to smell like a little bit of desperation on the Rays part. The Rays want to be part of the great rivalry conversation in the AL East and what better way to do that then by adding two former rivals to your roster. The Rays don't want to be looked at as third fiddle in the division and by adding the centre of attraction that is Ramirez they will certainly be featured more often in the national media.

What the Rays probably considered before signing the two players and then dismissed the idea was that they have built their team based on draft picks, young talent and smart trades that brought more young talent to Tampa. Signing two veteran players who are on their last legs seems very odd. Ramirez will only be able to DH for this team. His legs won't hold up on the turf at Tropicana Field and the past couple of seasons his hitting hasn't made it worth while to put him in the line-up everyday as the DH. Damon has struggled in New York and Detroit since leaving Boston and that is because what made him dangerous, his speed and recklessness in the outfield are no longer there for him. Damon is not going to be able to replace Carl Crawford and Rays fans should be worried that even though they will get the media attention, they are falling further from the conversation at the top of the AL East.

The "other" team in the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays seem to be going in the opposite direction. After a surprising 2010 season, Jays fans are hopeful that the team is moving in the right direction and the pieces are in place to make a run at the division or at least the wild card title.

Lots of stars in the making seem to be peppering the Jays line-up, but one position was being held down by a former star - Vernon Wells. Wells and his bloated contracted was holding the Jays hostage. He was deemed un-tradable by many publications, not because of his performance, but because of how bad the contract was. Although, his recent performances didn't help his cause any, Toronto GM Alex Anthopolous still found a trading partner in the Anaheim Angels. The Angels were interested in the inconsistent Wells because they lost out on the big name free agents this winter and apparently have money to burn. The Jays got catcher Mike Napoli who will fill the void as a veteran catcher while JP Arencibia becomes more comfortable in the big leagues and utility man Juan Rivera will be able to play a number of position (OF, 3B, 1B, DH) and wouldn't be considered a liability if he has to play everyday due to injury.

The trade of Wells also opens the door for several other moves. Recently acquired Rajai Davis (from the Oakland A's) will take over in centre field and fans are now anticipating the rapid development of prospect Anthony Gose who was acquired last year from the Astros.

The Jays are on the path that made the Rays successful for the past couple of seasons. Develop your young players, let them mature at the major league level (even if it means some losing) and it will pay off. Now it seems the Rays have forgotten what got them into the conversation in the AL East and it is the Jays who are following the blue print that they created to make themselves into contenders.

Un-Lucky

2011-01-08T14:13:00.005-05:00

With the NFL finishing its regular season, the teams on the outside looking in have the NFL draft to prepare for rather than their next opponent. The Carolina Panthers are the team that have the first selection in the draft. Since they finished last in the NFL they obviously have lots of needs, but throughout the college football season one player has stood out and would definitely help the team that drafts him - Stanford QB Andrew Luck.

Andrew Luck has the all the talents to be a great NFL QB and that is what made him so appealing to the Panthers who struggled through this season with a rookie QB who doesn't seem to have the moxie to be a starter in the NFL. Luck is a player who could have turned the franchise around similar to a Peyton Manning or Sam Bradford. Unfortunately for the Panthers and their fans, Luck being a college sophomore didn't have to declare for the NFL draft and decided this week that he would rather spend another year in college than turn pro. This has created a bunch of discussions and the majority of them didn't revolve around who the Panthers will now be taking in April's draft, they were about Luck's decision not to leave Stanford.

There are two sides to this argument, either he was right to stay in college or he should have turned pro. Those that say he was right to stay in college do so because Luck would have been drafted into a bad situation in the NFL (by going to Carolina) and therefore never would have reached his potential. Therefore he made the right decision by staying and waiting for the 2012 draft. The other argument for him staying in college was the uncertain NFL labour situation faces going into next season. With that cloud hanging over the league Luck would actually get to play next fall instead of hoping the league and the players association can come to an agreement.

The side arguing that he should have declared for the NFL draft has a much more compelling argument in my opinion. First, if you are ever the first overall pick in any draft, you are going to a bad team. Many players have turned franchises around whether it was the aforementioned Manning or Bradford in the NFL or players like LeBron James in the NBA or Sidney Crosby in the NHL. Going to Carolina wouldn't have been that bad for him. He would have had the patience of management and fans, also he would have been out of the media spotlight and therefore the pressure of playing in NY doesn't apply.

Luck says he decided to return to Stanford instead of pursuing the NFL because he wanted to finish his degree. This is an absolutely ridiculous statement. Many players have left school to play pro sports. The ones that do want to complete their education do so during the offseason. The prime example that comes to mind is Vince Carter. Carter returned to North Carolina to complete his education after getting drafted by the Toronto Raptors. There is always time to return to school. Even if Luck waited until he was done in the NFL (age 30-35), Stanford would still be there for him, its not like he was attending some online school.

If Luck really did stay for his education, he really needs to take some business courses. Since there is a good chance this NFL draft will be the last before some type of rookie wage scale is put in place (similar to the NBA), Luck is forfeiting approximately $22 million by staying at Stanford if the rookie cap gets put in place. He is also turning down a guaranteed $50 million dollars (approx) by staying at Stanford. No degree is worth that kind of money. With his first NFL contract he could have started a university and printed himself a degree.

So now that we know Luck really does need the education, why else should he have turned pro? His team will be worse than the Carolina Panthers next season. The Cardinals are losing several starters on offense and defense and won't be the same team that was 12-1 this season. Also, he is losing his coach - Jim Harbaugh who has decided to become the head coach for the San Francisco 49ers. Harbaugh was a former NFL QB himself and without that tutelage there is a big question whether Luck can have the same success without Harbaugh. The precedent for a QB staying and having success the following year is not good - look at the Matt Leinart situation. Leinart would have been the first overall pick in the draft, the following season at USC he struggled and dropped to number 10 in the draft, costing him millions. The potential for Luck to struggle next season is always there and not only struggle, but what if he gets injured? Playing with less talent around him it is always a possibility or if he tries to do too much and puts himself in harms way. Then he would really need his education and could only dream about how $50 million would have changed his life.

The window to be a professional athlete is very small and very few people have the chance to play at that level. If you are one of the lucky few, you need to take the opportunity when it presents itself.

Happy New Year!!!

2010-12-31T11:18:00.004-05:00

On the last day of the year, it is always worthwhile to reflect on the year that has past, but also to look forward to what the future has to hold.

2010 was a great year for sports and entertainment and I really doubt 2011 will let us down. There will be lots of amazing events, people and controversies to write about.

As I did last year, I'm going to put some resolutions down on paper, so I have to follow through on them...

- finish writing that book
- develop my "bucket list"
- record my first podcast
- grow my Movember mustache to look like Rollie Fingers
- get to 1000 followers on twitter (currently at 250)
- learn to play cricket

And while I'm here, might as well go out on a limb and make some sports predictions for 2011;

- NHL: LA Kings win the Stanley Cup
- NFL: Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, won by Baltimore.
- MLB: Boston Red Sox win the World Series
- NBA: Dallas Mavericks win the World Championship
- GOLF: Tiger Woods wins 2 majors
- and the worst prediction of all...the NBA and the NFL both have work stoppages.

I hope everyone had a great 2010 and wish everyone the best in 2011 and beyond.

Thanks for reading and following on twitter (@MMMMBLT)

Tournament Time

2010-12-27T09:02:00.002-05:00

Around the holidays, many people spend the time with family and friends celebrating. In Canada, family and friends spend time around the fireplace and TV set watching the World Junior Hockey Tournament. The annual tournament starts on boxing day, and has become a tradition just like lining up at 8am for deals at Urban Behaviour. With the World Juniors getting underway yesterday, it got me thinking about the best tournaments out there. Here is my list. Comment below on what you think are the best tournaments...

5. World Junior Hockey Tournament
The World Junior tournament is played annually in different host cities. It has been dominated by Team Canada for the past decade or so. Winning 5 titles in a row twice. Although in recent years Team USA has challenged for the title, because of the dominance of Canada, this tournament comes in at #5. The other reason this particular tourney falls short of the title, is the fact that it is most popular only when it is hosted in a Canadian city or a Canadian border city like Minnesota or Buffalo. The arenas are full and a great atmosphere, but when it moves to Russia or Sweden the crowds are sparse, but the hockey is still great.

4. World Baseball Classic
The World Baseball Classic (WBC) has one thing very correct - play there tournament every three years. The WBC also has it right that they get the best players in the world to participate in their games. Since the tournament happens during the baseball off-season, players aren't inclined to decline the invitation to play for their country. The other positive this tournament has going for it, is that the favourite hasn't won yet. The USA, who you think would be the dominating force in this tourney, but they aren't. The Dominican Republic, Cuba, Venezuela, South Korea and the two time defending champions - Japan, have all medaled ahead of the USA.

3. Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
I'm not that well versed on this particular tournament, but I know that it has a reputation in the sporting community as one of the best played tournaments, along with some of the best action in the stands. Here is some information on the Hong Kong Sevens from wikipedia;
The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is traditionally one of if not the biggest event on the Hong Kong sporting calendar. As such, there is a tremendous party atmosphere, with particular emphasis on the South Stand, where hordes of rugby fans dress up and dance for most of the duration. Activities that typically ensue as the weekend progresses include the throwing of empty beer jugs around the South Stand, Mexican waves, and streakers running across the pitch. Since 2007 the South Stand has been made officially accessible to over-18s only, due to its hyper and somewhat provocative atmosphere, although this rule is not strictly policed.

Bill McLaren, in his autobiography Talking of Rugby writes at length about his Hong Kong Sevens experiences:

"I remember a big South Sea islander saying that, in his view, the Hong Kong sevens were really the Olympic games of Rugby Union. Certainly, the Hong Kong event encapsulates all the really good things that the game has to offer–splendid organisation, wonderful sporting spirit, universal camaraderie, admirable field behaviour, the most enjoyable crowd participation, the chance for emergent rugby nations to lock horns with the mighty men of New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Wales, Scotland and the Barbarians. There is, too, scintillating running and handling which is what the game is supposed to be all about."

2. NCAA March Madness
The Cinderella teams, Gus Johnson, betting and Duke University are all things that make the Men's NCAA College basketball tournament so enjoyable. Every year in March 64 teams start with a chance to be crowned National Champions. Each weekend, games are played in a single elimination style tournament that eventually culminates in a great weekend of college hoops now known as the "final four". Besides the lose and your out style of the tournament, non-basketball fans get involved due to the betting that goes on during the tournament and of course everyone's hatred of Duke, which fuels fans from the other 63 schools involved. This makes for a fun time, for those in North America. Since March Madness is only really popular in North America, it holds it back from climbing higher in the rankings.

1. FIFA World Cup
As everyone saw this summer the World Cup has become the single largest sporting spectacle. With the popularity of soccer, the tournament is the culmination of national pride and the most popular sport. Even if your country is not represented (like Canada) you can still cheer for players that you follow in domestic leagues or the countries of your grandparents. The beautiful game has a great stage every four years. The players, coaches and FIFA all take great strides to make certain that the tournament runs smoothly. What helps make the FIFA World Cup so fascinating is that all the games are so competitive. Unlike some of the other tournaments where there are elite teams and some that are just happy to be there, the World Cup qualification tournament eliminates the bottom feeders to ensure a high quality product. The only downfall of the World Cup is that it happens only every 4 years, like the WBC they should make this tournament every 3 years since fans just can't get enough.

The Roots - A Christmas Song

2010-12-25T14:51:00.000-05:00

Enjoy...

Top 5 of 2010

2010-12-22T18:42:00.006-05:00

It creeped up on us, the end of the year. That means the influx of end of year lists. It seems this year there aren't as many "top ten" lists or "best of" lists. Maybe the end of the decade last year took the wind out of every one's sails. I will however not overlook 2010, and therefore present to you...the top 5 sporting events of 2010.

5. SF Giants win the World Series
Everyone went into the season thinking that the AL was hugely superior to the NL and that the AL East was the be all and end all of baseball. During the season that all got flipped on its head. Although the Yankees, Rays and Red Sox were all strong and even the Jays surprised it was two west division teams that met in the World Series. The Giants and Rangers clashed and again, even though most experts had the Rangers as the stronger team, it was the Giants and there outstanding pitching staff and make-shift line-up that ended up with the hardware. Everyone is already talking up the Phillies and Brewers for next year, but if history repeats itself we should be looking elsewhere.

4. Tiger Woods not winning a golf tournament
This might have nothing to do with sport. After the now infamous Thanksgiving day 2009 incident that took Tiger Woods from golfing legend and family man to philandering weekend hacker we had to find a new number 1 golfer in the world. For the first time since graduating from Stanford, Tiger Woods did not win a golf tournament and he was only in contention a handful of times. Without hoisting a trophy in 2010 Woods fell from the position of number one golfer in the world. No one doubts that Woods still has the talents to win many more championships, but now the bigger question is if he can break the majors record. Many advertisers hope that he returns to pre-2009 form.

3. Spain wins the World Cup (World Cup in general)
The whole month of World Cup soccer action was great. The excitement of waking up every morning knowing that the best players in the world, playing the beautiful game were going to put on a show. Spain has produced some of the best players in the world over the last 10 years. Four years ago, many assumed that the generation of Spanish talent that could have won a World Cup had passed, but led by Fernando Torres, David Villa and David Silva they conquered all comers. Other great moments included the scoring prowess of the Netherlands, Diego Maradonna's insane rants, the improbable run by Ghana and the one thing everyone expected - England's failure. Now FIFA makes us wait another four years till 2014 in Brazil...see you in Rio!

2. Miami Heat/LA Lakers
These two NBA stories aren't the same, but one came about primarily because of the other one. First, in June, the LA Lakers won their second straight NBA title over the Boston Celtics. Led by one of the best ever, Kobe Bryant and a very strong supporting cast in Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Threatening to become three time champs, the Lakers sat back in summer and watched the drama unfold. The summer of 2010 marked the biggest free agent class to ever hit the market. Three of the top 15 players in the NBA - LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh all became free agents, as did Amar'e Stoudamire, Joe Johnson and Carlos Boozer. Nobody had any idea where these players would end up. It turns out James, Wade and Bosh had been talking and they all ended up with the Miami Heat. Although, the three of them thought this was probably the best idea ever, fans didn't and the backlash commenced. The new super power team the Heat put together had a rough start to the season, but have picked up their game and will definitely be around this June, probably against the Lakers.

1. Canada wins Hockey Gold (Olympics)
The Olympics came to Canada for the first time since 1988 and it was finally time for Canada to win a gold medal on home soil. It was supposed to happen on the first night, but we had to wait until the second night and Alexandre Bilodeau in the moguls. It started off well and continued all the way until the final day of competition when Canada men's hockey team defeated the United States to win the gold medal. The game was in question when Canada blew a late lead and the US forced the game into overtime, but then Sidney Crosby came to the rescue with the golden gold. The closing ceremony was an ode to everything Canada and a great topper to a Canadian games.

The Lou Marsh Award

2010-12-15T23:10:00.001-05:00

A day late and a dollar short on the Lou Marsh award, which was handed out on Monday to Cincinnati Reds first baseman and native of Brampton, Ontario, Joey Votto. Votto faced some stiff competition to take home the award, and some say he won it over some other very deserving candidates.

Votto was definitely not a run away winner for the Lou Marsh award and he wasn’t a run away for the National League MVP either. Votto had a great season for the Reds. He was in the running for the Triple Crown all season and took the Reds to within games of the playoffs. The Baseball Writers of America are currently in give the MVP award to anyone but Albert Pujols mode. Realistically, Joey Votto should have been in the conversation for the NL MVP award, but probably shouldn’t have won the award and without the NL MVP he would never have won the Lou Marsh Award.

Since Joey Votto, in my opinion wasn’t the proper choice for the Lou Marsh award, there are many other deserving candidate that should've been given recognition this year. The athlete who should have won was Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks. He took the Hawks to the Stanley Cup championship and won it for the city of Chicago for the first time since 19XX. He also lead team Canada to the gold medal in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, If Sidney Crosby had not scored the golden goal in overtime of the gold medal game, it would've been Toews, who would've received all the recognition for being the top forward at the Olympics. For someone who accomplished so much at a young age this would have been the icing on the cake to a great year.

Another athlete that the Canadian press could have considered was George St. Pierre. St. Pierre dominated the UFC this year and on the mixed martial arts scene and is considered one of the three best fighters pound for pound. He is the primary reason that the UFC is sanctioned now in Ontario and he better be on the card in Toronto on April 30. He dominated all his fights this year and was the star of the UFC Ultimate Fighter TV show. It would be tough to give him the award because he doesn’t fight that often and this will always make it difficult to win the award if you are not involved in one of the mainstream sports.

Another group of athletes that had a very small sample of competition but had great contribution were the Canadian Olympians from the Vancouver winter Olympics. In an Olympic year it always seems Olympians have a good chance of winning the Lou Marsh award. These athletes had all eyes on them for two straight weeks. The difference this year was the Olympians that made the biggest splash did not win multiple medals. Whether it was Alexandre Bilodeau or Joanie Rochette, there were some great stories but no one that could knock off Joey Votto.

In the end Votto is a great story for the Lou Marsh award. He overcame physical and mental challenges to rise to the top of his sport and was recognized, not only in the baseball world, but also by his country.

Monday Musings

2010-12-13T18:31:00.002-05:00

Random thoughts on a Monday to recap some weird stories that happened the last couple of days...

1. Linus Omark - the Edmonton Oilers forward was part of a shootout victory over the weekend against the Tampa Bay Lighting. This would have been nothing more than a small footnote in the long season but Omark was a little too fancy for the Lighting players during his shootout attempt and goal. Omark built up lots of speed before picking up the puck at centre ice and then proceeded to do a spin with the puck between the red and blue line, took the puck directly at the net and then scored. He added a little flash, didn't show anybody (the goalie) up and then got attacked by Lighting players in the post game comments. The Tampa players need to check themselves because Omark will score more goals just like this.

2. On Sunday, a NY Jets coach was standing on the sidelines during the game when a Miami Dolphins player chasing a punt ran into the team bench area in an attempt to get down the field. Instead of moving out of the way, the coach stuck out his knee and tripped the player. The coach injured the Dolphins player. Today, the coach apologized for his action, but the debate rages about what should happen to him. Should he be fired, suspended or hung from the gallows? Bigger question is why is he on the sideline? He is the strength and conditioning coach. The man doesn't need to be on the field during games. Stick non-essential team personnel in their own luxury suite and this never occurs. So therefore, his punishment should be watching the rest of the games this season and every season going forward from the press box.

3. The Metrodome which houses the NFL Vikings collapsed on Sunday. Thankfully no one was in the building when it happened as the game had already been postponed because of the heavy snowfall in the Minnesota area. Instead of keeping the game in Minnesota (where they would have had to dig out the University of Minnesota stadium) the NFL has moved the game to Monday night in Detroit. Since the game is in Detroit and features the NY Giants and Minnesota Vikings, the NFL gave away tickets for free. This leads to the interesting question of how many people will show up for a free event. It also gives the league a great indication of how popular they are. The latest is that they have given away all the tickets to the game for tonight, which is a very impressive turnaround. The power of the league, social media and the Sunday night NBC game to get the word out to fans on the short notice has been unparalleled. This game will look like the Bills in Toronto series where fans will be fans of the NFL instead of just the home team.

4. The LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling who has had many problems over the years, both on the court, trying to put a good product there for the fans and off the court in his business dealings, has got into some more hot water over the weekend. Sterling who sits courtside for every game was heard heckling his own player, Baron Davis over the weekend. Sterling was questioning Davis's heart, telling him that he is out of shape, and questioning why he was in the game. I love that Sterling cares so much about his team that he goes to all the games and understands the game of basketball enough to see Baron Davis is out of shape and playing poorly over the first 25 games of the season. As much fun as it is to heckle and jeer players, if you are the owner, you have access to the players other fans and can tell them your are unimpressed with their actions. He didn't need to do it during a game.

5. After the ending of the Cowboys and Eagles, which the Cowboys lost 30-27, the players met at mid-field to shake hands, say good-game to each other and maybe even make some dinner plans. One player did something a little different. Cowboys running back Tashard Choice approached Eagles quarterback Michael Vick to get Vick's autograph. Vick signed Choice's glove, apparently for his 3 year old nephew. This got alot of attention because people questioned the appropriateness of the action. Most people were offended by the action, just that he should have done it off the field. I agree. Players are too friendly on and off the field compared to the "good ol' days" and this only confirms everyone's worst images that players are getting softer. The Cowboys play the Redskins next week, so we will have to wait and see if Choice asks Donovan McNabb for an autograph.

Bowled Over

2010-12-06T21:20:00.003-05:00

The NCAA and all of its sponsors released the list of 35 bowl games that feature 70 out of the 116 teams, and because no one has time to watch all 35 games here is a cheat sheet on the 5 games you must watch this bowl season...

5. Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - No. 24 Hawaii vs. Tulsa
8 p.m. ET, Dec. 24

Because there is never anything else on Christmas eve anyway so why not pretend you are in Hawaii and you get to watch football! The Warriors always play an exciting brand of football and this year is no different. They lead the country in passing yards with 387.8 yards per game. With coaches wearing lei's look for this game to be wild.

4. New Era Pinstripe Bowl - Kansas State vs. Syracuse
3:20 p.m. ET, Dec. 30

This bowl gets the nod because of the great turnaround of the Syracuse football team. Just a few years ago the Orange were the laughing stock of the division one football. Now they are back and bowl eligible. Kansas State has also gone under a huge turnaround in the last few years, playing exciting football and turning themselves into a power. Also, this bowl will probably have the best swag of any for the players and sideline staff, thanks New Era.

3. Chick-fil-A Bowl - No. 20 South Carolina vs. No. 23 Florida State
7:30 p.m. ET, Dec. 31

This bowl game makes my list for a couple of reasons. One, some friends are alums of the USC and therefore I cheer on the Gamecocks every chance I get. Also, because of their good season, I've seen alot of freshman running back sensation Marcus Lattimore and he should be fun to watch in a bowl game. My other friend is an FSU fan so it is a grudge match with the added bonus that he and probably most of the Seminoles fans despise Steve Spurrier so it should be great on a bunch of different levels. Also, I might learn how to pronounce Chick-fil-a properly.

2. Hyundai Sun Bowl - Notre Dame vs. Miami
2 p.m. ET, Dec. 31

This isn't the heated rivalry it was in the mid-90's when both teams were always top 10 in the country, but it should still be a good game featuring two big programs. Notre Dame finished the year on quite a run beating Utah, Army and Southern California. The 'Canes on the other hand, lost two straight to close out the year and got their coach fired. Everyone from Luke to Donald Trump has weighed in on who should be the next coach.

1. Tostitos BCS National Championship Game - No. 2 Oregon vs. No. 1 Auburn
8:30 p.m. ET, Jan. 10

The grand daddy of them all? Not quite but it does feature two teams that have been the most consistent throughout the college season. Not only that, but it features probably the two best players in the nation - Heisman and tabloid favourite, Auburn's Cam Newton and likely Heisman runner up LaMichael James. The other thing to look for in this game will be the uniforms. The battle between Under Armour and Nike could get out of control. The Ducks are the guinea pigs for Nike and this is the biggest stage for Auburn and UA, so what is created for the field could be funky. Also, with the game on January 10, you don't have to be worried about being hung over for the New Year's bowl bonanza.

So enjoy as many games as you can over the holiday season.

It Pays to be the Bad Guy

2010-11-28T17:21:00.006-05:00

2010 has become the year of the bad guy and I'm not talking about Mel Gibson or Charlie Sheen. This year, unlike any other has been filled with stories of redemption in sport. Numerous players in 2010 have risen from the ashes to super stardom.

Since we are in the middle of the NFL season, the most glaring example is Michael Vick. Just 6 months ago, Vick was appearing on Pros vs. Joes to work on his football skills and showcase his talents. With only one year left on his contract and the starting QB situation in Philadelphia already handed to Kevin Kolb, it looked like another year of restitution for Vick. Then Kolb was hurt early in the season, Vick stepped in and won games, didn't make any mistakes (fumbles or interceptions) and was dedicated to the game of football like he had never been (watching game tape in preparation for the next opponent). This led to him winning the starting QB job and winning games for the Philadelphia Eagles. The whole time this is happening, Vick is also doing his community service and giving speeches for the Humane Society against dog fighting.

Vick's name has been on the lips of the sports media recently as a possible MVP candidate as the Eagles have rallied around their new starter. It seems his comeback is complete and although his past will be brought up every time he plays, fans are starting to appreciate his talents on the field again.

Another player who fought with demons recently, did win the MVP award. Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers was the MVP of the American League this year. For a number of years Hamilton had lots of potential but was caught up with drug and alcohol problems. Even as recently as the 2009 season, he relapsed and was caught on camera drinking with some young ladies at a bar after swearing off booze. Although Hamilton might not have affected or reached as many people with his problem as Vick did, he didn't exactly set a good example for young fans and now that he is an MVP, he is either the best case scenario for rehab or just another screwed up athlete who gets away with with abusing his body, but somehow still succeeds.

If drinking and street drugs weren't enough, what about steroids? The number of players in professional and amateur sports that have been caught using performance enhancing drugs is now too long to list. Many of them never get caught, but those that do sit out their suspension, but still collect their millions of dollars in salary. Although most players will recover from these indiscretions, Barry Bonds did not. He was run out of baseball, and although he is the all-time home run king he will likely never be enshrined into the hall of fame in Cooperstown because he embodied the steroid era and someone has to take the fall (Mark McGwire is joining him in this). Although most of the baseball world holds a grudge against him, Bonds was welcomed back with open arms by the San Francisco Giants fans this summer and fall. When the Giants made the fall classic this year they brought out Bonds to thunderous applause, but in any other stadium he would have been booed.

Another baseball player that made a come back this summer after being banned for life for his actions was Pete Rose. Rose famously bet on baseball and was banned for life. Major League Baseball gave him a one day exception so he could participate in an on-field ceremony this summer commemorating the anniversary of his record breaking base hit. Rose was bad, but compared to some of the issues that today's players have brought into the media, it doesn't seem so wrong. Rose has apologized for his behaviour and continues to try to mend his public image.

Other players doing wrong pop-up on an almost daily basis. The website profootballtalk.com has a ticker on their page that counts "days since last arrest" for NFL players. Whether it is a DUI charge, domestic battery or an assault charge for punching a taxi driver (Patrick Kane), it seems like professional athletes cannot stay out of trouble. Troubled or clean, fans still adore them.

The Heat Fizzle

2010-11-23T21:55:00.003-05:00

So the Heat dynasty has officially come to an end and it only took 15 games. After a summer of hype about the big three of LeBron, Wade and Bosh, a potential run at the season win record of 72 and how the NBA should just hand them the Larry O'Brien trophy in October has been shattered.

An opening day loss to the Celtics wasn't a huge surprise, but losses to the Jazz, Hornets, Grizzlies and now the Pacers are a bit surprising. The team has been hit with injury which could be somewhat to blame. The Heat have lost 3pt shooting specialist Mike Miller for the first half of the season and now Udonis Haslem for the whole year has surely been difficult on team chemistry. Chris Bosh has been a huge disappointment, not rebounding or scoring with any consistency. Wade and LeBron haven't been able to share the floor and when your two best players can't be on the floor at the same time, that it is a problem.

So how do the Heat become hot again. There are a couple rumours already flying around south beach. The first is fire Erik Spolstra. The Heat coach is under the watchful eye of the former jedi master coach Pat Riley and Lakers coach Phil Jackson even said today that Bosh and LeBron will talk to Riley about taking over the team. Riley would bring some cache to the bench and hopefully the most out of players that would rather "chill" than work on off days.

The other idea is that it is already time to trade Chris Bosh. Was he really worth the $110 million? Of course not, any Raptors fan could tell you that, but the thought was he could compliment Wade and James. Since Bosh isn't a typical big man who rebounds and plays in the paint, he really doesn't add anything for this Heat team who need the presence in the middle. The Heat are missing depth. At the moment they are 3 deep when they need to be 8-9 deep as a team. One way to help that would be to trade Bosh and get 3 pieces that better compliment Wade and James.

Could the Heat actually do either move suggested above. They could probably get away away with firing Spolstra and have Riley replace him. Everyone has predicted this since Riley had his hand in convincing James and Bosh to sign in Miami. As for trading Bosh, it won't happen yet. The move would stink of desperation, plus the Miami Heat team store still has tons of Bosh jerseys in stock (seriously, if you had the choice of Bosh, Wade or LeBron, whose jersey you buying?).

The Heat have a bit of an easier schedule in the next week to hopefully get some wins and momentum under their belt before the biggest game of the year, no not versus the Lakers, but a road game in Cleveland. Welcome back...

Down Goes Favre!

2010-11-22T21:19:00.003-05:00

On Sunday afternoon the Green Bay Packers put the nail in the coffin of another team (dropping the Vikings to 3-7) and coach (Wade Phillips and now Brad Childress). The bigger question is if they were able to put an end to the career of a player - Brett Favre.

Favre threw one interception on Sunday to bring his season total to 17 and looked pretty awful in the process. Favre was booed by the hometown Vikings fans (would probably have been cheered for his efforts in Wisconsin) and Rodney Harrison of NBC thought that coach Childress should have pulled Favre for Tavaris Jackson. Childress didn't have the guts to do it, so that ended his tenure as Vikings coach on Monday morning.

Favre said after the game that he will need to "re-evaluate" his football future. Many people have taken this to mean that he might call it quits mid-season. If this happens it would only be a mild shock to the NFL and Vikings since Favre has been such an attention seeking media whore the last three seasons.

Everyone knows that Favre will retire either after week 12 with an "injury" or after the season, so the biggest question won't be if he goes into the Hall of Fame or not, but it will be if Green Bay Packers fans can forgive the gunslinger that gave the team 16 mighty seasons. The answer will be yes - eventually. No cheese head can forget the Super Bowl trophy, consecutive game streak, passing records, and the list goes on...

Favre sullied his reputation by leaving Green Bay in a huff for the NY Jets. Then, it got worse when he went to play for the rival Vikings. With all his indecision and flip flopping, Packers fans resented their former franchise player. That resentment was partially due to the fact that he was still good. Now that his career is winding down on a sour note, Packers fans don't have to resent him anymore, we can just remember the good times when number 4 was behind center.

By the time Favre puts on the mustard colored jacket on the Canton stage, my guess is that the crowd will be filled with Packers fans cheering him on.

Got Beef? Popstars

2010-11-22T20:53:00.003-05:00

After watching the American Music Awards last night it dawned on me that I really loathe popstars. During last nights telecast it became quite evident that those in charge of entertaining us musically are lacking in musically ability. Katy Perry, Justin Beiber, and Usher all struggled on stage. Between lip syncing, missing words in their own songs and then being out of breath half way through the songs, the performances were a flop. In the case of Usher, he was dancing around and apparently that was more important to his performance than singing, so he twirled and slid around the stage while the track blared over the speaker system.

So, if popstars can't sing, at least they look good doing it.

Parity vs. Dynasty

2010-11-08T21:32:00.002-05:00

Half way through the NFL season and there are still no clear cut favorites to win the Super Bowl. Five teams are listed as the favorites to win the Super Bowl and no team has been able to establish itself as the front runner. This isn't the first time the NFL has had this happen during the last decade, so it begs the question, do we really need dynasties, or as fans do we prefer the parity?

In the NFL during the '70's, '80's and '90's there were dominant teams. These dominant teams held the power and when the dynasties collided great games ensued. For example As fans, we can always argue about which teams were the best out of the 3 1990's Cowboy teams that won Super Bowls, but it is also fun to compare them to the Steelers teams in the '70's.

The last decade has provided some great individual champions in the NFL, but no real dynasties have been formed. This makes each season interesting because you never know where the champion is going to come from. Going into this season some prognosticators felt that the Dallas Cowboys could contend for the crown. They had the individual talent to win games, but as the first 8 games have shown, apparently the individual talent didn't translate into team victories.

Football hasn't been the only sport where parity has reigned supreme. Major League Baseball has also had 9 different champions in the past 11 seasons. Although we seem to get a new champion each season, we do talk about the same teams making the playoffs every season. If it isn't the Yankees and Red Sox, it is the Braves and Cardinals who get a shot at the trophy every October.

As a fan, I think I prefer the dynasty case. Whether it is my team or not, it is good to know who is going to be good and we can use them as a measuring stick. Also familiarity allows even the casual fan to be invested come the championship season. The dynasty team doesn't have to win every season, but if they are there it makes all the more fun.

It's Over Ladies and Gentleman, It's Over...

2010-11-03T20:50:00.003-04:00

Well the major league baseball season is done, we have crowned a new champion, the President has called the team and the ticker tape has fallen. Now what? The off season can be cruel to fans, no games to follow, no daily news on the team, what is a guy supposed to do?

Well there was an argument on the local sports talk radio the other day that baseball does the off season the best. By that they meant they were able to keep the fans involved in the league, even if there was no games by creating news. The examples of naming the managers of the year, Cy Young award winners, Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Players after the season then the start of free agency in December and once the holidays are done, you wake up and its March and the season starts again. Not a bad argument.

For more of an argument, let's look at the other sports. The NHL has a glitzy award show to present its awards, then free agency and the owners meetings seem to get alot of attention every year for how they might decide to change the game. Nothing ever really changes, but the Canadian sports channels take the opportunity for an 8 man panel show.

The NBA had one of its best off seasons ever because of the intrigue of free agency and where 3 of the top 15 players in the league would play the following season. This years free agency created 3 years of hype, but next summer the same won't be true because the players aren't as high profile. The NBA draft is always a good show in particular because it is only two rounds and that means basketball fans know most of the players being taken, unlike the other major sports which extend over multiple days.

Then we come to the new national pastime, the NFL. In my mind this is the league that has made its league a 12 month phenomenon. There isn't an off season anymore if you are a football fan. The NFL has created events around all of its activities that make it as popular as it is. Once the Super Bowl is played in February, there is the Pro Bowl the week after. Then the draftniks start making appearances to promote the April draft weekend. This year, the NFL moved its first round to Friday night in prime time, then continued the draft for the next two days. The whole draft is televised on its own network. After the draft, there is rookie camps, optional training activities (OTA) for players (which aren't really optional), then training camp starts in August and 3 weeks later the season starts again.

Which league can't you live without for 12 months and which league does it best in keeping you interested all year?

NBA Preview

2010-10-28T20:22:00.003-04:00

With the start of the NBA season, there are many storylines, players and teams to look out for.

A quick link to the Oye Times website and you will see my thoughts on the upcoming NBA Season.

The preview has been broken up into 3 parts. Part one can be found here and part two here. Part three will go up tomorrow so check back.

Enjoy...

Manny being Manny, eh?

2010-10-26T21:32:00.004-04:00

It didn't take long for the Toronto Blue Jays new manager to attract players. In his welcome to the team press conference, new Blue Jays manager John Farrell was asked about the chances, and if he would welcome, the addition of Manny Ramirez. Farrell was on board with adding the former all-star slugger who he coached while with the Red Sox.

Although Farrell got to see the best of Ramirez during his Red Sox days (thanks to performance enhancing drugs?) he might not have followed his career all that closely since he left for the left coast. Ramirez struggled in his year and a half in Los Angeles due to injury and then was traded at the deadline last year back to the American League where he could be the DH and not worry about his defense. He didn't fair any better in the windy city and the White Sox actually dropped out of the playoff race once Manny arrived. So would adding the wild Manny Ramirez into the line-up help Toronto?

It wouldn't be terrible. You wouldn't take at-bats away from Adam Lind or Travis Snider as they could play in the field while Manny is the designated hitter. His outgoing personality would certainly draw fans to the ball park. He would also offer some protection for 2010 home run champ Jose Bautista.

The Blue Jays would only have to offer Manny a one year contract and if he succeeds in Toronto, they could use the "money ball" theory and trade him to a contender in August for draft picks or minor league stars. If he struggles, it is a one year experiment and gives all media types something to write and twitter about.

Would you like to see Manny Ramirez at the Rogers Centre player for the Jays come April?

The Shot (No One) Heard 'Round the World

2010-10-24T12:16:00.002-04:00

Coming into the 2010 baseball season, there were a handful of teams that looked like legitimate contenders to be in the World Series. It was no coincidence that a few of those teams also had the highest payrolls.

The Yankees, Red Sox and Rays from the American League, along with the long shot Seattle Mariners who made some bold off season moves. Well, the Mariners never got out of the gate and since only two of the three AL East teams could move on to the post-season it seemed likely the Yankees, who made it to the ALCS would represent the AL in the World Series. It turns out the Texas Rangers, who made the mid-season move to acquire pitching ace Cliff Lee when it looked like they had a shot at making the playoffs, are going to represent the AL this year.

In the National League, there was only one thought from the outset – Philadelphia Phillies. They replaced the aforementioned Cliff Lee with Roy Halladay, kept there power in place with Jayson Werth, Ryan Howard and Clint Utley and although they started the season slow, kept winning games while the rest of the division faded. Then to ensure their dominance, they acquired Roy Oswalt to solidify their pitching staff. Many said that no team has ever rolled out a top three starting pitching staff in the playoffs like the Phillies. Unfortunately for the Phils, the Giants didn’t listen. From clinching a playoff spot on the last day of the season, to some great pitching from their ace Tim Lincecum the Giants, San Francisco will represent the senior circuit and try to win their first World Series since moving to the Bay Area.

So the World Series that everyone wanted to see (Yankees vs. Phillies) didn’t happen and we get the series that no one thought we would get (Rangers vs. Giants) and that most people think might be one of the lowest rated in history.

This World Series reminds me of two World Series that when you think back at, you try to remember who exactly played in that series, who won, and who was the MVP. First was the 1997 series between the Florida Marlins and the Cleveland Indians. This one could be remembered as the first championship for the Marlins and the Indians at the time were trying to win there first title since 1948. Still the amount of anonymity in that series is off the charts. The other series was a Los Angeles based series that the rest of America tuned out. It was the 2002 series between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the SF Giants. You may remember this one as the “rally monkey” series, but after that the memories are very fuzzy.

Ten years from now, I think we’ll think of this series the same way. It is the Rangers trying to win their first title, similar to the Marlins and the Giants trying to win their first title since 1954 similar to the Indians. We can just thank our lucky stars that there are no rally monkeys this time, just Barry Bonds.

SuperContest - Week 7

2010-10-23T09:14:00.003-04:00

If you want to see how the pros really do this, you can follow the Hilton SuperContest on Twitter at @HiltonContest - they give you updates on how the best are doing and they are way better than me.

If you still are trying to make money off of my picks, good luck, but here we go for Week 7. At least I got the Buffalo Bills pick right last week.

Browns +14 over Saints - New Browns QB Colt McCoy looked frisky last week and has played in big games. Could this be another draft steal? The Saints finally showed life last week in crushing the Bucs, but they aren't the same offense that won the Super Bowl. The Browns keep it close.

49ers -3 over Panthers - The 49ers have been very inconsistent but are coming off a big win. The Panthers are one of the worst teams in the NFL and are going back to QB Matt Moore. The Niners should win this game handily, look for big games from Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree.

Bears -3 over Redskins - Another game of two teams that have won games they had no business winning and when that starts happening you have to watch out. Those teams can get on a run and if everything is going right, they gain confidence, which leads to a Super Bowl run. The Bears at home will get this win, but look out Jay Cutler for Brian Orakpo coming off the edge.

Steelers -3 over Dolphins - The Dolphins are coming off a huge road win last week and the Steelers are most pundits "best team at the moment". With the return of Big Ben the Steelers are now a threat on offence to go along with their lock down defence. Dolphins don't have enough weapons to hang.

Ravens -14 over Bills - Ohhhh the poor Bills. The Ravens lost an overtime game last week vs. the Patriots that they should have won and will take out there frustration on the lowly Bills. The Bills can't stop the run, so Ray Rice should have plenty of yards by the end of the day. The Bills can't stop the pass or rush the passer, so Joe Flacco should have lots of time in the pocket to find open receivers. The Bills will continue their push for 0-16

Are you hurt or injured?

2010-10-21T20:47:00.000-04:00

Recently there has been a spike in the amount of injuries in all the major professional sports. If you include other forms of professional sporting activities like the Olympics, X-Games and the WNBA, the number of injuries to players is starting to get out of hand.

In some sports like hockey and football you expect injuries. They are physical sports at their core and fans shouldn’t be surprised if a player separates a shoulder or breaks an ankle. When you are having these same injuries in basketball and baseball though, you have to stop and think what is going on. It is not just the minor breaks and sprains anymore though. All sports are dealing with the biggest problem, concussions.

The professional sports leagues have tried to curb the injuries, by introducing rules to protect players (ie no head shots in football, no touch icing in hockey) or mandatory equipment (ie helmets in hockey), but none of these measures seem to be working. Every night in the highlight reels, we as fans get goals, dunks, last second buzzer beaters and injuries. Whether it is something as innocent as Mark Texiera of the Yankees running down the first base line and popping his hamstring, or the more serious like DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles getting hit by Dunta Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons which resulted in both players getting concussions.

The leagues are trying to react, but the games are happening still and players are being carted off every night…what can the leagues do? Here are my top 3 suggestions to limit injuries.

1 – make the playing surface bigger: Every sport could use this. By making the playing area bigger you are spreading out the players more, therefore making it more unlikely that you could land a shot like Dunta Robinson because he would have had to chase Jackson down. They wouldn’t have been in the same square meter.

2 – less players on the field: If you don’t want to make the playing surface bigger (taking seats out costs owner $$) than lessen the number of players on the field. Again, this limits the people that can be in the same area and collide violently.

3 – remove equipment: In the “good ‘ol days” hockey goalies played without masks, football helmets were made of leather, baseball players never wore batting helmets. Maybe we don’t hear about some of the serious injuries that happened in those times, but if we made the players feel less like Superman and more like Superman after getting doused with kryptonite, maybe they wouldn’t be so reckless with their bodies.

Watching sports is at its best when we get to see the best players play. This isn’t happening right now because of some serious injuries. The leagues need to find a solution to some of these problems quickly.

Do you have solutions…leave your comments below.

Wayne Rooney, Wayne Rooney, he goes...where?

2010-10-18T20:50:00.006-04:00

Another player has taken control of his future and decided that he no longer wants to play with the team that currently employs him. Wayne Rooney of Manchester United has been in a little spat with manager Alex Ferguson since the World Cup finished and this week it came out that Rooney has no intention of signing a new contract with United when his current deal ends after this season.

If you thought LeBron James was a big name free agent, you haven't seen anything yet. Rooney is a prolific goal scorer, footballer of the year and will command the highest transfer fee ever if he moves clubs. Rooney will have every team in Europe vying for his attention, but realistically there are only a handful of clubs that could really aspire to acquire him. If he decides he wants to stay in England the list gets smaller. Unlike LeBron who kept the whole league guessing, Rooney will not get a one hour special on BBC to announce where he will be signing, he will get a week's worth of coverage.

The question that remains to be seen is whether United makes the decision to transfer him, when they know he won't sign back with them. It is the same decision that a few NBA teams had to make - namely the Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron and the Toronto Raptors with Chris Bosh. Both teams elected to keep their superstars and got nothing in return when they left. The Denver Nuggets are going through the same question this season with Carmelo Anthony, he has said he has no intentions of staying in Denver after the season, so do they try to win this year with him or get something for him?

It is a tough call for management, you have to take the feelings of fans into account, as well as that of the players and of course the financial implications. Although these are tough situations for clubs, there are worse contract situations. The ones where a player holds out similar to those in the NFL this season like Darrelle Revis of the NY Jets or Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers. These are players who have signed long term contracts but don't want to play under the terms any longer because they feel (and lots of time they are correct) that they are worth more money than they are being paid and with careers so short the players feel they need to cash in.

So what does Manchester United do? They have to find a way to settle with him. He has been the face of United and it would be in their best interest to mediate the situation and put him back in a Red Devils jersey next year. If they can't...the hottest ticket will be when Rooney returns to Old Trafford wearing a Manchester City jersey, ouch.

SuperContest - Week 6

2010-10-16T09:29:00.004-04:00

This is not going very well...I've already lost count of my record, and it is just very lucky that I actually didn't put up the $1500 to be in this contest.

As many of the sports talk people have mentioned the last couple of weeks the underdogs are taking over. They are something like 16 games over .500 for the season which hurts everyone's pocket.

Well, with all that said, let's see if I can make a move up the imaginary standings. One quick aside - if you didn't see my tweet the other week, I was very impressed with myself on two betting ventures. The first was the over/under baseball contest from Vegas Watch. In this contest you picked 10 teams, and based on the Vegas line, would they go over or under their season win total. Out of the 260 people who entered the contest, I finished 17th and nailed the tie breaker exactly - what will be David Wright's slugging percentage. I guessed that in April! This was a huge improvement over last season when I finished 260th...no joke. The other success was my fantasy baseball league with 15 random strangers who follow the @montreal_expos on twitter. It was a very competitive league and I ended up on top led by strong pitching (Halladay and Jiminez) and some good power up the middle (Tulowitzki and Josh Hamilton). Giving myself a pat on the back.

Now on to the picks...
Chargers -8 over Rams: This is when the Chargers normally heat up. Plus they caved and brought Marcus McNeil back and Vincent Jackson is on his way back as well. All adds up well for the San Diego Super Chargers.

Falcons +3 over Eagles: The Eagles are smoke and mirrors right now. We don't know who will be at QB (Kolb or Vick) and they just traded for a running back who as 12 carries on the season (Jerome Harrison). The Falcons are for real and will separate themselves from the rest of the NFC with this win on the road.

Seahawks +7 over Bears: Even though the Bears are 4-1 they have been so lucky. Last week with only 36 yards passing and 4 interceptions, they managed to win by 17 points! This can't continue and even though the Seahawks are bad, they should be able to keep this one close with their stout defence.

Steelers -14 over Browns: Both teams start QB's for the first time this season, the Steelers bring back Ben Roethlisberger after his suspension and the Browns start rookie Colt McCoy after both Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace are ruled out with ankle injuries. The Steelers defence will be too much for the rookie and the infusion of Big Ben into the Steelers offence, this one should be over after the first half.

Raiders +7 over 49ers: The 49ers were supposed to win the division and their owner still believes it is possible. The Raiders were supposed to be epic bad, but have been frisky in all their games and won against the Chargers last weekend relying on defence and special teams. The 49ers haven't shown anything to be favored by this many points, so the Raiders is the pick.

Here is one more just pick for fun...

Bye -3 over Buffalo Bills: The Bills just can't win no matter who they are playing. Unfortunately for them, the #1 pick in the NFL draft isn't clear cut (reminds me of when the Raptors got the first overall pick and chose Bargnani) and they need so much help, but also probably don't want to spend the money. Bad situation all around.

Go Yankees?

2010-10-12T21:17:00.004-04:00

It may be blasphemous to say "Go Yankees" around these parts, but for the next month, the Yankees are pretty much the team I will be rooting for during the MLB playoffs.

Why the Yankees you ask when there are so many better options. Well, let me break it down for you.

1 - the National League is not for me. So that obviously rules out both the Phillies and the Giants. Although, I do have a soft spot for Roy Halladay, because of his connections to Toronto, but that is as far as my "brotherly love" goes. The Phillies have been free spenders on the free agent market and have mortgaged their future for the present. If they can bring another championship to Philadelphia, I guess why not. I just won't be cheering for them.

The NL West is probably the division I follow the least in baseball. Besides playing late games and therefore never really being able to watch them on TV and missing their highlights constantly, the teams are blah. The Giants and Dodgers would still be better served playing in New York. The Giants don't have much going for them besides Tim Lincecum and Pablo Sandoval so why would I cheer form. Besides that fact, they have little to no chance of beating the Phillies, so why would I waste my time cheering for four games.

2 - The Rangers and Rays are both the up and comers of the American League and while it might be fun to cheer for them for awhile, as a fan I will just get frustrated watching their young players try and make it through the post-season.

Also, the Rays "fans" bug me. They averaged a little over 20,000 fans per game which ranked 22nd out of 30th in the Majors. Now, they are pulling back tarps to uncover seats in the highest parts of the stadium to accommodate the new support. If they didn't start the games at 5pm, they might not average 10,000 fans as all the seniors in Tampa need to head home early for the news.

The Rangers have tried to be the Yankees for as long as I remember. Overpaying for over the hill and mediocre talent and then they are shocked when they finish last in the AL West. This year they finally made a trade that made sense when they acquired Cliff Lee and hit the jackpot when they poached Josh Hamilton from the Rays, but even there recent all-stars like Michael Young have fallen on hard times. It will be nice if they win a playoff series so they can say they have done it, but other than that, the Rangers aren't a team I will cheer for.

3 - So that leaves the Yankees. It makes sense because they are in the AL East and if the World Series champs come from the division of the Jays, at least I can say we beat the best head to head this year and it gives me hope for the future.

Also, the Yankees have tradition like no other franchise. When you have won 27 World Championships, you might not need another one in the trophy case, but why not build up the resume a little further.

This season, the Yankees have had added motivation of losing key members of the organization. The most prominent being owner George "the boss" Steinbrenner and long time voice of Yankee stadium announcer Bob Sheppard. Although most of the current players don't have any connections to Steinbrenner or Sheppard they know how much it means to the fans and the rest of the organization to see the two of them off as winners.

So there it is, I'm going to join Spike Lee, Jay-Z and Billy Crystal and don the Yankees cap for the next month...

The Most Unimpressive Record Ever

2010-10-11T15:08:00.005-04:00

Yesterday in the National Football League wasn't a good one for the gambling set. Many underdogs won, there is parity all around and with so many injuries you can't tell which team is going to be good from week to week.

For the first time in 40 years the NFL doesn't have a team that is 4-0. What does this mean - well, for starters, the 1972 Dolphins get to celebrate again. As the only undefeated team in NFL history, the players from the 1972 Dolphins celebrate annually with a bottle of champagne when the last undefeated team falls and there is no longer a threat to their record.

There have been many close calls for the Dolphins alum recently, most notably the Patriots from 2007 who went 18-0, but lost in the Super Bowl to the NY Giants. Another close call, was the 2009 Indianapolis Colts who were 14-0, had clinched a playoff berth, and decided to rest starters, so they ended up losing their last two games. In fact, the 2009 season marked the first time in history where two teams started 13-0 (Colts and Saints).

For all the close calls, especially recently, does it matter if a team really goes undefeated for a season as long as they win the championship? Apparently not for both the Colts or Saints, who put winning the Super Bowl ahead of the perfect season. If this is true, then does this record of being the only undefeated team in NFL history really matter anymore? Should the 1972 Dolphins be indulged year after year with news stories when the last of the undefeated teams lose, like the KC Chiefs did on Sunday?

With the longer season, more injuries and obviously more parity, the undefeated season is a thing of the past in the NFL. As a fan we can no longer expect that this will happen again and although, this was once an impressive record to hold, it is no longer something to hold up as a be all and all of football superiority.

In other sports, an undefeated season is still something to be proud of. Whether it is men's or women's college basketball a approx record of 40-0 is needed to win the championship. In NCAA men's college football a record of 13-0 would get you the BCS National title and with all of the rivalries and expectations placed on teams of "boys", small errors happen regularly that can cost teams a game each Saturday.

Obviously, the baseball, hockey and basketball seasons are too long for an undefeated season. One record that might be approached this year in though, is the best record ever for a basketball team. The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls had 72 wins and only 10 losses. The new "big three" in Miami of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh will do their best to get 73 wins. If they don't though, it won't be considered a big deal, unless they don't win the championship.

Winning the last game matters, not winning them all.

Week 3 - SuperContest

2010-09-25T10:13:00.000-04:00

So, here we go again. Week 3 of the NFL season. You might think you've learned something so far, but the Bucs and Chiefs are both 2-0 and it is highly likely one of them will be 3-0 after Sunday.

What have I learned...football players are fragile. The bigger players, faster players are leading to more violent collisions, therefore more injuries. This is especially true of the "glory" players - QB, RB and WR, but it is also because an injury to a offensive lineman doesn't seem as important even though it can be devastating to consistency.

So with all the injuries you gotta becareful with your picks. After two weeks I have a record of 4-5-1. Bill Simmons let us know that he is 3-6-1. I'm I super star! Here are this weeks picks...

Patriots -14.5 (vs. Buffalo) - Ryan Fitzpatrick is worse than Trent Edwards if that is possible.
Falcons +3.5 (vs. New Orleans) - Falcons look like an offensive juggernaut and good defense. Saints don't look put together yet...
Redskins -3.5 (vs. St. Louis) - Looks like Dan Snyder spent money wisely on the new QB and coach.
Ravens -10.5 (vs. Cleveland) - Ravens might only score 11 points and that would be enough to cover.
Packers -3 (vs. Chicago) - Bears have been good this season but Cutler won't have the same amount of time in the pocket. Go Pack Go!

I promise some actual new content next week...

SuperContest - Week 2

2010-09-18T11:00:00.000-04:00

Well week one wasn't kind to me. I went 2-5 and have to thank Chan Gailey for that extra win as he took a safety in the last minute of play to give the Dolphins a five point win.

So here we go...

Packers -14 (vs. the Bills) - Gonna go against the Bills every week I think
Steelers -5.5 (vs. the Titans)- Titans used up too much offence last week.
Panthers -3.5 (vs. the Bucs) - Matt Moore bounces back.
Patriots -3 (vs. the Jets) - Rex Ryan is regretting Hard Knocks about now...
Texans -3 (vs. the Redskins) - Thinking that Foster can tear it up again.

Hopefully, this week goes better than last, it can't go much worse.

NFL Week 1 - SuperContest

2010-09-11T10:27:00.003-04:00

If you are an avid reader and follower of ESPN sports writer Bill Simmons you would have heard him this week talk about the "SuperContest". This is a gambling contest that him and fellow ESPN writer Chad Millman will take part in this year. The contest costs $1500 to enter and you pick try to pick the winners of 5 NFL games against the spread each week.

Now you might be thinking this sounds pretty easy, but apparently those that enter are all the "sharps" (professional betters with connections) who make a living at this. Simmons and Millman have basically conceded in week 1 that they aren't winning the contest and just want to be respectable. I am going to aim to do the same thing. Although, I am making this easier on myself by not plopping down the $1500, I'll pick 5 games each week vs. the spread using the Bodog lines on Saturday morning. I'll keep the tally going and see how I fair against Simmons and Millman and the rest of the "sharps".

For week 1, here we go. Current record 0-0 (tied for first!)

Miami Dolphins -3 (vs. the Bills)
Indianapolis Colts -2.5 (vs. the Texans)
Green Bay Packers -3 (vs. the Eagles)
Carolina Panthers +7 (vs. the Giants)
Cleveland Browns +3 (vs. the Bucs)

Wish me luck and if I prove that I am good at this, someone can stake me the $1500 for next season.

Who are your locks of the week?

5 Big Things

2010-09-07T20:23:00.003-04:00

With all the major sporting events this year the start of the National Football League and all the off season moves have been a little overshadowed. With the season just under a week away, there is still time to get all caught up on the five biggest story lines going into the season that I am looking forward to.

1. Fantasy Football
Fantasy football has taken over the NFL. With over 29 million people playing fantasy football and spending almost nine hours a week online checking their teams, adjusting rosters, picking up and dropping players and proposing trades. Many fans do not even have favourite teams anymore, they have their favourite player as long as he is on their roster. NFL players now get cheered for their performance based on how many fantasy points they have accumulated. Even the NFL players are now involved in fantasy football. Last season, their was a youtube video of some Washington Redskins teammates sitting around and drafting their teams. This season, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will publish a fantasy football column every week at Sports Illustrated.com. His first order of business was to draft a team and of course, made some big trades to be able to draft himself. At least now he can only blame himself for losing, unlike the rest of us.

2. QB Moves - McNabb, Kolb, Jason Campbell, Matt Leinart
The quarterback position is so important in the National Football League. You can look back at the franchises that won Super Bowl’s and almost all of them had a super star under center. Whether it was the Steelers and Cowboys in the 70’s with Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach, the 80’s 49ers with Joe Montana or Cowboys with Troy Aikman, and most recently the Colts with Peyton Manning or the Patriots with Tom Brady. So, when big name quarterbacks moved around this off season, it opened the door for a couple of new teams to challenge for the Lombardi trophy. The biggest name to move was former Philadelphia Eagle Donovan McNabb, who is now a Washington Redskin. This is not only news because it gives the Redskins a experienced quarterback, but it was also a trade within their division. Taking over for McNabb in Philadelphia is Kevin Kolb. The fourth year quarterback has only started in 2 games in his previous years, so although those two games last season where good, it will interesting to see if he can keep it up for 16 games and take the Eagles back to the playoffs. Since McNabb moved to Washington, their starter – Jason Campbell needed to find a new home. He has packed his bags and moved to Oakland. The Raiders have been in need of a serviceable quarterback for the past 20 years, so hopefully Campbell can give them something to cheer about. One franchise (unfortunately, not the Minnesota Vikings), the Arizona Cardinals had their quarterback retire. Kurt Warner decided to hang up the cleats and has been replaced by Matt Leinart. The “pretty boy” from USC in his fifth season will finally get the ball to himself. Every year, he has gone into training camp as the starter, only to lose the job. This season, without much competition behind him, he should be able to blossom. Although, these were the big moves, some other teams did get new pivots. The Browns acquired Jake Delhomme from the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers then replaced Delhomme with young Matt Moore.

3. Labour Issues - 18 game schedule, concussions, salary cap, draft age (rookie salary cap)
Although, this is not exactly an issue for this season, it will begin to dominate the headlines. The NFL and NFL players association need to agree on a new labour agreement before next season, so there is a next season. Some of the big questions that need to be agreed upon are a salary cap and especially a rookie salary cap. The veterans are unhappy each year when first round draft picks become the highest paid players in the league without playing a snap. There are also health concerns, such as what an expanded 18 game schedule (instead of the current 16) would do to a players body and how they would be compensated for those extra games. Also, head injuries have become more common and a bigger concern for players. In the light of some recent deaths of ex-NFL players, and the on-going study of their brains has shown that playing football causes long-term damage. The NFL and its players need to address how to help the current players from doing damage to themselves and how to assist the retired players if they have sustained long-term damage. Unfortunately, this will be a topic many casual fans (those playing fantasy football) won’t care too deeply about until it affects them next September.

4. NFC East - could all the teams go 8-8 or better?
In the NFL getting to the playoffs is the goal and usually 9 wins will get you there. Once you are in the playoffs anything can happen. For the best division in football, nine wins will probably not do the trick this season. The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins all have the talent to make the playoffs and contend for the Super Bowl. Every conference game will be an event this season. Whether it is the Eagles welcoming back McNabb, the Cowboys going into the New Meadowlands for the first time or the Cowboys trying to go to the Super Bowl in their own stadium, it should be the game of the week every time they hook up.

5. How will the players act this year? (arrests, twitter)
As we have seen, not all the news is on the field this year. Between the potential labour stoppage and fantasy football, just as much is happening off the field as on. The other topics to be on the look out for are how players are getting into trouble. Whether it is DUI, drug possession or assault, NFL players seem to be getting themselves in hot water constantly. Popular football blog site profootballtalk.com even has a “days since last arrest” counter on their website. Since commissioner Roger Goodell has been notoriously tough on offenders, suspending players for almost every incident, it is especially important for players to keep their noses clean. One player who actively searches out fines is Chad OchoCinco of the Cincinnati Bengals. OchoCinco was recently fined $25 000 for tweeting during a pre-season game. Many NFL players use the popular social networking site Twitter to communicate with fans, but the last thing coaches and fans need is a player so distracted with what to tweet next that they cannot concentrate while on the field.

NFL Preview and Predictions - NFC East

2010-08-25T18:58:00.003-04:00

A series of reviews, predictions and ramblings on what to expect in the upcoming NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. As always, don't hold me to these.

NFC East
This is BY FAR the toughest division in the NFL at the moment, my prediction could be right or it could go totally the other direction. No idea.

Dallas Cowboys
America's team is hoping to make owner Jerry Jones's dream come true - host a Super Bowl in his own stadium. They definitely have the talent to go all the way, but as always, will they be able to pull it together in the playoffs. QB Tony Romo will be the key to the offense as always and since he is not dating Jessica Simpson the curse might have warn off. As in years past, he is surrounded by offensive talent at wide receiver. Miles Austin returns after his breakout year and is joined by Roy Williams, Jason Witten, Patrick Crayton and rookie Dez Bryant. In the backfield a trio of running backs will get the ball (not good for fantasy), Felix Jones, Marion Barber and Tashard Choice. The defense is good but not spectacular. Led by DeMarcus Ware who will put pressure on qb's all day and he will be supported by some great talent at linebackers James Hardie and Keith Brooking. This team has the talent, but can they make it out of the tough division.

Washington Redskins
A new era has dawned in Washington. A new QB, a new coach and lots of new running backs have led to optimism, but can everyone come together fast enough to win this year. The new coach is former Broncos boss Mike Shanahan, the new QB is former Eagle Donovan McNabb, and they have added Larry Johnson and Willie Parker in the backfield with Clinton Portis. All of them are aging, but together they might be one good running back. McNabb never really had great talent at wide receiver until last season, so the mix of young and old receivers shouldn't bother McNabb. Santana Moss leads the receiver group, and this season will get help from youngster Devin Thomas and off course tight end Chris Cooley will be a great escape valve for McNabb. The defense features some head cases, but that isn't always a bad thing when your job is to run over people. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth seems to be over his training camp conditioning and headaches, DeAngelo Hall is a shut down corner and Brian Orakpo is starting to come into his own off the end. The Redskins have put together the roster, it is now a question of working together and executing - all that with a very tough schedule.

New York Football Giants
Two years removed from a Super Bowl title and the New York Football Giants have a great shot to make it an all Manning Super Bowl. QB Eli Manning leads the Giants into battle and he has proven to be a great leader for his team. Behind him is the too headed monster of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. Although they will share lots of workload, Bradshaw should be the primary back by the end of the season. The ball in the air will be picked out by wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith. The wide receiver group is deep as evidenced by the forced retirement to David Tyree. The defense is quick and should be able to put lots of pressure on the quarterback, which will make the secondary look good. Anytime you can put a front four on the field of Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Pierre-Paul Thomas and Mathias Kiwanuka the opposing quarterback will be on his back.

Philadelphia Eagles
A new era in Philadelphia, the Donovan McNabb era is over and his inability to win in the playoffs are packed away. He is replaced by Kevin Kolb and his 3 career starts. Everyone seems to think that Kolb will be just fine, but with the pressure that comes with playing in Philly it will be interesting to see if he can make it through the season. Longtime standout Brian Westbrook is gone replaced by second year man LeSean McCoy and ex-Bronco Mike Bell. The wide receiver group is led by DeSean Jackson and tight end Brent Celek. The defense has always been good and this group will be no exception. The secondary stands-out with Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs. If at first these Eagles don't succeed, look out for flying objects from the stands!

NFL Preview and Predictions - AFC East

2010-08-22T13:39:00.006-04:00

A series of reviews, predictions and ramblings on what to expect in the upcoming NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. As always, don't hold me to these.

AFC East

NY Jets
Head Coach Rex Ryan and the Jets have talked a big game all off-season and now they get to prove it. The Jets will have a target on their back all season even though last year they finished 8-8, but did go to the AFC Championship game. They return most of those pieces including quarterback Mark Sanchez who going into his third year will have a better idea of what it takes to win. Behind him will be running back Shonne Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson. Tomlinson joins the Jets after a Hall of Fame career with the Chargers. Tomlinson wasn't effective last season with the Chargers, but being the highly competitive person that he is, he won't want to remembered like that. The defense is going to be attacking as it was last year. If corner back Darrel Revis can settle his contract the defense will be better, but even without him they will be pretty good. Led by linebacker Bart Scott and ends Jason Taylor and Vernon Gholston the Jets will cause problems for offenses. Although they might not win the Super Bowl, no one will be surprised if they are in Dallas in February.

Miami Dolphins
Flying under the radar in the AFC is the Miami Dolphins. Underrated at almost every position they are an after thought in a very tough division. Quarterback Chad Henne has been given the reigns. He still has the two headed monster in the backfield at his disposal - Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Both backs have had problems in the past - Brown with injuries and Williams with his off the field concerns. Neither is looked at as an elite back, but both are capable of 1000 yard seasons. To give Henne more targets the Dolphins acquired temperamental wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Broncos. Henne has to be accurate but can easily be a productive QB in this system. The defense has gone through a little makeover as well. All-Pro end Jason Taylor has moved on again, but he won't be missed too much with Karlos Dansby joining and Yeremiah Bell at safety. The Dolphins will make the jump and look for them to be a wild card team this season.

New England Patriots
These aren't your dad's Patriots. These also aren't the same Patriots that won Super Bowls earlier in the decade. Although Tom Brady is still here, he has been working with less and less talent around him every season. This year, he has been working without two of his standout offensive lineman. Logan Mankins and Nick Kaczur have both missed significant time. Mankins in a contract dispute (which has just been resolved) and Kaczur with a back injury and is not expected back for a long time. That doesn't bode well for keeping Brady upright or giving space to the aging Fred Taylor at running back. The Patriots have gone on the cheap for wide receivers as well. The defense is led by Jared Mayo and patchwork defensive backfield after they let Asante Samuel walk in free agency. Coach Bill Belichek has been labeled a genius, but this team will give him a real test. Don't believe the Patriots hype.

Buffalo Bills
The rebuilding process in underway in Buffalo - and I'm not talking about rebuilding after the fires in Cheektowaga. Quarterback Trent Edwards starts the season as the number one QB, but will be looking over his shoulder all season to see if new coach Chan Gailey will pull him for Ryan Fitzpatrick or Brian Brohm or Levi Brown. Not a good situation. The running back position looked deep at the start of training camp, but injuries to Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch have left rookie CJ Spiller as the lone tailback. Spiller looked exciting in the two pre-season games so far. The wide receiver group is thin with talent. Lee Evans returns as the number one wide receiver, but after that, there isn't much to write home about. The defense will be the strong point of the team, especially the defensive backs. Jarius Byrd, Donte Whitner and Terrence McGee are just as good as any backfield in the league. The Bills are in deep trouble this season. They play in a good division and don't have the talent to challenge the contenders this season or maybe even next.

NFL Preview and Predictions - NFC North

2010-08-22T11:57:00.003-04:00

A series of reviews, predictions and ramblings on what to expect in the upcoming NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. As always, don't hold me to these.

NFC North

Green Bay Packers
The Packers could not overcome the ghost of Brett Favre last season, losing both games to the Vikings. If the Packers want to win the division and the conference, beating Favre would go along way. At quarterback, Favre's replacement Aaron Rodgers has developed extremely well. Last season was great statistically and this season there shouldn't be any drop off considering the weapons at his disposal. Veteran wide receivers Donald Driver and Greg Jennings are big play threats and sure handed which makes Rodgers job somewhat easier. The tight end position which has always featured a stand-out in Green Bay gets the heir apparent in Jeremichael Finley. Finley should be featured prominently in the red zone and this could be his break-out year. The one problem on the offense is the o-line. Rodgers was sacked 50 times last season and if they can't figure out how to slow the opposing pass rush, Rodgers might not be the starter for all 16 games. The defense is coming off a great season as well that featured defensive player of the year, Charles Woodson. The defense created turnovers and points and this years unit should be no different. The age of the secondary (Woodson and Bigby) is a concern, but shouldn't threaten to derail this season.

Minnesota Vikings
We can finally write this preview because we finally know that Brett Favre will play again. The old warrior returns to the purple and gold to the promised land. Favre took a beating last year, especially in the NFC Championship gave vs. the Saints. Look for more teams to use that game plan to pressure the pivot. If Favre is hurting, he can always just hand the ball off to the best running back in the game in Adrian Peterson. Peterson can tear through defenses, eat up the clock and take the pressure off Favre. If he solves his fumble-itis, and stays injury free, just give him the 2000 yards and 10-15 touchdowns. The defense still has some injury concerns going into the season including middle linebacker EJ Henderson, but it won't be defense that wins this team a Super Bowl.

Detroit Lions
There is always a couple of teams that come out of the group of mediocre to poor teams and surprises and I believe it might be the Lions this season. They have finally landed a draft pick that produced (QB Matt Stafford) and this year's picks look solid as well. With the QB position solidified, the Lions have begun to develop the talent around him. Running back Kevin Smith is joined by draft pick from Cal Jahvid Best. Best is a big play threat and Lions fans will be reminded of the times when Barry Sanders would break off 80 yard runs. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson is joined by free agent Nate Burleson and tight end Tony Scheffler. These weapons will give Stafford the confidence to get the ball downfield. The defense has only been slowly building and with coach Jim Schwartz being defensive minded, it will be a shock to no one when the Lions produce a stingy defense similar to what the Titans had when Schwartz was there.

Chicago Bears
Last season the Bears made a big splash acquiring Jay Cutler, but that ended with a belly flop because Cutler liked passing to the guys in opposing jerseys better. This season will not only be a referendum on Cutler but also on the coaching staff led by Lovie Smith. If Lovie can lead than the Bears have a chance at .500 if not, they could find themselves with a long road to regain a foot hold in the conference. For the Bears to have a chance, running back Matt Forte needs to regain his 2008 form. In case he doesn't, the Bears have brought in Chester Taylor as an expensive every down, but hopefully just third down back. Cutler still doesn't have have targets on the outside, but will need to get Devin Hester the ball as often as possible and hope for the big play. The defense is ageing and will hope that Brian Urlacher can bounce back from injury. The secondary will face the biggest challenge going up against the three top quarterbacks within the division. It will be a long season at Soldier

NFL Preview and Predictions - AFC North

2010-08-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

A series of reviews, predictions and ramblings on what to expect in the upcoming NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. As always, don't hold me to these.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens
Many peoples favourite to be contender to be playing in the Super Bowl, but they will have to get through one of the toughest divisions. The Ravens made lots of bold moves in the off-season, one of the biggest being Anquan Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals and the other is Donte Stallworth. Quarterback Joe Flacco adds these two targets to the consistent Derrick Mason. This gives Flacco the options he never had before which will only make him and the Ravens better. Flacco still has the option to check down to his running back, Ray Rice. One of the best all around running backs in the league with the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, but also break free for the home run style run. The new look offense will be a relief to the defense who have been carrying the flag for the Ravens for the past decade. The Ravens defense is ferocious led by Ray Lewis, Terrel Suggs and Ed Reed. You can't overlook the defensive line that can put four guys on the field who are 350lbs or more. The Ravens will be an AFC to be reckoned with this season and a real Super Bowl contender.

Cincinnati Bengals
One of my favourite teams because the cheerleaders are named the "Ben-Gals". The Bengals made headlines and will continue to make headlines because they have two of the biggest news makers in the NFL in Chad OchoCinco and Terrell Owens. The acquisition of Owens will delay the growth of players like Andre Caldwell and rookie Jordan Shipley from Texas. Quarterback Carson Palmer will have to find a way to spread the ball around and also include running back Cedric Benson. Benson had a very productive year in 2009 and will look to repeat his year. The defense has a great secondary with Leon Hall and Jonathan Jospeh, plus the ageless Roy Williams at safety. If the rest of the team can keep themselves out of jail, these Bengals just might challenge the division - a division they went unbeaten in last year.

Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are going the wrong way. There star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is suspended for the first 4-6 games of the season and they shipped out Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes because of his off-field actions. Without Big Ben for the first month and a half of the season they will need a major contribution for veteran Byron Leftwhich or young inexperienced Dennis Dixon. Coach Mike Tomlin hasn't made it clear which QB will fill the void. Last year Fast Willie Parker lost his 5th gear and the clear number 1 running back this season will be Rashard Mendenhall. Whoever is still at QB will have the reliable Hines Ward to throw to (just don't expect him healthy for every game) and the improving Mike Wallace. The defense is counting on the return of Troy Polamalu and more kick ass seasons from LaMarr Woodley, James Harrsion and Ryan Clark. The Steelers will be fun to follow all season because you will never be certain what team will take the field. In this division they better come prepared every week though.

Cleveland Browns
Oh the Brownies! With their iconic Orange uniforms, I just want them to be good. A Browns game on TV always looks so good. Unfortunately, this season I think the uniforms will be much better than the team. The Browns are the proud new owners of Jake Delhomme's rubber arm. Delhomme lands in Cleveland with lots to prove after imploding in Carolina. The Browns have gotten rid of Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson so the team is Delhomme's to run with. If he does falter, they still have Seneca Wallace and rookie Colt McCoy to fall back on. Running back James Harrison will carry the bulk of the work load, although it will be interesting to see how Peyton Hillis (formerly of the Denver Broncos) is after missing time with injury. Josh Cribbs is the Browns loan threat at wide receiver and he is actually more dangerous on special teams. The Browns risk throwing him off his game like the Bears did with Devin Hester a few years ago, and then they would be left without a wide receiver or a special teams player. The defense isn't that exciting, but the player to look for his rookie Joe Haden, the rookie corner from Florida. The Browns will struggle in 2010+, I just hope that the Cleveland fans can take it.

NFL Review and Predictions - NFC South

2010-08-18T17:12:00.000-04:00

A series of reviews, predictions and ramblings on what to expect in the upcoming NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. As always, don't hold me to these.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have done everything right since Michael Vick tore their team apart by getting suspended. They have built through the draft, made some key signings and are now poised to contend. The Falcons are flying under the radar (no pun intended) due to the fact quarterback Matt Ryan had a less than spectacular second season, but he still has all his weapons and they will assist in bringing him back to form. The two headed running tandem of Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood will shoulder most of the load, while TE Tony Gonzalez, WR’s Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, Brian Finneran and Harry Douglas look to be on the receiving end of many Ryan passes. The defense is decent with one of the best young middle linebackers in Curtis Lofton and young pass rusher Kroy Biermann. This is a team that will challenge and make some noise in the playoffs.

New Orleans Saints
The defending Super Bowl Champions. They deserve lots of credit for last season. They were a middle of the pack team (NFL.com had them ranked 15th at the start of the season) and used good fortune and timely plays to win the Lombardi Trophy. Some of that fortune is bound to wear off this season and it is normally the case where one Super Bowl team has a “hang over” from the year before and does not perform as well. I believe it will be the Saints, not the Colts. Drew Brees is still an MVP type quarterback and everyone still wants to see Reggie Bush be an every down back. How will he perform without his Kardashian good luck charm? Marques Colston leads the receiver group that also features Devery Henderson and Lance Moore (that is why Brees is an MVP candidate). The defense which seemed to be always in the right spot last year will have to be that again if the Saints have a chance. Darren Sharper and Jonathan Vilma lead the defense which will have a lot of people gunning for them.

Carolina Panthers
Jake Delhomme is gone and it’s about time. After miserable playoff performances the reigns are handed over to Matt Moore who finished 2009 with three excellent games. It will be hard for him to keep the momentum when fans will keep clamouring for rookie Jimmy Clausen to get reps. Whichever quarterback is on site, just better learn to hand the ball off well. The Panthers were third in rushing last season and Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are both back to carry the rock again. It’s a good thing they have a running game, because Steve Smith is there only receiving threat and he has been beat-up (broke his arm in the off-season). The defense is good but not great. Jon Beason is a rock solid linebacker, but he doesn’t have enough around him, especially with Thomas Davis out for the year after tearing his ACL and being replaced with unheralded Dan Connor. The Panthers are hoping one of their quarterbacks pan out and a defense can step up, so they can return to the playoffs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The rebuilding division continues in Tampa. The Bucs have been on a consistent slide downward ever since winning the Super Bowl in 2002. The highlight of last season was a win wearing their throwback creamsicle uniforms. This season might be more of the same. The Bucs are counting on 2009 first round draft pick Josh Freeman to be poised under centre and for their young wide receivers (Sammie Sloughter and Arnelius Benn). Kellan Winslow (SOLDIER) provides the veteran leadership with Cadillac Williams still getting the majority of the carries. He will be challenged by former Giants running back Derrick Ward. The defense in Tampa has never really been a question. They get a boost from this year’s first round pick Gerald McCoy. He joins all-pro linebacker Barrett Rudd and veteran Ronde Barber. Tampa could surprise this year is the offense can click, but expect them to need at least one more draft before making an impact.

NFL Review and Predictions - AFC South

2010-08-16T22:15:00.006-04:00

A series of reviews, predictions and ramblings on what to expect in the upcoming NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. As always, don't hold me to these.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts
It's the Tom Brandstater show! Just kidding Colts fans, but it is true that if something happened to your Manning that the Colts might just end up .500 or worse instead of with 13 or 14 wins. The Colts have been able to keep talent around Manning for the better part of his career and thus they will be a contender again this season. Running back will be "by committee" but look for Donald Brown to contribute much more this season than Joseph Addai. Reggie Wayne is still a superstar number one receiver but he has help with tight end Dallas Clark and young receivers in Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon and Anthony Gonzalez. The defense is strong led by a playmaking safety (when healthy) in Bob Sanders. When he isn't healthy Melvin Bullitt will play and is more than adequate. The Colts will be contenders, there is no doubt about it.

Houston Texans
Every year we wait for the Texans to make the leap from 8-8 pretenders to the contenders. Matt Schaub will take the explosive offense into battle each week and will have one of the best receivers in football to throw to in Andre Johnson. Steve Slaton anchors the running back group and will get breathers from rookie out of Auburn Ben Tate and veteran Chris Perry. The defense is strong and not just because of the PED's that Brian Cushing was taking. Mario Williams and Ryan Demeco have come into their own and will only get better. It is said every year about the Texans but I really believe this will be their year to make the playoffs.

Tennessee Titans
The Titans realized what they had in running back Chris Johnson and gave him the new contract extension that he wanted so he wouldn't hold out. The fastest man in the league will be the workhouse back and should most of the load for the Titans. It is a Chris Johnson or bust type of year for the Titans. Behind centre is the redeemed Vince Young. Just incase he gets into another fight at a strip club, the Titans still have Kerry Collins on the roster. The defense is solid but not spectacular. Although the Titans have been good the last couple of seasons, I see them struggling in 2010.

Jacksonville Jaguars
The team that really needed to draft Tim Tebow, just so some of Gator-nation would attend games. The Jags have some talent but a tough schedule (they have to play the NFC East), should make it difficult for them this season. David Gerrard returns under centre and this could be a make it or break it year for him. The Jags will rely on their running game featuring Maurice Jones-Drew, but will probably not be able to give him the carries he needs because they'll be behind late in games. The wide receivers are young and the emerging star of the group is Mike Sims-Walker. The defense will be on the field alot so Kirk Morrison, signed from Oakland and first round draft pick (instead of Tebow) DE Tyson Alualu will have to shine. The Jags need another couple of drafts before they shine in the south again.

NFL Review and Predictions - AFC West

2010-08-13T14:00:00.000-04:00

A series of reviews, predictions and ramblings on what to expect in the upcoming NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. As always, don't hold me to these.

AFC West

San Diego Chargers
For the past couple seasons the Chargers have been a trendy pick to make the Super Bowl if not win the big game. This season is no different. They are one of the most talented teams on paper, the question is now can they put it all together to make a playoff run. They will be challenged early in the season without number one receiver Vincent Jackson who is suspended. Also missing at the moment is pro bowl defensive end Shawn Merriman who is holding out for a new contract. Also gone are the familiar faces of LaDanian Tomlinson and Antonio Cromartie (both with the Jets). Even without these star players, quarterback Philip Rivers commands a look as the MVP and the Chargers demand you look at them as a Super Bowl contender. Now if only Nate Keading could hit a field goal in the playoffs....

Kansas City Chiefs
The Patriots 2.0 - A young team built through the draft, sprinkled with veterans and the odd value free agent added for good measure, the Chiefs are finally set to challenge for the division title again. Matt Cassel is reunited with his ex. Patriots coaching staff and given more offensive talent to work with in Jamaal Charles, Dexter McCluster and Thomas Jones at running back, Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers at wide receiver who will definitely give him options. The defensive has loaded up on lineman for the past couple of seasons and it is time for Glenn Dorsey to live up to his contract and rookie defensive back Eric Berry has been brought in to add the finishing touches. The Chiefs will make Arrowhead a fun stadium again.

Denver Broncos
TIM TEBOW! TIM TEBOW! TIM TEBOW! Although he is a third string quarterback at this point, will probably only get some snaps in the "wildcat" offense, it seems like all of the Broncos press revolves around him. This is probably a good thing as the Broncos will struggle this season. Kyle Orton is the quarterback for the moment and at running back is a revolving door because of injury. They traded away their best wide receiver in Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins and just lost their best defensive player (Elvis Dummervil) to a torn pectoral muscle for 8 weeks. There is a black cloud hanging over Denver at the moment, maybe Tebow was the right pick.

Oakland Raiders
"Just Win Baby" - that saying is old news in Oakland and it has been almost a decade since the Raiders and there maniacal fans could claim a good squad. This year the hope of the #1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell is gone, he is replaced by Jason Campbell and it can only be an improvement. Campbell does have some weapons to work with at running back with Darren McFadden and sophomore wide receiver Darius Heyward-Bey should have a better year with a quarterback that can throw the ball. Defense is solid but not spectacular. The Raiders have over paid some talent in corner Nnamdi Asomugha and safety Michael Huff. Rookie linebacker Rolando McLain should also make an immediate impact and although they might not make the playoffs, they are starting to get their swagger back.

NFL Review and Predictions - NFC West

2010-08-12T14:00:00.000-04:00

A series of reviews, predictions and ramblings on what to expect in the upcoming NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. As always, don't hold me to these.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals
A lot has changed in the desert since the end of last season. Team leader, all around good guy and starting QB Kurt Warner has retired, wide receiver Anquan Boldin was moved to Baltimore and defensive standout Karlos Dansby is no longer with the team. So what do they have? At QB Matt Leinart will take the lessons learned from being on the bench and try to turn them into on-field success like the Packers Aaron Rodgers did behind Brett Favre. Leinart still has the chance to throw to Larry Fitzgerald which should help his accuracy. On defense they will fly to the ball, lead by SS Adrian Wilson. Rookie DT Dan Williams from Tennessee will also contribute. The Cards are still clearly the class of the division, but will struggle to win a playoff game.

San Francisco 49ers
Coach Mike Singletary wants to be the best to ever walk the sidelines. This team might just challenge him enough to see if that can true. The 49ers have built a decent team through the draft and with wide receiver Michael Crabtree, two rookie olineman that will start this seasons. These draft picks join the Pro Bowl talents of running back Frank Gore, linebacker Patrick Willis and safety Dashon Goldson. The big question remains under centre - can Alex Smith live up to the his first overall selection. Smith will be given all the opportunity to take the job and run, but if he can't succeed with the talent around him, it will interesting to see how Singletary reacts.

Seattle Seahawks
A new coach and a new look (no more lime green uniforms) the Seahawks will try hard to make sure the home field advantage at Qwest Field doesn't go to waste. The Seahawks have to cross their fingers that QB Matt Hasselbeck stays healthy for a whole season, something he hasn't been able to do lately. If he doesn't the options are weak - Charlie Whitehurst and JP Losman. Eww...IF Hasselbeck does stay healthy he will have some offensive weapons. Rookie wide receiver Golden Tate joins veterans Deion Brance and TJ Houszmanzadah (sp?). In the backfield he has Julius Jones and Leon Washington. Defense is what will keep the Seahawks in games though. A young fast linebacking core can make up for a lot of mistakes. Led by Aaron Curry and Lofa Tatufu and Leroy Hill will all have big years.

St. Louis Rams
The Rams only have one direction to go, thank goodness. After a terrible season last year which saw them go 1-15, they have some hope with the arrival of first overall pick and $50 million dollar man, quarterback Sam Bradford. He joins one of the most underrated players - running back Steven Jackson. Jackson is one of the best all-around running backs. Unfortunately, he hasn't had any support and teams are able to key on him. The Rams haven't upgraded their wide receivers much, although Donnie Avery will be improved. Their defense isn't spectacular and will get beat up because they will be on the field for extended periods of time. Three wins will be great for the Rams.

Names to Know - Julian Wright

2010-08-11T18:40:00.003-04:00

The Toronto Raptors are a new look team yet again this season. Bryan Colangelo isn't one to sit back and enjoy his work. Last year Colangelo had nine new players on the roster and this year is no different.

A new look Raptors squad will take the court October 27 to face the New York Knicks in the season opener, but will you recognize anyone on the court?

To add to all the changes, Colangelo today traded Marco Bellinelli to the New Orleans Hornets for Julian Wright.

Here is the lo-down on Wright from his NBA.com page;

full name is Julian Emil-Jamaal Wright…nickname is “Ju-Ju”…lists singing as his greatest talent other than basketball…is an avid bowler…a McDonald’s High School All-America selection at Homewood-Flossmoor H.S. (Illinois)

College: Averaged 10.4 points and 6.3 rebounds in two seasons at Kansas…appeared in 71 games, starting 52...garnered All-America Honorable Mention from The Associated Press…collected All-Big 12 First Team honors as a sophomore…Big 12 All-Freshman Team selection in 2005-06...averaged 12.0 points and 7.8 rebounds (led team, fourth in Big 12) his sophomore season, leading the Jayhawks to their third straight conference title, second consecutive Big 12 Tournament Championship and a trip to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament…scored a career-high 33 points against Missouri and grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds against Texas his sophomore season…recorded three-plus blocks six times and three-plus steals nine times…posted six double-doubles and 11 double-digit rebounding efforts his second season at Kansas…averaged 8.5 points and 1.27 blocks (eighth in the Big 12) his freshman season…led the Jayhawks in scoring six times and in rebounding seven times…led the team in field goal percentage with a .564 mark.

As for his pro career - the 4th year pro averages about 4pts per game, 2 rebounds and under an assist and block a game. The athletic forward will come off the bench for the Raptors and contribute to the run and gun style of the second unit.

The Future Is Now

2010-08-09T20:05:00.003-04:00

It was quite a weekend for Blue Jays fans down at the SkyDome. First was the debut of catching prospect JP Arencibia on Saturday and then Sunday was the best pitching performance of the season - by any pitcher in a sweep of the AL wild card leaders Tampa Bay Rays.

We will start the weekend with Arencibia debut, and it was a game to remember for the youngster. On the first pitch he saw in the big leagues, he swung and connected and the ball went bye bye. Home run. He was the first Jays player to do this since Junior Felix in 1987. Not your everyday occurrence. Arencibia was off to a great start. On his next at-bat a double, then a single, and then ANOTHER home run. JP was now 4-4 and the first player in the modern era (since 1900) to have a first game like he did. Unfortunately, in his last at-bat the Rays pitching staff found a hole in his bat and retired him, ending his day - 4-5, batting .800 and tieing Jose Bautista for the most home runs in baseball this season.

Arencibia isn't just another Jays prospect that they needed because of an injury. For the past two seasons JP has been the "catcher of the future" only to have Jays management get one year stop gap solutions. Every fan knows his name because he is the prospect that we want to see succeed. Now that he has made the transition to the big league team and done well it will hopefully be difficult to get him out of the line-up, except when Brandon Morrow is pitching.

The second part of the weekend was the excellent pitching performance by Brendan Morrow. Morrow has been a pleasant surprise this season for the Jays. He had not been given the proper opportunity to be a starter and the Jays promised him that opportunity. He confirmed the organizations faith with his start on Sunday afternoon. Morrow went into the 9th inning with a no-hitter. One out, then the second out and then the clock struck midnight. Morrow gave up his only base it to break up the no hitter and his shot at joining the class 2010 pitching performances. Even though he didn't get the no hitter, he did finish with 17 strike-outs and a great stepping stone for the Jays.

So is the future now for the Jays? They took two out of three from Yankees and then sweep the Rays. The Red Sox are having major injury concerns, so do we want to think about the Jays making the playoffs or do fans think that 2011 could be a playoff year? With Arencibia stepping into the starting catcher role, the pitching staff of Morrow, Romero, Marcum, and Brett Cecil, a solid bullpen and then young position players in Lind, Hill, Snider and the veteran leadership of Wells it could be a very good season(s).

Do Records Matter Anymore?

2010-08-04T17:04:00.000-04:00

61
755
56

These are historical numbers

73
762
262

These are modern numbers

Do you know what they are anymore? Growing up, every baseball fan knew 61 homers in a season, 755 in a career and Joe Dimaggio’s 56 game hitting streak. As a baseball fan, I needed to research the new home run records (add the asterisk if you want) of Barry Bonds for a season (73) and a career (762). The other number on that list – you will never guess, Ichiro’s single season hits record.

So with Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez hitting his 600th home run today, joining an elite group of seven other players, why is everyone shrugging their shoulders at this milestone?

Could it be because he admitted using steroids? Could it be because of his purple lips? Maybe it is just because he plays for the Yankees. Whether it was Rodriguez or some one who is loved like Ken Griffey Jr., the numbers are starting to mean less and less to the fans. What we care about now apparently, is scandals and winning. Give us one or the other, preferably both – c’mon Cincinnati Bengals!

Many things have contributed to the apathy towards modern sports records. The increased length of the season has allowed players a better chance of beating records. Ichiro’s record of 262 hits would never have happened if the season was 10 games shorter. The length of the season is one factor, but the number of teams and players involved in the league also figures into the issue. The expansion of all professional sports has watered down the talent pool to the point where the super star athletes stand out like sore thumbs. It is much easier for someone like Rodriguez to succeed when he is facing sub-par talent 3 out of 5 games (given the benefit of the doubt that teams have two good pitchers).

With players now involved in more games per season and playing against worse competition that helps them get their numbers up, the other factor is length of career. Players are involved at the top level for a much longer period of time. All sports start their recruitment of players in high school, and the best are already playing major roles on pro teams by the time they hit their 20th birthday. With the extended careers, based on age, better physical care by the training staff, better off-season training, not to mention performance enhancing drugs and it turns records into a thing of the past.

Will numbers always matter to the sports fan? For sure they will, but they are changing. A players worth is no longer measured by home runs and runs batted in, it is now OPS and WAR and UZR. These are complicated mathematical formulas to determine the worth of the player to his team, it’s just too bad these don’t translate well to the back of a baseball card.

Not For Long

2010-08-03T21:27:00.003-04:00

There is a classic NFL Films clip where Jerry Glanville, then coach of the Atlanta Falcons is berating an official after a blown call and he asks him "Do you know what NFL stands for?" Glanville answers for the official "Not For Long if you keep making calls like that".

Well, apparently there are other ways to have a short career in the National Football League and many players seem to be doing their best to end their stint. With the average career being only 3.5 years, and contracts not being guaranteed, you would think players would try their best to stay around as long as possible.

Well, this year alone we've had a bunch of interesting incidents that have affected players and therefore their teams...

- Steve Smith, wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers broke his arm in a flag football game. He will be out until the first week of the season, hampering his chances to build chemistry with the new starting quarterback Matt Moore.

- Johnny Jolly, defensive lineman for the Packers was charged because he "bought, sold, funded, transported and aided in the buying, selling, funding and transportation of illegal narcotics including cocaine and marijuana" in Texas from 2006 through May 2008. Jolly was arrested in Houston in July 2008 allegedly for illegally possessing at least 200 grams of codeine. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Since this all violates the leagues substance abuse policy, Jolly has been suspended for the entire season.

- Santonio Holmes, wide receiver for the Jets was suspended for the first 4 games of the season for violating the substance abuse policy. Not only was it enough to get him suspended, but this also got him traded from Pittsburgh to the Jets.

- Albert Haynesworth, defensive lineman with the Washington Redskins is still not participating in training camp because he can't pass the teams conditioning test. Haynesworth is the only player in camp who has to pass the test because he didn't participate in half of the teams off-season workouts. Way to go fatty!

- Another player with similar problems was Terrence Cody a rookie defensive lineman with the Baltimore Ravens. Cody who tips the scales at 380 lbs took 3 tries to pass the Ravens conditioning test, but if you are getting paid to play professional sports don't you come prepared to pass that test the first time? Why jeopardize your chance of making thousands if not millions of dollars.

- We have a slew of first round picks who still have haven't signed their contracts. This is a negotiation tactic, but with NFL rookies basically getting slotted into a dollar amount based upon where they were picked, they need to get their name on a contract and get into camp so they don't stunt their growth.

There you have it, just a few of the reasons that players are screwing themselves out of longer careers.

Can you guys remember other ways careers were cut short...

5 Things To Look Forward To...

2010-07-30T17:21:00.003-04:00

You made it through the work week and if you are reading this from Canada you get to enjoy a long weekend. If you are reading from elsewhere, all you can probably think about is only two days until I need to go back to work. So, with that forward thinking, here is what you have to look forward to next week...

1. NFL - Training camps around the league open this weekend. From the circus that will be Cincinnati and NY Jets camps, to the expectations in the Dallas and New England camps or the hope in places like Miami and Kansas City, fans from everywhere will be tuning in to see how their teams are progressing and hoping there are no injuries.

2. The MLB Trade Deadline - Saturday at 4pm is the baseball trade deadline. Even though their aren't many "big" names that will be on the move, there will be lots of movement as contenders try to shore up rotations, bullpens and depth and those out of the playoffs build for next year. Also, interesting will be where the Blue Jays fit into all of this. They are sellers this year and have interesting pieces to move including Jose Bautista, Scott Downs and Lyle Overbay.

3. More LeBron Bashing - It hasn't stopped since "The Decision", everyone has been taking shots at the King. Most recently ESPN pulled an article talking about a day in the life of LeBron while he was in Vegas. As I read the story, I was wishing it was my club experience...Expect more piling on until training camp opens.

4. Rogers Cup - Tennis comes to Toronto and this year it is the men's turn to take the Rexall Tennis Centre by storm. It is your chance to see Rafeal Nadal and Roger Federer. Should be exciting and there is nothing like seeing the action up close and personal.

5. Kanye West on Twitter - Through just 3 days on the site, has 310 000 followers and has been talking jibberish non stop, it's great! Can't wait to read what he says next.

Batman and Robin

2010-07-28T19:01:00.002-04:00

I bet NFL Network is wishing they could change their minds on which team to cover for their Hard Knocks training camp series. No matter how good a quote Jets head coach Rex Ryan is, he has nothing on what will happen in Cincinnati this August.

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Bengals signed 36-year-old free agent Terrell Owens to a contract. He will join forces with probably the other most flamboyant wide receiver in the game in Chad OchoCinco (ne Johnson). The two paired together would have given defensive backs fits only 4 seasons earlier, now it will be interesting to see how they produce.

What do the Bengals get with Owens? As mentioned, he is 36 years old and near the tail end of a great career. He was a game changer in his time with the 49ers, Cowboys and Eagles. Last season after signing with the Bills it was obvious that Owens had lost a step and wasn’t able to break free of tight coverage and couldn’t outrun defensive backs like he had in the past. Owens did show signs of greatness, running an end around for a touchdown against the Texans and catching a long touchdown pass against the Colts in the regular season finale. The one thing that everyone expected in Buffalo last season, was the thing Owens didn’t deliver on – sizzle. Many fans in Buffalo were excited about the arrival of Owens because he would bring some cache to the Bills, which they haven’t had since the mid-nineties. The popcorn chugging, sit up in the driveway and sharpie in the sock Owens never showed up.

Will that same lame Owens show up in Cincinnati? Probably not. In Cincinnati, Owens will have Chad OchoCinco on the opposite side of the field as his running mate. Chad OchoCinco has been a prolific the last couple of seasons. First with TJ Whosyourmomma on the other side of the field, and then for the last couple of seasons without a real number two wide receiver. OchoCinco has talent and often that is overlooked amongst all his antics. With a second option in Owens, third in the other free agent signing Antonio Bryant and fourth, rookie TE Jermaine Gresham from Oklahoma, the Bengals have some offensive talent to challenge defenses.

The man that has to keep all the talent in line and distribute the ball is quarterback Carson Palmer. He is going to either have lots of fun throwing the ball or be stressed out every Sunday trying to get the ball to all his options and not have them bite his head off.

The fun now starts in Cincinnati. Will we get choreographed first down celebrations, lots of fines and the best press conferences ever? Probably, and maybe, just maybe a playoff team in Cincinnati.

Expos 2 – Blue Jays 0

2010-07-26T19:07:00.003-04:00

On Sunday afternoon, the Baseball Hall of Fame inducted its 293rd member, former Montreal Expos Andre Dawson. This gives the now extinct Expos two players enshrined in Cooperstown. Dawson joins former Expos catcher Gary Carter. This gives the Expos a two player to nothing lead in inductees over their Canadian brothers, the Blue Jays.

Unfortunately, the Expos were moved in 2004 to Washington so the chances are slim that future players will be inducted wearing the Expos hat. The Expos are where many great players started their careers, but like Carter and Dawson, got more national exposure when they moved onto bigger clubs, the Mets and Cubs respectively. The likes of Pedro Martinez, Vladimir Guerrero, Randy Johnson, and Tim Raines are all likely additions to the walls of Cooperstown. Like Carter and Dawson though, those four all got their shine and awards with other teams, which makes it likely they will be enshrined wearing the caps of other teams. This is probably the way because the Hall has taken heat from both Carter and Dawson about being enshrined as Expos. They both wanted to be wearing the caps of other teams, but The Hall has the final decision and decided to honour their time Les Expos.

Since Les Expos, don’t have any new players that have the possibility of getting enshrined can Canada’s other team catch them in the Hall of Fame player race. The Jays have definitely had some stars, specifically from their World Series winning teams in 1993 and 1994, but like Les Expos, most of those players made their name before joining the Jays to win a world championship. The likes of Rickey Henderson, Paul Molitor, Dave Winfield, and Roger Clemens are prime examples of players who played for the Jays but will be or have been enshrined wearing the caps of other teams.

So who can the Jays expect to be enshrined into Cooperstown and can they catch the Expos in terms of players in the Hall? Their best chance lies in Roberto Alomar. The 12 time all-star, 10 time gold glove winner and two time World Series champion is best known for his playing days in Toronto, but it was his actions after he moved on that garnered a lot of attention (spitting on an umpire) that may scare some voters off, but based on his play, Alomar deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and be there as a Blue Jay.

The other likely candidates include Carlos Delgado and Roy Halladay. Delgado is the Blue Jays all-time leader in most of the offensive categories including runs, home runs, runs batted in and slugging percentage. With almost 500 career home runs and 1500 RBIs Delgado was the most offensively gifted Jays player ever and therefore if any slugger was going to be enshrined it would Delgado. Since his forced “retirement” last season due to injuries, we will only have to wait another five years to see if the voters feel the same way. Without the magical 500 home run number though, it might be a tough sell for some voters.

Halladay is one of the best of the modern day pitchers and made a name for himself as a dominant starter during his years with the Jays. Although, he wasn’t part of the World Series championship teams, Halladay was the reason the Jays didn’t finish last every year. With outstanding records against the Yankees and Red Sox, Halladay proved he pitches his best when playing the best. Halladay, so far has one Cy Young and 3 other top five Cy Young finishes. Due to playing on some mediocre teams “Doc” is closing in on only 200 wins after 13 seasons, but with the pitching magical number being 300 it doesn’t look like Halladay will get there. The 300 win total for pitchers is about to move downward. The trend for specialty pitchers has put total innings and wins at a premium and Halladay bucks all those trends continually finishing either first or second in innings pitched. Although a good candidate for the Hall, Halladay will have to have some strong seasons with Philadelphia and beyond (a championship wouldn’t hurt) to be a lock for Cooperstown.

Although, the Jays are still playing and the Expos aren’t, it seems like it will be difficult for the Jays to catch the Expos soon…

Snack of the Day

2010-07-25T11:24:00.002-04:00

Spicy food in the summer isn't always the best idea. You are already sweating (at least I am) when you are eating, so adding some heat to your meal, not always smart. I really enjoy spice and Indian food so today's snack of the day is a samosa.

These tasty snacks can't be turned down and you can eat plenty of them. Mmmmm....

Also, for a little light entertainment on a Sunday, have a look at this...

Blue Jays on the Move

2010-07-20T23:00:00.003-04:00

The second half of the baseball season has started and even though the Toronto Blue Jays aren’t mathematically eliminated from contention yet, the odds are shrinking daily and being in the American League East doesn’t help.

So what is a team that is hovering around .500 for the season to do? They play in a very difficult division where the chances to win are very slim. With the trade deadline looming, the Jays can either be sellers or buyers.

Becoming buyers in the AL East wouldn’t be prudent. The Jays have a very good farm system and have acquired some good prospects in trades during the past two seasons. It would not be worth risking the long-term development of the franchise to make a run at the title this year when they are already 12 games out of first place in the East and 9.5 out in the wild card. Especially since the Yankees are a class to themselves and will spend to win. They don’t need much, but will probably go out and get another elite starter anyways. The Tampa Bay Rays have all the pieces in place and are primed to make another World Series run. The Boston Red Sox are on the outside looking in at the moment, if for no other reason than they have the injury bug this season. Their stars will return soon and make a return for a run at the playoffs.

So that leaves the Jays as potential sellers this August and with contenders trying to shore up fielding, offense and pitching the Jays just might have what some people are looking for. They have already moved one piece – Alex Gonzalez to the Braves, so who else would teams be interested in?

John Buck – a good catcher is hard to find. Buck is having a career year after being released in the off-season by the Kansas City Royals. He is on a one year deal with the Jays which makes him very attractive to potential suitors. Although it would be sad to see him go after a very good season, GM Alex Anthopolous should be able to get a good prospect for an every day catcher.

Scott Downs – With a 1.02 WHIP over 39.1 inning, Downs has been a lock down in the middle innings for the Jays. He has been so lights out that the Yankees have expressed interest in him. Another player with a manageable contract that would be easy to move to a contender, but it would be a blow to the Jays bullpen. If everyone was healthy was Dirk Hayhurst to Dustin McGowan it might not be so difficult to have him leave, but with the uncertainty of their return to form next season, it would be a shame for him to leave town.

Jason Frasor – The closer in waiting might have to get his saves in another uniform. Frasor was beaten out in spring training by the newly acquired Kevin Gregg. Although, Gregg has been shaky as of late, and Frasor is great to have on hand, but Frasor is still the pitcher that more teams would covet.

Lyle Overbay – The elder statesman of the Jays might be a good piece for many contenders. He is a great fielder, which is always nice for a team in contention. A former gold glover who can not only be a defensive replacement in the 7th inning, but he can also swing the bat. A consistent hitter, who makes contact is never a bad thing for a team trying to win the World Series.

So who do you think the Jays should move, if anyone?

Thierry Henry > David Beckham

2010-07-16T13:28:00.001-04:00

Once considered a minor sport in America, soccer has begun its ascent into becoming one of the big 4 sports. While NFL, NBA and MLB will always dominate the headlines, the recent FIFA World Cup shed light on the growing popularity of soccer in America.

With record numbers of fans tuning into watch the games (and not just the ones the US team was involved in) the sport is beginning to get a foot hold with the public that started with the arrival of David Beckham in 2007.

The arrival of David Beckham from Spanish giant Real Madrid was supposed to ignite the passion for soccer in the States. There was a lot of pressure on the Englishmen to deliver brilliance every time he stepped on the field. He was not only supposed to carry his new team, LA Galaxy to a MLS championship, but he was saddled with the duties of being the face of the league in all their marketing. That marketing wasn’t just for the league it was also for his other sponsors.

As a player, Beckham could still create on the field and off the field as a spokesman he was everywhere, but fans still wanted more. There was so much pressure on him from every angle; there was no way for him to live up to the hype. When Beckham struggled initially on the field because of injuries and because he was part of a team with no real talent, he became the target of fans and the media. He turned it around sufficiently to earn a loan to AC Milan and make the England World Cup team only to suffer a torn Achilles months before the FIFA World Cup and forcing him to watch from the sidelines in South Africa. Beckham may eventually return to play for the LA Galaxy (he is still under contract), but he accomplished what he could in North America and for him, the place to end his career is back playing for a European team.

A “new” Beckham has joined MLS to take his place – former Arsenal, Barcelona and French international star Thierry Henry. At 37 years old Henry will join the NY Red Bulls and will no doubt be expected to contribute right away. He will be able to do so because even at 37, Henry still has his scoring touch, great pace and vision to make a difference in the MLS. He will also end up making more of a difference than Beckham.

Henry will have a far greater impact than Beckham on growing the game in the States because he scores goals. Beckham is a great player with excellent touch on the ball, no one can deny this, but the Americans love the glory players. Whether you hit home runs, score touchdowns or score goals that is what is valued in American sports. Therefore when Beckham didn’t put the ball in the back of the net he was vilified. Henry won’t have this problem. There isn’t the same expectation on him to be the face of the league and he scores goals. He will light up some teams and be a constant threat to defences.

With soccer now being a recognized sport in the States that has a following much greater than three years ago when Beckham joined, Thierry Henry has an advantage to be considered a much better player than Beckham in the eyes of the American soccer public.

Here is a short clip from Jimmy Fallon last night - Thierry Henry was the guest...

Enjoyable/Aggravating Travel Notes

2010-07-15T17:12:00.000-04:00

With a tip of the cap to SI Peter King, here are my enjoyable/aggravating travel notes during this busy summer travel season.

Most of my travel recently has been short trips to destinations not far away. This means I have been able to travel light and carry my bags on instead of checking. This is a big plus for any traveler, especially with most airlines now charging for checked bags and no one likes to wait at the other end for luggage when your vacation is so close.

The annoying part of everyone bringing carry ons onto the plane these days is the lack of room in the overhead compartments. These storage areas were not meant to hold a bag with a weeks worth of clothes. Some of the carry on bags the airlines are letting on look like you could travel for 6 months in them. With out a doubt the jackass that has this huge carry on bag is the last guy on the plane and can’t find an overhead compartment to store his enormous bag. This brings in 3 flight attendants who have to move everyone’s back around to accommodate the ugly flyer.

As an aside, this is similar to my thoughts on busy movie theatres. I got there early to get a good seat. Since you got here during the previews, you have no right to ask me to move down so you can fit your Goober eating ass in a great seat location.

So airlines, if you could deliver luggage to the right destination, get it off the plane in a efficient amount of time, travelers might not have to bring giant carry on bags on the plane and you could collect more checked bag fees.

On most of my flights, I like to be entertained by the in flight system. I read men’s magazines online now, so buying the newest GQ or Esquire before getting on the plane really isn’t that useful for me anymore. I will bring a book and my ipod, but the lure of watching a movie or TV show on the plane is just too great. This is especially true now that planes have personal TV’s and have them turned on from the second you sit down to the moment you de-plane. This gives you maximum viewing time and no need to interact with the smelly guy next to you (or am I the smelly guy, ahhh).

The one issue I do have with this is the passenger announcements that interrupt your viewing. Once the flight attendants start talking your screen shuts off while they babble on about flight safety (I know how to do up a seat-belt, thanks) or to let me know they are bringing the beverage cart around. Once you think they are done and you can get back to movie watching, wrong – they now do them in French as well. If you are on a short flight to say Montreal, you only have an hour and 10 minutes and you need all the viewing possible. Airlines – fix it so your passenger announcements don’t interrupt my on-board entertainment.

Movie of the Week

2010-07-14T19:51:00.005-04:00

Salt – featuring Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie plays a good looking spy or secret agent type character. There is lots of explosions, gun play and Jolie looking sexy in black outfits. Her character Salt is accused of a crime and she has to escape and prove her innocence, all the while looking hawt! Unfortunately, it seems like Jolie has started to be type cast as the female action star type. It isn't a bad thing but once you have seen this it once you have seen it a million times.
Rating: Buy the Bootleg DVD 3 for $10

Despicable Me – featuring voices of Steve Carrell
The number of animated features continues to grow and this one stars the voice of Steve Carrell as an evil genius trying to rule the world with the help of some one eyed little people. Some little kids get in the picture and hilarity ensues. Little kids always have the ability to bring down evil geniuses. As with most of the animated features these days it is visually stunning and kids or adults alike should like.
Rating: Sneak into the movie theater to watch

Sorcerer’s Apprentice – featuring Nic Cage
Nicholas Cage in a Disney movie sounds like an oxymoron. The fact that Cage needs the money probably has nothing to do with this movie being made. He has long flowing hair and cool powers and he tries to teach someone how to harness his powers. Although Disney hardly ever misses, they might have to re-cast the part of the Sorcerer for the sequel.
Rating: Make it magically appear on your computer through downloading

The Last Airbender - M. Night Shyamalan
With some crazy effects - now in 3D - director M. Night Shyamalan brings his spotty track record back to the big screen. How many more movies is this guy going to direct before studios quit giving him money. With no major star power, this moves relies on great special effects and Shyamalan's name as director for drawing power. So, in the movie one man has to learn his super powers to overcome the forces of nature. If you combined The Last Airbender and Sorcerer's Apprentice you might have one decent movie. In this one, you just get Shyamalan's cameo appearance and of course **SPOILER ALERT** aliens.
Rating: Wait for M. Night Shyamalan next film

Karate Kid – Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith
Watch the original from 1986 - Daniel Larusso is going to fight!
Rating: Don't even think about it.

Gear Down

2010-07-13T16:27:00.000-04:00

It is the time of year when the sports world slows down just a bit. The NHL and NFL training camps are still about a month away (although it is never to early for a fantasy football mock draft), the NBA has finished and all the big free agents are now signed and even MLB is on its All-Star break which means besides the exhibition match being played tonight, there was no baseball yesterday and no baseball tomorrow. Even the World Cup is over which means no early drinking at the bars. What is a sports fan to do?

Here are a couple of suggestions to get you through the July until NFL kicks in and the baseball pennant races heat up.

1. Tour de France – No Lance Armstrong no problem. The TDF as those in the know like to call it, can fill your morning sports void for the next couple of weeks. Unlike the World Cup, we actually have a Canadian to cheer for. Victoria's Ryder Hesjedal was in contention (top 5) until yesterday’s brutal ride up the hills and is currently out of the overall top 10.

2. Video Games – Today is the release of EA’s NCAA Football game featuring Tim Tebow on the cover (minus the writing on his eye black). So, even though the first game is a month away you can still win the national championship as your favorite institution.

3. Play a Sport – Here is a list of the best “adult” leagues in Toronto. I need a soccer team if you are in need of players.

4. Message Boards – Become addicted to message boards and you won’t even realize when games are being played. You get to argue about sports all day long with other anonymous people on the interwebs, make fun of them electronically and ignore them when they say you’re wrong. You also get to feel much better about yourself when you finally turn them off.

5. ESPY Awards - Tomorrow night is the annual ESPN awards show that allows you to relieve the best teams, plays and moments for the year that was. There is a lot of comedy gold that happens at this event. Think of how many awkward interviews, Kanye moments and tears of joy will be shed during this live broadcast. The one thing I can tell you that won’t be happening this year – LeBron James coming out and dancing as MC Hammer. Someone from the crowd is likely to throw a banana peel on stage so he slips and hurts himself. (header photo is of the newest ESPN ‘it girl’ – Jenn Brown who will patrolling college football sidelines this fall)

6. Watch a Movie – With that I will let you know that tomorrow’s blog post will be a summer movie guide. Reviews of movies I haven’t seen!

Still have time to kill and missing the FIFA World Cup – check out all the goals in one video segment, courtesy of The Spoiler GOOOOOOAAAALLLLL!… or this clip of German super kid doing a wonderful trick with a piece of gum.

Heartbreak Kids

2010-07-12T16:13:00.002-04:00

The world is filled with ups and downs. For many the sports fans, there have been more downs lately.

For the past month 32 teams took part in the FIFA World Cup, and all but one left happy (unless you count New Zealand who finished as the only undefeated team). That means that 31 countries went home with their tails between their legs to a fan base that is dejected and must wait another four years for glory to come their way.

For the past two years, fans of the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat dreaded the summer of 2010 when their star players could opt for free agency and leave their team and city for a new chance of winning. In the past week, it was first Chris Bosh who left his fans in Toronto and then, as part of a one hour TV special LeBron James left Cleveland. In Toronto, but especially in Cleveland these players were important to the identity of the city and franchise and they are now gone and a void is left. The fans in Cleveland are especially heartbroken since James was a native to Ohio and they thought he would have loyalty to the city. Alas, they were wrong.

Maybe you are a baseball fan, and since we have reached the midway point of the season you have analyzed the fate of your team and decided that they no longer have a chance to play in the post-season. If you are a Blue Jays fan, this happened in April since 3 of the best teams in baseball play in your division and no matter how many home runs you hit, it won’t be enough to topple the Red Sox, Yankees or Rays.

Although, I really enjoy sports, I have had very few “heartbreak” moments as a fan. Maybe I’m not wrapped up enough in my teams (the wife would disagree), maybe I have been lucky to be a fan of teams that have won recently (that’s not it – Packers, A’s, Nuggets, Jays, Raptors) or maybe it is I’m just not emotional enough (the wife would agree).

The first time I remember being really down from a sporting memory was in 1988. At the time I followed the Jays really closely. I was also a big baseball card collector and had grown attached to the Jays players by collecting all their cards. I had team sets from 1977 all the way to the present. Watching Sports Desk one evening, it came across the screen that the Jays had sold the rights to Willie Upshaw to the Cleveland Indians (at the time I remember him being traded). Upshaw was at the tail end of his career (only played one season for the Indians) and the Jays had a first base prospect that needed to play – Fred McGriff, so if I understood the business more it would make sense, but I was young and attached to Upshaw and his contributions in 1985 and 1987. It got a little dusty in the house that evening.

The other time I remember being really down about a sporting event was in 1993. It was a great year to be a Notre Dam Fightin’ Irish football fan. The team was playing great and ranked #1 in the country after beating the previous #1 Florida State the week prior. All that was needed was a victory in the last game of the regular season over pansy and un-ranked Boston College. It was not to be. The Golden Eagles kicked a last second field goal to beat the Irish. It dropped them out of the national title picture and they have never recovered and neither have I.

What is your sports heartbreak story?

Stupid is as Stupid Does

2010-07-08T15:06:00.002-04:00

When you cross the land, you may stumble across some weird and stupid stuff. These weird things are often times turned into competitions by bored individuals. Heck ESPN writer Rick Reilly even wrote a whole book about them.

If you want to be the stupidest of them all, you should be in Spain right now…not to be part of the World Cup finals experience, which would be unbelievable, not stupid – but to take part in the running of the bulls.

What was once a simple act of transporting the bulls to the market, became a competition between the men to move the cattle faster. They would use tactics of fear and excitement to get the bulls move quicker. This developed into a race to beat the bulls to their pens and attracted more attention developing into the spectacle on the streets of Pamplona that we witness today.

Not only is there no sense in running away from the bulls, how many of us can really pull off the all white look?

If you to argue about which other sports can be in the mix about being the dumbest, you have to include the following couple, but I think they all come in after the running of the bulls because it is the only one where you can leave with a hole in your body.

Cheese-rolling event on Cooper's Hill in Gloucester
The event where they begin by rolling a wheel of cheese down a hill and then have everyone chase it, often tumbling head over heels to be the first one down and claim the cheese as your own. Unfortunately for youtube viewers everywhere the 183 year history of this event ended in March because, get this – it was unsafe.

Wife Carrying
Popularized in Scandanavia where the wives are sometimes just as big as the men that are carrying them, this “sport” has grown in popularity for some reason. Competitors throw their WAGs on their back and carry them through an cross-country course consisting of obstacles that they must climb or water they need to wade through. The winner of the race is often awarded beer equivalent to his wife’s weight.

Competitive Eating
How this became a sport is beyond me. I enjoy eating, but that is mainly because I like the taste of food, I savour it, enjoying every bite, mmmm food. I don’t enjoy the sight of people stuffing themselves with food to the point of being sick. YOU ARE WASTING A GOOD HOT DOG! Give me competitions about food that involve the best of “insert tasty food”. The organizers and participants should be ashamed for contributing to obesity. By the way my personal best for hot dog eating is 13 (in one hour) and the other personal food best is 10 McDonald’s cheeseburgers, 1 fries and 1 McFlurry in one sitting.

Have you participated in any stupid sports? What are your competitive eating personal bests?

The Heat Is On

2010-07-07T14:17:00.003-04:00

Well the NBA has a new team to beat, or do they? On Wednesday afternoon Dwayne Wade announced that he will be staying in South Beach and be joined by Chris Bosh. This gives the Miami Heat quite the star combo, but it is enough to be the best in the NBA?

Let’s examine the top teams and see how the Heat stack up…

LA Lakers – Still have all the pieces that won them the championship last year. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol are a better SG and SF combo. Heat won’t be able to match up against Odom and Bynum.

Boston Celtics – The old guard still has some left in the tank as we saw this spring. Although another year older doesn’t do anything for the Big 3 (and Ray Allen probably won’t be back), but Rajon Rondo has developed into an all-star and could easily put the team on his back.

Cleveland Cavaliers – IF LeBron James re-signs with the Cavs, they will no doubt win 50 games and be a threat in the East. IF LeBron James re-signs with the Cavs and can bring one other decent player along with him for the ride, they can make any game or playoff series close.

New York Knicks – They are terrible unless LeBron signs here. With the signing of Amar’e Stoudamire and an offensive minded coach, could this be enough to persuade King James to play in the mecca of basketball? Knicks fans hope so. If they manage to sign James, it won’t matter who plays the point – Chris Duhon, Sergio Rodriguez or Andy Rautins, they will be a fun team to watch and the combo of Amar’e and LeBron is at least on par if not better than Wade and Bosh. What hurts the Knicks most in this scenario is losing David Lee.

Orlando Magic – The Heat still don’t have anyone to defend Dwight Howard. In every game versus the Raptors, Howard was dominant because Toronto didn’t have a centre. Welcome to our world Heat fans. The Magic need a piece or two to contend – Hedo Turkoglu ironically, but they will be tough to beat.

Oklahoma City Thunder – The young guns out West. With Kevin Durant leading the charge and a bunch of scorers, some defensive help and the best general manager in the league, the Thunder have quickly become an elite team. They will not surprise anyone when they make the playoffs this coming season and win a couple of series.

Denver Nuggets – The Nuggets probably had the best chance of anyone to beat the Lakers in the playoffs last season until they lost their coach George Karl and then lost their way. They return the same core of players including Carmelo Anthony, who is LeBron James West.

Sacremento Kings – No joke! The Kings are going to be a team on the rise this year. With Tyreke Evans and rookie Demarcus Cousins to compliment Carl Landry, Omar Cassipi and Jason Thompson (not to mention other big men Sam Dalembert and Sean May). The West just increased to 55 wins needed to make the playoffs.

So, how do the Heat measure up to the other talent in the league? No doubt they are good, but are they championship good? Looking at their roster and the teams listed above there is a good chance they don’t make the Eastern Finals, let alone win a ring.

Is Chris Bosh the New Vince Carter

2010-07-05T22:37:00.002-04:00

Toronto Raptors fans have that sinking feeling. The Raptors are about to lose their marquee player again. This is a road they have been down before. Whether it is Damon Stoudamire, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and now Chris Bosh (likely), all the super star players that have worn the Raptors jersey have left the city and the franchise high and dry.

After being the 7th pick in the Damon Stoudamire had a great run as a Raptor. Time finally came in 1998 when the team felt it was time to move on and dealt him to the Portland Trail Blazers. Unfortunately, all the Raptors could get back was a couple of role players and some draft picks.

Then came Tracy McGrady. A high school phenom, the Raptors took a chance on the tall lanky, athletic shooting guard with the 9th pick in the 1997 draft. McGrady was a great asset to the franchise. He sold jerseys and became the face of the team that was building and starting to contend in the NBA. A year later he was paired with Vince Carter and the duo wrecked havoc on the rims at the Air Canada Centre. Unfortunately, McGrady didn’t like the idea of sharing the floor with the new star in town (and his cousin) Carter, so when free agency finally came calling for McGrady, he decided to leave for greener pastures in Orlando.

The Raptors fans felt slighted when McGrady decided to leave the Great White North for the Sunshine State. McGrady had been nurtured in Toronto as he developed from a high school player into a legitimate NBA starter and scoring threat. By teaming McGrady and Carter together the Raptors made their first playoff appearance and fans could see the tides turning on the franchise. With two marquee players and the cache of having two of the best dunkers, the buzz around the 2000 season was huge. Unfortunately, with McGrady leaving via free agency the Raptors could only manage a first round draft pick in a sign and trade with the Magic, this made fans just a little angry with McGrady. Upon his return to the ACC, he was greeted with a chorus of boo’s every time he touched the ball and the public address system paid hefty fines to the NBA so they could play baby crying sounds. It was fun to have an enemy on an opposing team, but then it happened again.

Only four years later the Raptors fan base had another dilemma on their hand. The team had been struggling, but at least they still had the excitement of Vince Carter. He was a scorer that could carry the team on any given night…that is until the 2004 season. Carter’s play tailed off drastically in 2004 and many thought this was because of he did not agree with the direction the team was taking in rebuilding. Management and fans were under the impression that Carter had quit on the team and then General Manager Rob Babcock pulled the trigger on a trade to New Jersey for – three players and a couple of draft picks. Of those players, not one actually ended up playing meaningful minutes for the Raptors. One of them, Alonzo Mourning decided to retire instead of joining Toronto (only to come out of retirement later). Again, Raptors fans were jilted by the franchise player and received nothing of value in return. Tracy McGrady was no longer the most hated Raptor, that designation now fell to Carter, especially after an interview he did with John Thompson were he said "In years past, no. I was fortunate to have the talent. You get spoiled when you're able to do a lot of things. You see that you don't have to work at it." This was taken by Raptors fans to mean he was not trying his hardest while playing in Toronto. Although, Carter has been gone for almost six seasons and moved teams, he is still booed loudly when he makes an appearance at the Air Canada Centre.

Toronto Raptors fans have been bracing for the summer of 2010 for a couple of years now, when the most recent franchise player, Chris Bosh could explore free agency and leave the team for a new start. So with it all but settled that Bosh will be leaving the Raptors this summer it comes with a couple of questions. Can the Raptors get anything back for their former star player? In the past, as we saw, the Raptors have not been successful in gaining any compensation for their players. This time fans are hopeful that GM Bryan Colangelo can get something in return for Bosh in a sign and trade. The best case scenario that are being floated around internet rumour boards is Joakim Noah from the Bulls or Michael Beasley from the Heat. The other burning question is how Raptors fans will treat Bosh when he returns to the ACC next season. At the moment he will probably get a mix of cheers and boos. Unlike Carter, Bosh tried right up until taking the elbow in the face, so that will earn him the cheers, and unlike McGrady leaving when the team was good, Bosh is leaving when the team is constantly rebuilding and without a real chance to win. Even though these are points in his favour, Raptors fans cannot help but feel like they have witnessed the development of an NBA superstar to again have him walk away in his prime.

So will Chris Bosh take over as the most hated Raptor player of all time, I don’t think so – that mantle will always belong to Vince Carter. Congrats!

Can Fans Make A Difference?

2010-06-30T12:40:00.002-04:00

The roar of the crowd can sometimes be a good thing and other times it can be very distracting. The cheering and booing, we believe as fans can have an impact on the game and can make a difference, but does it really?

There are several ways fans are trying to make a difference in sport these days, which ones actually do, well that is for you to decide.

1. The Vuvuzuela – the ever present buzzing you hear while watching World Cup games. The noisemaker is distracting to everyone watching at home, so one can only imagine what it must be like on the field. Players cannot possibly hear each other, the referee or the coach for instruction. Soccer players have long been exposed to singing and chanting in the stands but this is different and not in a good way. Effect: X-Large

2. The Fan Rally – the rally is becoming more present in trying to get an idea or thought noticed by a team or particular player. We have seen an abundance of fan rallies trying to get certain NBA free agents to choose a new hometown, or stay in their present city. Miami has organized meet-ups for Dwayne Wade and New York and Akron have both mobilized itself to support the signing on Lebron James. Nothing in Toronto for Chris Bosh though…guess we are tired of rallies after the G-20. Effect: Small

3. Fan Club – although not that popular in North America, the fan clubs or supporters clubs in Europe and South America are very strong and organized. These supporters can often control many of the decisions that happen within in a team. These can include which players to sign, if a coach should be fired or even if the ownership should change (see Manchester United and Liverpool). Effect: XX-Large

4. Blogs/Media – the North American version of the supporters club. Fans take to message boards and writing comments in newspaper articles to show their displeasure (normally) with a certain decision that a team or management has come to. Unfortunately, many of the blogs (this one included) have a small reach and therefore cannot sway management decision making like the supporters. Effect: Small

5. Cheering – the old fashion approach to the fan making a difference. Two great examples that this can still work happened this year. During the Grey Cup, fans of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, known as the 13th man, took over the stadium in Calgary to the point where it was basically a home game for the green riders. Unfortunately, during all the cheering and effort to distract Montreal from kicking a game winning field goal, the team didn’t notice there were actually 13 men on the field. It cost them the championship. The other example was during the NBA playoffs. ESPN columnist Bill Simmons started a twitter account call @CelticsChants – where he posted cheers for fans to start during home games directed at opponents. These were successful and turned going to games at the TD Bank North Arena something similar to going to games at the old Boston Gardens. Even though Simmons didn’t tweet anything during the actual finals, Boston fans gave us the great “Ugly Sister” chant directed at Lamar Odom for marrying the “other” Kardashian. Effect: Medium to Large

6. Getting Naked – popularized in the movie Major League, getting naked is certainly a way to get the attention of your team. For fans of the Paraguay World Cup, your super fan (pictured above) and model has agreed to take it off if you win the tournament. Betcha everyone has a new team to cheer for now…

One thing many of us don’t think about while participating in all this is how it actually affects the athlete. Are they sad that they are being picked on? Does it make them happy because by being booed at an away stadium means they are doing well? A couple of incidents have occurred that let us know that the fans voices are being heard.

Near the end of a lackluster season with the Toronto Raptors, Hedo Turkoglu was booed on the court for giving less than stellar performances. Coupled with the fact that he had sat out games because of the flu and was later seen enjoying the Toronto nightlife with teammates caused a fan backlash and he was booed while on his home court. During the summer, Turkoglu did an interview with a Turkish media outlet and in not so many words said he would like to leave Toronto because the fans didn’t respect him. He wondered openly how they could boo him on his home court. The other similar incident happened after England’s second game of the World Cup vs. Algeria. A disappointing performance for England, that led to a 0-0 draw and put the team in danger of being eliminated. While leaving the field the team was booed by supporters who had traveled from afar to see their country play. Wayne Rooney, arguably the best player on England and one of the best in the world left the pitch and turned to camera and cursed the fans for booing the team and said it didn’t help at all. Well, you know what Wayne – play better and we wouldn’t boo….

How do you express your fandom? Can you see yourself as part of a supporters club or would you just rather go to games and clap clap clap

Are You Finished Yet?

2010-06-29T12:26:00.000-04:00

The mind of an athlete is complicated. They are consistently striving to be the best, to work at a level that not many others can fathom and are always in competition. This last point is what makes stepping away from sports so difficult. Athlete’s, especially those that reach the professional level thrive on the competition. When this is taken away from in the form of retirement, there is usually a feeling that one could still compete at high enough level and therefore they should return from their hiatus.

Coming out of retirement is nothing new in professional sports. We see it constantly with boxers. George Foreman retired for the first time in 1977, then made a comeback in 1987, then another in 1994. If some promoter offered him enough money, he might consider fighting this year. Floyd Merriweather is another shining example of someone who thinks he will always have the chops to fight and would step back in the ring if there was a decent offer.

Boxing isn’t the only sport to be affected by this phenomenon. Basketball also has there share. The most prominent player in this group being Michael Jordan. Jordan retired from the game to pursue a dream of playing baseball. When then didn’t work out so well (or in reality his suspension for gambling was finished), he returned to the game. He also retired one other time only to come back and play with the Washington Wizards which was only good for Nike based on merchandise sales.

Now we get to the story of Lance Armstrong. The American cyclist owns the Tour de France by winning it a record seven times. He had most of his success after being diagnosed with cancer in 1996. After his seventh win in 2005, and amid lots of controversy in the cycling world surrounding blood doping and performance enhancing drugs, Armstrong retired…only to return in 2009 to the Tour de France. His years off did not make him any stronger and he imposed drug testing on himself that surely took lots of mental and physical wear on his body and he ended up third in the race. This year, Armstrong has said that this will be his last, but can we believe him? He is getting up there in age, but is coming in third place really that bad? If he can still compete and ends of top five this year, what stops him from coming back in 2011. In his mind he will be on the edge of victory - one excellent time trial or one small mistake from an opponent would hand him the win and an eighth Tour de France win, why step away from that?

The other major retirement in sports in the last month or so was Scott Niedermayer from the NHL. After a story book career where he has won everything possible, including a Memorial Cup, Stanley Cup, World Championship, World Junior Championship and Olympic gold medal, Niedermayer figured he had enough hardware and put the skates and stick away. Hypothetically, what if Anaheim is one solid defenceman away from being a favourite in the Stanley Cup playoffs next season? Do you think Niedermayer contemplates returning to the ice…of course he does and that would add to the long list of athlete’s returning to the games they love.

Who do you think have been the best and worst athlete’s to come out of retirement?

Is This Good For Soccer In The USA?

2010-06-26T09:10:00.004-04:00

On Wednesday morning the goal heard around the world was Landon Donovan of the USA putting in a rebound past the fallen Algerian goalie in the 91st minute of the last round robin game to give the USA a 1-0 win and put them through to the round of 16 in this year's World Cup. It was a stunning moment, because without the goal in extra time, the USA would have been knocked out of the World Cup. With the win, they have unbelievable momentum and the attention of a whole nation.

Soccer in the United States has been gaining traction since 1994 when the World Cup was held on home soil. The US has had mediocre results in the last few tournaments but with a thrilling run in the Confederation Cup last year and now this moment, could soccer have reached the tipping point?

The casual fan will probably always be that, there are too many other sporting options for them to choose, but those who may have been following international soccer, things like the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League might now find it interesting to follow their international players when they return home to play in the MLS. This will lead to better quality soccer and then a better chance in 2014.

So would a win today be good for soccer in the USA? I say without a doubt. As much as the international soccer world probably loathes the fact that the Americans are getting good at "their" sport, the longer the USA stay in the tournament the more attention it gets in North America. That is good for the growth of soccer not just in the United States, but internationally as well.

With expectations building up on Donovan, Tim Howard and the rest of Coach Bob Bradley's team can they exact revenge on Ghana who ousted them from the World Cup four years ago in the final group stage game? I don't believe they can. Ghana has an attacking squad who has produced a bunch of chances in their group stage games. With a shaky back line, those chances might turn into goals pretty quickly. Also, Ghana was the lone African team to qualify for the knock-out stage, which means the whole continent can unite in one loud vuvuzuela. My prediction Ghana 2 - 1 in an exciting up and down game.

Names To Know - Patrick Patterson

2010-06-24T10:27:00.006-04:00

Although the Raptors are talking about moving their 2010 Draft pick, the 13th overall selection. Tonight's NBA draft is supposedly a draft deep with "rotation" talent - as Chad Ford and Bill Simmons put it during their 3 hour mock draft chat yesterday, but is that what Toronto really needs? Probably not.

If they do indeed select at #13, one of the most respected NBA draft websites - Draft Express has the Raptors taking University of Kentucky junior power forward Patrick Patterson. Here is how they break him down...

Patrick Patterson’s projections vary depending on who you talk to, but a situational analysis supports him as an immediate contributor who could be worth taking in the lottery.

Patterson is capable of contributing on the next level in a number of ways, as his tools give him the ability to score in all sorts of set plays. His 0.894 PPP in jump shooting situations ranks above average, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Patterson continue to make progress in that part of the game.

Couple his ability to score from multiple areas, with his excellent intangibles, team-first mentality, and athleticism, and Patterson seems like a very safe pick for a team looking to compete next season.

So the Raptors will roll the dice tonight and try to build a team that can compete with the new look NBA after July 1.

My Wrigley Experience

2010-06-21T21:04:00.006-04:00

On Saturday afternoon, I was fortunate enough to experience one of the joys of being a fan. I was able to watch a Chicago Cubs game from the bleachers at Wrigley Field.

This wasn't my first time at Wrigley. Back in 1991 I went to a game with my parents. We sat down the first base line. It was the only time my parents ever bought scalpers tickets to a baseball game. They let my brother and I wait against the fence where the players park their cars to get autographs (I got Mitch Williams) and then we entered the stadium as soon as the gates opened so we could be right up against the wall to get autographs of the Expos. It was only about a week after Dennis Martinez pitched his perfect game. I wanted his autograph so bad, but to no avail. After standing out in the blazing sun that August I dreamed of returning. I finally got my chance.

It is a different experience attending a Cubs game with 18 buddies rather than your parents. This time the day started a little later, since the Friday night was a bit of a party. In the cab ride to the stadium, I began to get excited. You begin to see the names of the streets that surround the stadium and you know you are getting close - Addision, Clark. After getting dropped off, we strolled around the stadium and got in line for the bleachers. The buzz outside the stadium is great. Vendors on the street, all the fans wearing Cubs gear and people already enjoying the day to the fullest.

Once inside the stadium, we were actually able to find 18 seats together in the general admission bleacher section. We sat in three rows in front of each other near the top in right field. With the sun beating down and still some time before the first pitch, we had time to absorb the surroundings and start the party all over again.

Ted Lilly was the starting pitcher for the Cubs on Saturday. He was coming off a masterful pitching performance five days earlier when he pitched 8 no hit innings to beat the White Sox. Lilly was the first Cub to take the field and it was to a great ovation as he jogged along the warning track.

Before the game started a couple of other moments...two fans won the opportunity to play catch in the outfield. Neat promo, but I would probably have taken the chance to try and throw a runner out at home. The other was actor Channing Tatum (GI JOE) throwing out the ceremonial first pitch...and then the game was under way!

Three pitches later it was 1-0 Angels as the home run went into the first row of the right field bleachers. The route was on. After Lilly struggled to get through the first couple of innings and the Cubs bats weren't hitting Weaver, it allowed the group to concentrate on our surroundings. We had a mean game of mound ball on the go, picking out random jerseys and caps (saw a couple of Expos hats) and of course cheering and heckling - the left field bleachers.

The experience of going to a game at Wrigley is different than anywhere else. This could be a bad thing or a good thing depending on how old you are. There are no jumbotrons, no replay screens and the scoreboard is manually operated. By not having all the distractions and in game entertainment, it really does make you pay more attention the game and that is not a bad thing.

The only in game entertainment was the 7th inning stretch. On Saturday it was former SNL alum Tim Meadows who did the honour with the sold out stadium singing right along with him.

As the game came to a close and fans started heading to the exit, I took the chance to sit row 1 in the bleachers. Not a great seat, but to be that close to the ivy and Fukodome was awesome. A nice reward for sitting through a 12-0 loss.

After the game, the day doesn't stop. The outside of the stadium has just as much to offer as inside. The bars with all the fans, more vendors out in the street selling t-shirts and hats and the big noodle or the statue of Ernie Banks.

As you can tell it was a great day at Wrigley Field for me, and this would be a excursion I would make every year.

GAME 7

2010-06-16T20:53:00.003-04:00

After 82 regular season games and four best of seven playoff series the NBA champion will be decided in the final game of 2009-10 season.

The NBA season was very unpredictable. The Western conference had the dominant teams all season long. The Lakers, Spurs, Nuggets, and Suns all could been the top seed at some point during the regular season. The Eastern conference had the big three coming into the season - Orlando, Boston and Cleveland. They were joined by Atlanta and Boston disappeared from contention around the all-star break. Near the end of the season Boston apparently came together as a team and made their playoff run, and the Lakers proved their championship caliber by running through all Western contenders.

The six games leading up tomorrow's night death match has been just as unpredictable as the season. Game one was dominated by the Lakers, game two was the Ray Allen show, game three was the anti-Ray Allen show, game four was the Celtics bench dominating, game five was Paul Pierce show and then game six was total Lakers domination. There has been no MVP that has risen to the top or no overiding theme other than there has been no them.

So what does this game 7 mean to the NBA? It means everything...instead of a best four of seven, the NBA gets it's one shining moment like all the other sports where one game final decides the champion.

So what happens tomorrow night? The Lakers and the crowd is pumped up, but if Ray Allen or Paul Pierce can hit some early baskets to quiet the crowd they stand a chance. Without Kendrick Perkins for game 7 due to a knee injury sustained in game 6, the Lakers need to take advantage of that with Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. The MVP though, will be Kobe Bryant. He lives for these situations and you better believe he has another 30 point game in him.

Lakers NBA Champions!

Watching The World Cup

2010-06-15T21:14:00.004-04:00

The eastern time zone spoils you. Everything the media does is geared to the eastern time zone. Prime time TV, starting of sporting events, and the nightly news come to mind. This is the odd relationship or the rationalization that we deserve these things because we live on the east coast.

This is what is so odd about the World Cup, they could care less about us in the Eastern time zone. The games start at 7:30am, 10am and 2:30pm. That does nothing for me! Don't they know that is the middle of my work day? Don't they understand that my bosses don't like me watching the live online feed from cbc.ca? Don't they care that I will need to use all my sick days for the entire year during a four week span? I guess not...

As I mentioned, the eastern time zone is spoiled and I don't know how to get over it. Guess it will be only a little better in Brazil 2014. Oh well...

The New Fosbury Flop

2010-06-14T20:13:00.002-04:00

After a weekend full of soccer, the haters have started to rear their ugly head. We are already hearing cries of it is too low scoring, the vuvezelas are annoying and of course, the players dive.

The flop or dive was created in the 1982 World Cup by the Italians. The Italians won the tournament and Paolo Rossi was the tournament MVP. Although, he scored 6 goals he also set the record with 15 dives that drew cards.*

Ever since 1982 the flop has been part of soccer, for better or worse. In the last 7 years it has gotten worse in soccer. The players don't even need contact anymore to twist in the air, roll around on the ground and scream in agony. FIFA has tried to correct this by having the officials give out cards to those players who dive. This solution has started to work, but as we have seen in the first 10 games of the World Cup, the flop is still a part of soccer.

Although critics are harsh on soccer with regards to the flop it is not the only offending sport. Both hockey and basketball have their offenders. The hockey playoffs saw many dives and the referees tried to crack down by giving out penalties. The basketball playoffs have been ripe with diving. Even the finals haven't been immune. Derek Fisher has spent more time on the floor than guarding Rajon Rondo. It has become so bad that the announcers are even calling the players out on it and the refs have stopped calling the fouls because they can't tell what is contact and what is a flop.

So, although soccer has the slow motion replays that show a trip wasn't necessarily a trip, other sports are immune to the 'flop'.

*editors note: this is a made up story

World Cup Talking Points

2010-06-07T18:16:00.003-04:00

2010 is a big year for major sporting events...we already had the Olympics and now less than 5 days away is the World Cup. The most watched and played sport takes centre stage for a month in South Africa.

Here are some tips on players and teams to make you sound like you follow the beautiful game year round...

Best Teams:
Brazil - The number 1 ranked team in the world by FIFA. They are always a force in the World Cup and this year should be no different. They lack the true goal scorer of past years, but don't count them out.

Germany - Along with Brazil, you can almost always count on them making a deep run in the tournament. They are big and strong team with good touch around the net.

England - This may be a pipe dream for a squad that hasn't lifted the trophy since 1966, but the Three Lions put out their best team on paper this year. If they can avoid any more serious injuries (Rio Ferdinand and David Beckham out for the tournament) than they could find a way to be in the finals.

Spain - Now that the team that always had the knock of not being able to win the big tournament has shaken the monkey from its back by winning the European Championship in 2008. They feature some of the biggest names in soccer who play for the biggest clubs. Although, they will face a big 2nd round game vs. the second place of the "group of death" they are looking like a team to beat.

Players to Watch (club team in brackets):
Lionel Messi - Argentina (Barcelona) - the best player in the world has phenomenal touch on the ball. If he gets into space, he has the ability to make 3 or 4 defenders miss and score goals.

David Villa - Spain (Barcelona) - Villa was the top scorer in the 2008 Euro Championship and turns his great season with Valencia into a huge off-season transfer to Barcelona. Villa has a knack for scoring goals and that is why odds makers have made him the favourite to win the golden boot. Look for him on SportsCentre.

Wayne Rooney - England (Manchester United) - The English bulldog is the key to the attack of England. He came into his own this season with the club, learning to score with his head, as well as his feet.

Arjen Robben - Netherlands (Bayern Munich) - The Dutch squad always play great soccer, but have the same monkey on their back as Spain - never being able to win the big tournaments. Robben is coming off a year with his club team where he led them to the league and cup championship and lost in the Champions League final. If he can bring that winning attitude to the Dutch locker room, along with his great shot and hustle, the Orange could do some damage.

Kaka - Brazil (Real Madrid) - The leader of the Brazilian squad and the former "best player in the world", he has taken a back seat in that conversation for the past year and a half. With Brazil being such a strong team overall, look for Kaka to stake a claim to the title once again. The creative midfielder will not only create goals for others, but has a shot to seal the deal as well.

Jozy Altidore - USA (Hull City) - Although, most fans of the American squad will say Landon Donovan will be the deciding factor if the USA can make it out of the group stage, it may well rest on Altidore right foot. The striker finished the season on a sour note getting red carded in the last game of the season as his team was relegated. He likely won't return to Hull City, but he could find a new club very easily by scoring some goals and leading the US team.

Snack of the Day

2010-06-05T11:35:00.003-04:00

Well it is officially summer, so what better way to celebrate with a summer snack that is refreshing, tasty and fun to eat - Watermelon!

Watermelon is a great snack. You can eat with your hands, which is a pre-requisite, it is juicy (hopefully) and when you get a seed, you get to spit it out for distance. Just a great snack all around.

If you aren't hungry, but sitting out in the sun, a cold beverage is always required. Last year the beverage of choice was a mojito, this year try a tall glass with half iced tea, half cranberry juice. For an adult version, add vodka.

Now enjoy your weekend, with the French Open finals, Jays vs. Yankees, NBA Finals game 2 it should be a good one.

All Together Now

2010-06-04T15:54:00.004-04:00

Nike has produced some truly kick ass ads lately. Starting with the haunting Tiger Woods spot (the one with his dad), then the World Cup commercial and now the above Kobe spot for the Finals.

This not only features Kobe, it has Andre 3000 covering a Beatles song. You know what else, the Raptors make an appearance. Yeah!

NBA Finals - It's The Usual

2010-06-02T21:07:00.003-04:00

The NBA Finals start this week and it shouldn't be a shock as to which teams are playing - Lakers vs. Celtics. This will be the 12th time the teams meet in the finals. It shouldn't be a shock either because the same teams to appear in the finals year after year. The NBA, unlike other major sports seems to thrive on dynasties.

The 1960's were dominated by the Celtics who won 10 of 11 championships, the 1980s the Magic Johnson led Lakers and the Larry Bird led Celtics again controlled the Larry O'Brien trophy. The 1990's were dominated by the Chicago Bulls led by none other than his airness Michael Jordan. If Jordan was retired, the Rockets took back to back championships and then in 2000's it was the David Robinson/Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs who won four trophies.

So why can the NBA be dominated by one team. The simple answer is that one dynamic player can control the game. Everything that these dynasties had in common was the superstar. Whether it was Magic, Bird or Jordan - the one player could score, defend and bring home the championship.

The other thing these teams had in common were a great second fiddle - Worthy, McChale or Pippen. These players were able to bail their teams out if the star wasn't playing well and was the tie that bound the team together.

Unfortunately, some of today's biggest stars haven't been able to carry their teams to titles recently. DeWayne Wade managed the feat in 2006 and Kobe Bryant has carried the Lakers for the three seasons, so can he do it again.

Here is my two cents, breaking down the 2010 finals

Guard
Celtics have the best young PG in the game in Rajon Rondo, with the best pure shooter Ray Allan. The Lakers will counter with the the clutch shooting of Derek Fisher and the best player in the NBA, Kobe Bryant.
Edge - Lakers. When you have the best player, you get the edge.

Forward
The C's have Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. While the Lakers have Paul Gasol and Ron Artest. Pierce the leader of the Celtics, will be covered by Artest. Artest has become the defensive stopper that the Lakers envisioned and he'll be put to the test in this series. Pau Gasol is able to get his points and rebounds no matter what the scenario, while Garnett has turned into a reliable role player for the Celtics.
Edge - Lakers. Gasol and Artest are too much for Pierce and Garnett to handle.

Center
The Celtics have the defensive power of Kendric Perkins playing the post. He has really come into his own during the post-season, but he will be challenged by Andrew Bynum. As long as Bynum's knee holds up this will be an interesting match up.
Edge - Celtics. With Bynum's injury bug, Perkins gets the edge.

My prediction - Lakers in 6 games, with Pau Gasol winning the MVP.

Here are the list of the most common NBA Finals match-ups (courtesy Wikipedia)
* 11 times: Boston Celtics (9) vs. Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers (2)
* 6 times: Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers (5) vs. Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers (1)
* 5 times: Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers (3) vs. New York Knicks (2)
* 4 times: Boston Celtics (3) vs. St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks (1) (Such a meeting is now impossible due to current conference alignment.)
* 3 times: Detroit Pistons (2) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1)
* 2 times: Seattle SuperSonics (1) vs. Washington Bullets/Wizards (1)
* 2 times: Boston Celtics (2) vs. Houston Rockets (0)
* 2 times: Chicago Bulls (2) vs. Utah Jazz (0)

England Name World Cup Squad

2010-06-01T21:08:00.003-04:00

Today in England was equivalent to the day about 6 months ago when Team Canada Hockey was named for the Olympics. The England FA (football association) named the team that will represent the country at the World Cup in 10 days.

As it was in Canada when the hockey team was named, there is much second guessing about the team that was named. Who was omitted, who was named and who will start on Fabio Capello's team when they take the field against the USA for their first game.

As usual, when a team of this magnitude gets named it is the snubs who were the talk of the back pages. The first name on everyone's list was Theo Walcott. The Arsenal stand-out made the team back in 2006 as the youngest ever player for England at 17. He scored a magical hat trick during the qualification rounds, but lacked form during the Premiership which eventually caused Capello to exclude him from the squad. A very disturbing turn of events for Walcott. He is young enough to make it back from this and contribute in the run up to 2014.

The other big name excluded was Darren Bent. Bent finished 3rd in scoring in the Premiership this season while playing for Sunderland. He was electrifying at times, but the main concern with adding Bent to the squad is that he wouldn't play well with the others up front - namely Wayne Rooney. Could the two co-exist and Bent can be quite temperamental - just look at his twitter feed.

The other omitted players have either been injured and tried to make a comeback in time for the World Cup or youngsters who have shown some promise (Adam Johnson of Man City or Leighton Baines of Everton) and will likely play key roles on the next team.

Anyway you look at it, the Three Lions have lots of pressure on them to perform starting on June 12.

Follow me on Twitter - @MMMMBLT - for instant reactions during all of the England games.

What I Missed Last Week...

2010-05-31T08:50:00.000-04:00

To catch you up on the happenings of last week and what to look forward to if for some reason my blog is where you get all your sports info...

- The NFL announces that New York/New Jersey will host the Super Bowl in 2014. The first cold weather championship game in about 40 years. Already we have odds on the game day temperature and media people deciding they won't go because it will be too cold.

- The Celtics move on to the NBA Championship to face the LA Lakers. A classic NBA rivalry renewed. Should be a decent series with the some great moments, if the referees can keep their influence out of it.

- Blue Jays fans, err..Phillies fans rejoice as Roy Halladay throws a perfect game. The first of his career, the 20th in Major League history and the second this month (Dallas Braden of Oakland had the other).

- The World Cup is approaching quickly and everyone who hates soccer will be watching for a month. Stay tuned for your World Cup primer and predictions.

- DeWayne Wade of the Miami Heat tells the Chicago Tribune that he will sit down with LeBron James and Joe Johnson before the three decide where they will sign as free agents during the off season. Chris Bosh's agent furiously dials the phone to ensure that his client is included in the FA summit. Whoops.

- NBA sidelines have become more interesting that the on court action this week. Between Craig Sager's suits, Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry puking into a garbage can during game 6 and Ron Artest's post-game interview where he told the aforementioned Sager to "say Queensbridge". The NBA where amazing happens..

- The Blue Jays set a club record for home runs in a month with 50 (and counting). The power surge has put the club in a virtual tie for the AL wild card. Don't want to get too ahead of ourselves, but if the young pitching can hold up and the bats that are hitting (Bautista and Buck) keep going and the bats that haven't (Lind, Overbay and Hill) start...well it could be an interesting July and August.

Distant Relatives – Nas and Damian Marley

2010-05-18T13:41:00.003-04:00

Hitting store shelves Tuesday or the internet last Tuesday is the long anticipated collaboration between rapper Nas and reggae artist Damian Marley. These two have been talking and recording for the better part of two years leading up to this release so the bar was set very high for fans.

Nas has been quiet since his last album “Untitled” was released. It only containted one single for the radio and in the day and age of disposable music it was put to the side by the mainstream very quickly. Damian Marley broke into the mainstreasm with "Welcome To Jamrock" and has the family history to back him up whenever he releases music.

I didn’t have high hopes for this album for a number of reasons. The first was collaboration albums have never worked out really well (best of both worlds and the Firm come to mind). The second was my interest in Nas and his music has been eroding of lately. Once a rapper who was in constant rotation in my headphones, I find myself turning him out, maybe because of his message or maybe because Jay-Z left him for dead. Lastly, I have never been a huge reggae fan, so needless to say this album was really going to have to work to win me over.

So, how did this play out in the headphones? I was pleasantly surprised. The album is catered to Jr. Gong Marley. From the beats to the choruses to the choice of guest stars, the album definitely revolves around Marley and his talents. When listenining to the album I was always waiting for Nas’s 16 bars only to have them blend into the song. I found myself singing the choruses with Marley, but I can’t really repeat you one line of Nas that stood out and was characteristic of the Nasty Nas we used to know and fawn over.
The first single “As We Enter“ is starting to get airplay, but it isn’t a good representation of the rest of the album which is much less up-tempo and harsh. Other tracks that stood out to me during the first couple of listens were “Strong Will Continue”, “Tribal War” which features Canadian artist K’Naan (of waving flag fame) and “Count Your Blessings”.

This is better than some of the past collaborations that have hit the market, but I am not sure we should be holding our breath for Distant Relatives 2.

Distant Relatives gets 3 Mics out of 5.

Is LeBron Helping Chris Bosh Stay In Toronto?

2010-05-17T14:38:00.002-04:00

I swear I wrote this before game 6 of the Cavs-Celtics series, just didn't have time to post it...you will actually see my wrong prediction of the Cavs winning game 6. Oops.

Although most Raptor and casual basketball fans have come to the conclusion that Chris Bosh won’t be playing in Toronto next season based on his recent tweets and his presence at the Lakers game, could Lebron James’s recent poor play actually be helping Bosh stay put?

Here is my outrageous theory…
LeBron wasn’t going to leave Cleveland if they won the championship or if he lost in the finals (he would need to redeem himself to Cavs fans). With the poo-poo platter (technical term) of a performance that he put in during game 5 and the series with Boston going to 7 games and a well-rested and playoff tested Magic team waiting if they make it to the Conference Finals, it looks like the LeBron led Cavs are going to fall short. These leaves the door open for him to take flight from Cleveland.

As everyone has concluded there are only a few potential destinations for LeBron and the other big free agents (Wade and Bosh) this summer. They could flee to Chicago, New York, New Jersey (new Russian billionaire/possible move to Brooklyn) and Miami. Contrary to some conspiracy theorists, I can’t any one of them taking less than the max to play with each other. This is there one time to cash in, and you better believe that they will.

So let’s say, LeBron does leave, my guess is he plays in Chicago. Couple of reasons;
- Nike would love this. Jordan and then LeBron. Lots of advertising would work
- LeBron is already planning on changing his number because he knew he couldn’t wear 23 in Chicago
- Gets to play with a great point guard in Derrick Rose and a bunch of talented young stars
- Chuck Swirsky would break out a new closing slogan ‘Put the deep dish in the oven this one is over”

Wade is staying in Miami. He has won his championship and will hopefully retire a Heat player.

This leaves Bosh out in the cold, literally with the choice between NJ, NYC or Toronto. The Knicks obviously appeal to him, but knowing that he would be in charge of bringing basketball back for New Yorkers without the help of LeBron, no cap flexibility, no draft picks, makes his best move (and the one that pays him the most) to re-sign with Toronto.

So, there you have it…Toronto sports fans get ready for 6 years and $127 million worth of 42-42 basketball.

NHL and You

2010-05-13T11:38:00.003-04:00

This should have been submitted to Darren Rovell over at CNBC. He was accepting articles on sports business to run on his widely popular blog. Unfortunately, I only have opinion and not facts to back up my arguments so it stays here, at the Sandwich Shoppe, where we can argue to about my theories.

Although the Montreal Canadiens are the on-ice story of the playoffs, it is the Phoenix Coyotes, who were eliminated in the first round that are still making noise off the ice.

For the past year, the Phoenix franchise has been in limbo. Their owner, tired of losing money (almost $300 million in) decided to sell the franchise, he had a buyer with lots of money in the bank, but this owner had one condition – he wanted to move the Coyotes to Hamilton. Jim Balsille of Research in Motion (blackberry) fame wanted to make it seven NHL franchises in Canada, but the way he operated did not sit well with the NHL and its board of governers. His bid to buy the franchise was turned down. This led to an off-season of legal battles as he continued to pursue his dream of owning an NHL team and one that would play in Canada.

With the NHL in charge of Coyotes they produced a season for the ages, but ran into a brick wall in the playoffs and were eliminated in the first round. This was the start of their off-season and apparently another filled with trying to find a new owner. First to put their hat in the ring was Ice Edge Holdings. A group of hockey loving Yale graduates who have a dream of owning a hockey team. They had agreed to keep the franchise in Phoenix, but unfortunately for them, they didn’t have the cash flow. Their plan was to get bank loans and gain other support once the deal for the team was in place. This was a difficult situation for the NHL as they couldn’t be certain what type of ownership they were actually partnering with.

Also, would this group of young businessman be willing to lose the $300 million someone like Balsille would? Probably not. Next was Jerry Reinsdorf. Reinsdorf is also the owner of the Chicago White Sox and apparently the best negotiator on the face of the earth. He made a sweat heart deal with the city of Glendale that if he purchased the team that he would not be on the hook for any losses the team had, and we aren’t talking about losses on the ice.

Unfortunately for Reisendorf the City of Glendale came to its senses and decided there are other things more important than funding professional ice hockey. Back in the picture came Ice Edge holdings and a new group – CanWest, who wanted to purchase the team and relocate them to Winnipeg. This would make the Coyotes come full circle as they started as the Jets in Winnipeg. After a tense evening of negotiations on Monday, it looks like the City of Glendale has decided that it likes its hockey too much and have bailed out the team. They will support it financially so that it becomes a viable business in the desert. Is this in the best interest of the NHL? We’ll have to wait and find out next off season perhaps.

What could the NHL do instead of playing all these games with different potential owners? Here is my radical plan to inject new life and new money into the NHL…
- Fold Phoenix and Tampa
- Charge new owners $350 million expansion fee for these two teams
- Jim Balsille and the CanWest group would step to the plate immediately
- Allow Balsille to put the team in Toronto and the CanWest group to put the team in Winnipeg
- The Phoenix and Tampa teams move as a whole to Toronto and Winnipeg. An elaborate coin toss ceremony is organized and televised to see which city gets which players.

Although, this scenario is not likely, it would infuse lots of dollars into the league, put a second team in the biggest hockey market, add two Canadian teams and bring in two owners with deep pockets. This sounds like the perfect moves and that is why it won’t happen.

Even though I suggested the above, this is what I would really like the NHL to do. A lot of this is based on watching Olympic hockey this past February. It was the best players playing all the time and made it really fun to watch (this from a non-hockey fan).
- NHL goes to 24 teams
- 12 Canadian teams and 12 American based teams
- 4 divisions of 6 teams each, just as an example we’ll use direction.
o East and West would be Canadian division
o North and South would be US division
o The East/North and West/South would match up in the playoffs so you could have the possibility of 2 American or 2 Canadian teams in the finals (or one of each)
This would give each team a deeper roster, the quality of minor hockey (AHL, ECHL) would grow as players try to break into the NHL and it would definitely bring the excitement that the original 6 had way back when.

Tell me you wouldn’t want to see that? What do you think of these radical proposals?

Zzzzzzzzzzzz

2010-05-10T20:53:00.003-04:00

Most sport fans are aware that baseball isn't the most exciting game, but there is a difference between me having a nap on a Sunday afternoon during the Jays game and what happened over the weekend.

Future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. has been struggling this season to say the least, so his at bats are becoming further and further apart. According to reports, with the Mariners struggling and looking to make changes Griffey might be the victim. There is a good chance in the next couple of weeks he will be off the 25 man roster and what reportedly happened won't help his case. Apparently, Griffey was unavailable to pinch hit in a recent game because he was asleep in the locker room. Although it is not unusual to see a player disappear into the dugout they usually come out after the inning, not Griffey apparently. He has disappeared and not returned because he was watching the games on the television. Well, at least he knows when his career his over.

The other sleeping baseball star is Keith Hernandez. The former Mets first baseman known for his mustache and his work on Seinfeld had "the snooze" episode of his own over the weekend.

Like I said, there is a difference between me having a nap on the couch and a ballplayer doing it. Although we both get the tap on the shoulder to go back to work.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T09:07:00.002-04:00

To all the moms out there, young and old alike, this post of "Snack of the Day" is dedicated to you.

CHOCOLATE CAKE

Women in general love chocolate, but for some reason tell themselves they shouldn't eat it. Today, have your cake and eat it too...

Happy Mother's Day. Now let me watch, F1, NBA Playoffs, Golf, NHL Playoffs and Soccer.

The Growth of MLS

2010-05-08T14:05:00.003-04:00

Major League Soccer made the announcement on Friday that the Montreal Impact were chosen as the next expansion team (in 2012) for the ever growing MLS. The Impact will be the 19th team, and third Canadian squad joining Toronto FC and the expansion (2011) Vancouver Whitecaps.

This is exciting for the league, but we may be reaching the tipping point. Like many other professional leagues in North America, they are expanding quickly, and the talent is having trouble keeping up. When watching games recently I would count the number of passes that teams could string together - the number didn't get above 3 for about 25 minutes and this is the league that is adding 3 new teams in the next two years. Where are they going to get players?

The MLS has big decisions to make, like how big do they want to get and do they want to follow the European model of promotion and relegation.

The how many teams question is an easy one...they can probably expand once more, to make for a total of 20 teams. This would match the English Premiership and is a nice round number and there aren't many other cities clamoring for a team.

The bigger question is the idea of promotion and relegation working in North America. It is a idea that most fans on this side of the Atlantic are not familiar with. It provides motivation for teams and a reason for fans to cheer, it is also a great way of making sure small and big market teams play against the proper competition.

There are leagues and teams out there to make this happen. The USL currently has 12 teams (three of those are Vancouver, Portland and Montreal who are getting "promoted" to the MLS) and a second division with six teams that would provide the perfect feeder system to the MLS. It all makes too much sense for it to actually happen. The other benefit of having all these teams as part of one bigger league, you could run a tournament similar to the FA Cup, where all the teams of the MLS, USL and the Premier Development League (which has about 50 teams). It would be entertaining and with the love the Champions League is getting it would be a great scenario to have a tournament on home soil.

The one thing I wouldn't bring up is the MLS getting rid of their championship game and crowning a champion like the Premiership (the best team at the end of the season wins the championship). That is too much for North Americans to handle.

The MLS has done a lot correct in the last few seasons. Bringing in promotion and relegation by joining with the USL and Premier Development League would be the next great step in growing the game.

Enjoyable / Aggrevating Travel Note of the Week

2010-05-05T21:06:00.003-04:00

With a tip of the cap to Peter King over at Sports Illustrated, I have a quick story about how frustrating air travel can be.

Last Friday, I flew to Montreal, going through check in and security was not an issue in Toronto. Even though I forgot my passport, and panicked momentarily until recalling that you don't need your passport to fly within Canada.

The aggravation came on the way home. Upon going through security in Montreal, the metal detector went off even though I had emptied my pockets, removed my belt and my watch is plastic! So, now I had the choice to stand in the full body giant x-ray machine or get patted down. The story of Indian actor Shar Rukh Khan signing print outs of his naked outline went through my head. So I elected for the pat down. After, security was confident I wasn't carrying concealed weapons, I was told that my carry on bag needed to be searched. Thank goodness they found the hand cream that I stole from the hotel and forgot to put in a plastic bag and my hair gel that was 100ml too big so it was confiscated (not in Toronto, just in Montreal).

When I finally got on the plane for the hour flight, I turned on the TV but no movies are only an hour in length so I got through 50 minutes of Sherlock Holmes - does anyone know how it ends? Does he solve the crime?

Super Saver x Under Armour

2010-05-04T20:00:00.003-04:00

Although hats are all the rage during the Kentucky Derby weekend, most of the popular ones are not of the fitted variety. That changed this past weekend when a horse named Super Saver won the “race for the roses”. WinStar Farm owners and the horse’s trainer sported the hat bearing the name of their colt in interviews leading up to the race on Saturday afternoon and then of course in the winner’s circle which made them a popular souvenir.

The hats were produced by Under Armour and according to CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell, had sold out on the WinStar Farm website as of yesterday.

The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown happens on May 15 in Baltimore. One would assume that Under Armour would be ready to ship more hats should Super Saver come up with another victory.

More Twitter Talk: Bosh Asks The Fans

2010-05-03T21:00:00.004-04:00

Over the weekend, the worst nightmare (or in some cases, dream) of Toronto Raptors fans came true.

Chris Bosh took to his twitter page to ask fans where he should sign in the off season. Now, to most outsiders this would look like he is definitely moving on from the only franchise he has ever known, but this question to fans also gave those in Toronto the chance to show their appreciation for Bosh and to convince him to stay north of the border.

Bosh obviously craves media attention. His most attention grabbing stunts, like the video to gain all-star votes, his war of words with Shaq and now this are what he wants and he just doesn't get enough coverage in Canada. TSN is more concerned with hockey and The Score and Cabbie are too in love with Kobe and the Lakers.

So where does Bosh end up, where the media is the biggest and brightest - NYC. A sign and trade for David Lee and some other minor parts sounds like a possible scenario. Lee will become a fan favorite on a .500 team. Another possibility would be the LA Lakers. Not shy to spend money, having Bosh would almost guaruantee a championship and the return to Toronto would probably be Andrew Bynum which might be a good fit in Toronto.

Management in Toronto have tried there best to accommodate their superstar. This season in particular with the signing of Hedo Turkoglu and bringing in 7 other new players. All those new players weren't what Bosh and the Raptors really needed every year. They have never had a take charge point guard since Damon left or a serious scoring threat at shooting guard or a true centre. With none of those factors ever being addressed, I can't blame Bosh for wanting to explore his options.

Now we wait until July 1 to see the outcome.

Down The Stretch They Come

2010-04-29T20:07:00.003-04:00

Now for something I know nothing about...horse racing. Bolstered by today's spirited twitter discussion of Derby Horses that could be named after Seinfeld quotes I decided that it would be good to cover the fastest two minutes in sport - Kentucky Derby.

The biggest day in horse racing is this weekend. The Kentucky Derby. It is a sporting event that not many people would put on top of their bucket list as an event to see live, but with 155 000 folks (most with big hats and smashed on mint jullip) it is quite the party at Churchill Downs.

Horse racing is a lot like boxing, you need a heavyweight or in this case a triple crown threat to gain popularity. Without a triple crown winner since Affirmed in 1978 horse racing lives on the "almost". The "almost" is a horse that might have what it takes to win the three biggest races. This year that dream died even before the Derby gates opened as Eskendereya was scratched last week. That means the odds on favourite to win the roses this year is "Looking at Lucky". So if you want to play it safe, that is where you put your money on Saturday.

Like most people who bet on horse racing once a year know, you never bet on the favourite - you can't win enough money. So you choose the horse with the best name!
Here are the Sandwich Shoppe revised best bets (please don't bet on these horses and if you do, you can't blame me);

Super Saver (12-1): Who doesn't like to save especially in these challenging economic times.
Discreetly Mine (25-1): Sure, why not? Mrs. MMMMBLT liked the name.
Homeboykris (40-1): Because I am gangsta
Sidney's Candy (4-1): The other Sidney is going to win a second Stanley Cup and the Olympic title in the same year, so why not go with it.

For the full Kentucky Derby odds you should visit here.

Freedom of Tweet

2010-04-28T21:24:00.002-04:00

Most of you who read this blog know that I love the Twitter. When different organizations try to put restrictions on what people can tweet about. This first happened in the NBA last season and then ESPN writers were told they could only write about sports and needed to ensure that they had to file stories with the website before they twittered about breaking news.

Now the freedom to tweet has been taken away from MLB reporters apparently. From now on the rule is in place that MLB beat writers can only tweet about baseball related things. Currently, I only follow one reporter - Jordan Bastian who covers the Blue Jays and of his 7000 tweets you would be hard pressed to find a handful that aren't about baseball. For him this new rule won't be a problem, but for some others I am sure not talking about political events, reality shows or the NFL.

How will they solve this mighty conundrum? I have a suggestion - it's called an alias. Open a different twitter account with a new handle. The perfect example of this is Cabbie from The Score. He has @CabralRichards and @TheRealCabbie. Ta-Da! Problem solved.

Coming soon...a new BLT twitter account...maybe.

What Not To Wear: Sports Edition

2010-04-21T20:10:00.003-04:00

Although I don't normally take special requests at the sandwich shoppe, I must mention this next story.

No Sweatshirt For You!

Earlier this week MLB came down on Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon and told him he couldn't wear a hooded sweatshirt in the dugout. He had to wear one of the MLB authorized on field gear provided to him. The sweatshirt has been a staple of Maddon's dugout presence since the Rays post-season run a couple of years ago. Now, conveniently when the Rays are playing in Boston, MLB says he can't wear the hoodie. He took the decision in stride, playing off the edict from the head office with a couple of jokes.

Now, after the story made the rounds on ESPN and other media outlets, MLB is somewhat embarrassed by the position they took and has retracted its statement and is allowing Maddon and other managers, should they please to wear the hoodies.

The crazy thing about this story is that managers in all sports dress poorly for the most part. They often can't decide if they want to be on the field, in a boardroom or just stepped out of the 1970's. Coaches should have one of three options;

1 - dress like a player. This works best in baseball, although George Karl did try it on the court.

2 - dress in a suit. This is good for hockey, basketball and some football coaches if they want that throwback look.

3 - dress in gear provided by the league. This is how the NFL works for the most part. Reebok decides what gear they want to promote and that is what the staff wear. The NHL (also sponsored by Reebok) does this with the training staff, but not the coaching staff. I think this might work well for the NHL seeing as most of their coaches dress poorly.

So how would you like coaches to dress?

NFL Mock Draft v16

2010-04-20T21:08:00.003-04:00

Not even Mel Kiper or Todd McShay have done as much homework on the top 10 picks as I have...kidding, I basically looked at McShay's draft board, put my own little spin and snarky comments and voila. The only mock draft you need leading up to Thursday night will be below. I have only done the top 10 because after that, you are either too drunk or don't recognize the names of the players anymore.

1 St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma
Although picking a QB at the top of the draft puts lots of pressure on the player, this is the best option for the Rams. A defensive tackle, no matter how dominant doesn’t lead and make the difference a good/great QB can.

2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska
The Lions can’t really screw this up. They are taking a defensive lineman here who will be a difference maker and shore up the middle of their defense. Suh seems to be the consensus pick here over McCoy.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma
The Bucs can’t really screw this up. They will take whichever DT is left on the board whether it is McCoy or Suh. McCoy fits better with their defensive scheme but either player will be a boost to the 3-13 team.

4. Washington Redskins – Bryan Bulaga – OT – Iowa
There was lots of talk of the Redskins taking a QB here, but that has all changed with the trade for Donovan McNabb. The ‘Skins will now protect him with Bulaga. Lots of speculation that he could bust like Robert Gallery, but he is more experienced and will be solid for years to come.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma State
The Chefs are building the proper way, from the OL out. They have their QB in Matt Cassel but he needs to be protected and Okung will do that for them.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Eric Berry – S – Tennessee
Although the Seahawks have lots of needs on the offensive side of the ball, they will elect to go defense here with a player who dominated at the combine and flashed all world skills while at Tennessee. Many teams in front and behind the Seahawks would love to get Berry, but no one is keen on paying a safety top 5 money.

7. Cleveland Browns – C.J. Spiller – RB - Clemson
The Browns (or whoever they trade down with) take the undisputed number 1 running back in the draft. He slipped past a few teams, but with the shallow pool of RB in the draft he is a wanted man. If the Browns aren’t able to trade the pick they really are intrigued by Texas safety Earl Thomas.

8. Oakland Raiders – Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma
No one really knows what Al Davis and the Raiders will do with this pick, all everyone knows is that he loves workout warriors and that was Williams at the combine. So we’ll put the OT here and hope for the best.

9. Buffalo Bills – Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame
Although it isn’t Tim Tebow the Bills do draft a QB to add to the position battle in training camp. Fans will love Clausen once they seem him play. He has the “blue collar” work ethic that goes over so well in Buffalo. He will remind fans of Doug Flutie and although he won’t solve the OL holes, he might make them look less daunting with his mobility.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan – DE – Georgia Tech
The Jags need lots of help and Clausen was definitely on their draft board, but they will go for the pass rushing of Morgan. A great pass rusher is now a requirement to be competitive in the NFL (especially the AFC) and Morgan will give them a great compliment to free agent acquisition Aaron Kampman.

Other Potential Top 10 Picks
Dan Williams – NT – Tennessee
The 3rd best defensive lineman might go higher than expected if one team really wanted help and can’t wait for round 2.
Jason Pierre-Paul – DE – South Florida
Another pass rushing option for teams looking to put pressure on the QB more effectively.
Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers
Davis might be an option for the Bills who really need to improve the OL and he is a stretch at number 9, but the talent really drops at OT after him.

Names To Know

2010-04-19T20:49:00.003-04:00

With the NFL draft now just 4 days away and lots of prospects and mock drafts for everyone to work through, here is one player that might have gotten overlooked but in my opinion will make it work at the next level.

Oregon Running Back LeGarrette Blount

Best known for throwing a punch at a Boise State player during the Thursday night home opener last season, being suspended for the season, and then apologizing enough that Oregon let him back to play for the last couple of games and the bowl game.

In those short opportunities he made quite an impression on fans, and hopefully on scouts. A big running back at 6' feet and 240 lbs. he would be a good second option for teams that feature a smaller scat back (like San Diego). With his size he really hasn't had any injury problems, he just had trouble staying on the field because of attitude issues, both on and off the field.

More was expected of him at the NFL Combine. He ran a very poor 40 yard dash time (4.74 sec.) and finished middle of the running back pack in the other tests.

As mentioned, he is a big back and therefore won't go down on first contact. You might compare him to someone like Giants Brandon Jacobs, the only difference would be the break away speed after knocking over a defensive back. He does everything well, just not excellent, but in the right system and if he is able to mature slightly he could be a great piece to the puzzle of a contender.

Blount is ranked as the 11th running back in a very shallow draft at the position. He has the name recognition some of the other backs don't, mainly for negative reasons, but look for him to be drafted in the 3rd or 4th round, but will have a better chance to contribute than most of the backs drafted ahead of him.

Snack of The Day

2010-04-17T12:21:00.002-04:00

One of things that has to be done every weekend is grocery shopping. This is something that Mrs. MMMMBLT and I do every Sunday. During the NFL season we go around 11am to make sure that I am back for the start of the early games, but the rest of the year, it can be anywhere from a 9am shop to the dreaded 5pm shop.

The one thing about shopping that I actually look forward to every Sunday is taking a handful of Jelly Beans from the container and having a quick snack. I just hate when I get the black licorice ones...

Who To Cheer For This Weekend

2010-04-16T17:58:00.005-04:00

This weekend seems like a slow sports weekend, with the opening of the major league baseball season done and gone, no masters and the NCAA basketball tourney all finished, but after looking closer there is plenty to cheer for...

Blue Jays - after having record low crowds during the week, they open a series against the LA Angels and hopefully some more wins (and bigger crowds) to pad there lead on top of the AL East. After hitting a home run yesterday, looking for Travis Snider to have a big weekend!

NBA Playoffs Start - couple of big series, especially in the Western Conference. It will be fun to watch the Lakers and Thunder and of course the Nuggets and Jazz series. Just too bad we can't watch the Raptors...

NHL Playoffs Continue - as much as I dislike hockey most of the time, the playoffs are a fun time that produce great games and great moments for fans, I guess...

Any Real Rivalries Left?

2010-04-15T21:48:00.000-04:00

After watching the most recent ESPN 30for30 documentary on Reggie Miller and the New York Knicks and seeing the hatred the fans had toward the opposition, seeing how the players didn't get along, the hard fouls and over the top coverage from the local media, it made me think - are there any real rivalries left?

If there are any rivalries, they are few and far between. In that same 30 for 30 documentary, the coach of the Knicks at the time was Pat Riley and he instructed his players not to shake the hands or talk to the Pacers players. That would never happen today. In a recent interview, T'Wolves player Kevin Love talked about how he grew up playing against the other top 10 picks from his rookie class. He can't hate any of them because they are his good friends. He may still be competitive, but I can't see him punching any of them.

Football is the same way. While growing up, the best of the best that eventually make the NFL play on High School All-Star teams, go to combines or visit universities together. Obviously, football is a physical game and players are still going to hit each other, but the friendliness before and after the game takes away from the rivalries.

The real rivalries aren't with the players anymore, they are holding on simply because of the fans.

So according to the fans (or at least this fan) here are some of the best rivalries left;

SOCCER
There are lots of rivalries in Europe, especially those cities that have two teams. My vote is for the North London rivalry between Tottenham and Arsenal. This rivalry has been one sided lately, but the Spurs finally broke through this past weekend, winning for the first time in 10 years! With that win and Tottenham on the verge of qualifying for Europe, just maybe the tides are turning.

BASEBALL
Just watch ESPN Sunday night baseball to see who the rivalries are, because those are the games that are always shown. The obvious choice is Red Sox vs. Yankees, but I think that Cubs vs. Cardinals is about to take over. This rivalry features the best player in the game in Albert Pujols and the longest World Series drought. It is Sox vs. Yankees circa 2004.

HOCKEY
Any of the Canadian teams or original six teams against each could qualify, but I think the hatred runs deepest in the west. The battle of Alberta, no matter how crappy the Oilers are, that rivalry with the Flames brings out the best hockey.

FOOTBALL
I'll let one of the best football writers take this one, from a recent Monday Morning QB article, Peter King broke it down like this...

NFL rivalries. The best before Sunday night (current, not necessarily historical) were Patriots-Colts, Packers-Vikings, Ravens-Steelers, Jets-Patriots. The Eagles-Giants, Eagles-Cowboys, Cowboys-Giants rotated in intensity. Now the Eagles and Redskins will go into that top group for the next three or four years. If I'm Howard Katz, the NFL schedule-maker who has a major headache putting this season's slate together, I'm going back to my drawing board this morning on Philly-Washington to make sure at least one of those two meetings is a national prime-time game.

BASKETBALL
Phil Jackson might have started a rivalry this week, when he named Kevin Durant as a player who gets special treatment from the referee's. Especially, with the Lakers and Thunder set to meet in the first round of the playoffs. This rivalry could continue because as Durant is one of the best young players in the game and Kobe still has some fight left in him. The one rivalry that lives on is New York vs. LA Lakers. No matter the situation in the standings this is always a good game from the two giant franchises and with the Knicks ready to make a splash in free agency this summer, get ready for multiple tv appearances and lots of media coverage of the two teams.

Now that I started the conversation, what are your favourite rivalries in sport?

My Favourite Blue Jay

2010-04-12T13:27:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday, I will attend my first Blue Jays game of the season. The last couple of seasons, there was always a reason to attend. Whether it was Doc Halladay on the mound or the chants of “Marco Scutaro” that came from the stands when he strode to the plate.

If I wasn’t going to cheer on Hallady or Scutaro, I was probably there to root against someone. Last year, sitting right behind the Yankees dugout the target was Alex Rodriguez. Every time he came to the plate or had to walk to the dugout we would flash photos of Madonna and author Selena Roberts. Whenever Miguel Tejada comes to town, he gets boo’s rained upon him for deserting Oakland and taking the big money pay day in Baltimore - where he is again this season after playing for Houston for two seasons, and will get booed loudly again when he arrives.

This season though, when attending the Jays game I really want a favourite player to cheer for, not just there to heckle the opposition (by the way, Alex Rios will be the target on Tuesday).So, I am going to choose my favourite Jay player…

Let’s start by eliminating a few of the players to make the choice a little easier.

-Vernon Wells, his contract is too big, he hasn’t performed to a high enough level and I can ignore his 4 home runs to start the season no problems.
-Overbay, Encarnacion and Bautista, all these players are decent, but don’t have long term future with the club. I really don’t want to go through this process every year
-John Buck and Jose Molina, love cheering for catchers, but neither is the future of the club. The Jays have so many catching prospects, just waiting for one of them to break through.
-John McDonald and Randy Ruiz, both will get some playing time this year. McDonald is a great defensive player but I want my favourite player to at least know how to hold a bat. Ruiz probably won’t get enough at bats this year to cheer properly and the games I go to, I want to know my guy is playing.
-Kevin Gregg had a chance, with the glasses and the long hair, but then he lost the closer gig to Jason Frasor. Frasor had a chance but he blew his first save attempt, so they are both out.
-Brian Tallet shaved his mustache, otherwise he would have gotten huge consideration.

So after eliminating half the team from contention, who do I have left to cheer for;
Adam Lind
Aaron Hill
Travis Snider
Shawn Marcum
Ricky Romero
Dana Eveland
Jesse Carlson

Another round of elimination…
-Adam Lind and Aaron Hill are out. Going against the grain is something I pride myself on, so making one of the two best Jays my favourite player just seems wrong.
-Marcum and Romero. Cheering for guys coming back from injury is a great story, and one of them is in line to be the ace for years to come, I just don’t want to choose the wrong guy.
-Jesse Carlson, the tattoos are a huge bonus (cheering for a rebel is cool), but he might have trouble staying with the big club all year even though he is a lefty and Gaston likes him. He won’t get the innings needed to be my favourite unfortunately for him.

THE WINNERS
Travis Snider and Dana Eveland
With the chance to play everyday now, Snider will be considered one of the cornerstones for the Jays. He has a chance to hit 20 home runs this year and he hustles in the field and on the base paths. You can tell by how red his cheeks when he hustles down the line. So when I get my chance to attend games this season, left field is where I will be.

Traded from Oakland for cash considerations in the off-season Dana Eveland had a great spring training to win the 5th starter role ahead of Mark Rzepczynski. His first start for Toronto was a gem and he will give the Jays innings and has a bright future. When I have a chance to see a particular pitcher, I will make sure it is Eveland.

Who do you think I should have picked?

American League Preview - All Rolled Into One

2010-04-06T15:42:00.006-04:00

Okay..so I'm cheating a little with my AL preview since the teams got in their first games Sunday and yesterday.

AL WEST

Anaheim Angels - They somehow manage to keep retooling and winning. One of the model franchises that is often overlooked. With perhaps the best 1 thru 5 rotation and it will only get better once Scott Kazmir returns from the DL. The power at the plate replaced one elder with another (Matsui for Guerrero).

Texas Rangers - After that walk-off win in the first game against the Jays could this be there year? Ace Scott Feldman will have to duplicate his 2009 season and Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler will carry the load on offense.

Seattle Mariners - Although they made some power moves in the offseason, they kind of feel like the Washington Redskins. Make a big splash, but get no return for your dollars. Felix Hernandez is the undisputed ace and in my opinion the best pitcher in the AL now that Halladay is gone. Acquiring Cliff Lee was a nice touch. They have both speed and power on the base paths. If Ken Griffey Jr. can keep his weight under control he could have one last hurrah in the city where he started his career.

Oakland A's - The A's have turned into the feeding system for the rest of major league baseball. This year their project is Ben Sheets. If he performs well, just like Matt Holliday last year they will deal him to the highest bidder in September. Other than assigning Jack Cust to the minors, Eric Chavez coming back from injury and, wow...there is nothing else. Welcome to AAA.

AL CENTRAL

Minnesota Twins - The Twinkies have turned the corner. Not even 10 years ago they were tapped by MLB as one of two teams to contract. Now they are an AL power. Led by Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer and supported nicely by the speedy Denard Span in center field and the defensive wizard Orlando Hudson at second, these guys are good. The pitching staff is underated and new closer Jon Rauch has big shoes to fill with the loss of Joe Nathan for the year. If they don't win the division it might not happen as the wild card will probably come from the AL East.

Detroit Tigers - Another team that has spent some money the last couple of seasons, acquiring the likes of Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, Miggy Cabrera and now Johnny Damon. If they can put it together along with rookie CF Austin Jackson, they could do some damage. The pitching staff has been brought along slowly and allowed to develop and the Tigers are finally having it pay off with Verlander, Porcello and Bonderman anchoring the rotation.

Chicago White Sox - Not even Barack Obama can bail these guys out. With the hot headed Ozzie Guillen as manager you never really know what to expect from the South Siders. Some good starting pitching with Jake Peavy and Mark Buehrle and closer Bobby Jenks will be able to close the door in late innings. The line-up is filled
with aging veterans (Andruw Jones, Alex Rios, AJ Pierzynski and Carlos Quentin), but if they can come through, they could challenge the top of the division.

KC Royals - Once an after thought in the division, they now boast one of the top pitchers in the game Zack Greinke. He carried this team last season and will need to repeat his Cy Young performance for the Royals to be contenders. In the field they are nothing special. The player to watch will be Rick Ankiel to see him continue his journey from pitcher to everyday player.

Cleveland Indians - Once the pride of the division, the Indians are now back to playing like they did in Major League the movie. Unfortunately for them ace Jake Westbrook can only start every 5th day. The offense will be carried by Grady Sizemore and DH Travis Hafner. Not much to cheer about.

AL EAST

NY Yankees - A murderer's row of hitters and pitchers await any team that has to face the Yankees this season. Whether you are facing their number 9 hitter or 5th starter it will be a test. I could name you all the players, but just wait for the All-Star game.

Tampa Bay Rays - With a good combination of speed and power, and a chip on their shoulder after missing the playoffs last season, look for a rejuvenated Rays squad. Led by Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford and BJ Upton this will be an exciting team to watch. Rafeal Soriano is the new closer coming over from Atlanta and he will need to adjust to the pressures of the AL East quickly. Also, the continued maturation of David Price will be important to their success.

Boston Red Sox - The Sox made the change from power to defense this year and although Baseball Prospectus people might applaud the move it will be interesting to see if the moves will pay off with wins. The signings of Mike Cameron and Marco Scutaro won't score runs but they will prevent them. Also preventing runs will be the pitching staff. Like the Yankees, starters 1 thru 5 will provide a tough test for opposition batters.

Baltimore Orioles - If they were in any other division they might be contenders, but playing Yankees, Rays and Red Sox 60+ times will give you more losses than you thought. Building around a young core, similar to what the Rays did just a few years ago look for them to compete day in and out. The outfield is one of the best in baseball with Nolan Reimhold, Adam Jones and Nick Markakis. Catcher phenom Matt Wieters is now in his second year and will be able to handle the pitching staff that much better. The pitching staff isn't their strength of the club, but Kevin Millwood is a solid rock at the top of the rotation. Better luck next year.

Toronto Blue Jays - I dread writing this review because they are the home town team. You want them to succeed, make the playoffs and win championships. Unfortunately, the Jays are far from all of those things, especially after trading away their best player in the off-season. Toronto has pitching depth, that is without question, but their starters are no better than a number 3 in most rotations (even with how good Shawn Marcum pitched opening day). The bullpen is stable and with three viable options at closer, manager Cito Gaston should be able to get saves out of one of them. The line-ups lacks real power even though Gaston believes that 6 Jays can hit 20 home runs. Although Gaston isn't known for giving young players much of a chance he needs to try to do that this season. The likes of Travis Snider, Randy Ruiz, Mike McCoy and most of the pitching staff needs to see if they can cut it in the big leagues. GM Alex Anthopolous will win executive of the year if he can find someone to take Vernon Wells of his hands, but this will probably only happen if Wells can repeat his 2006 season. Lyle Overbay, Tony Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion need to be the good veteran presence, while Adam Lind and Aaron Hill continue to play like all-stars. If everything comes together the Jays might be able to avoid 100 losses and 5th place, if not Jays fans will understand the plight of Leafs fans.

What To Watch This Weekend

2010-04-02T19:17:00.002-04:00

The AL baseball previews will be coming fast and furious on Sunday/Monday...trust me two games into the season won't change my predictions, unless it is the Jays winning a couple in Texas...kidding, they are still finishing 5th.

If you are stuck inside this beautiful long weekend, don't feel bad, there is plenty for you to watch on the tube.

Saturday and Monday - The Final Four. The semi-final games are Saturday night. Butler vs. Michigan St and then Duke vs. West Virgina. Since my prediction computer hasn't been that good lately, I'll just say that it will be fun to see the underdogs win and that would be Butler and West Virgina. Although the best TV for the Monday night final would probably be Butler and Duke and then hopefully the underdog can come through again. Whatever happens, most fans are just rooting against the Dukies, unless you have them winning the office pool.

Sunday - Major League Baseball opens the regular season. No more fake games, bad uniforms and spring training baseball hats. The rivalry that everyone outside of New York and Boston has started to loathe - Yankees vs. Red Sox kick off the year. One of about 32 match-ups between the teams that will be televised this year.

Of course for those of you who are up early on Saturday and Sunday morning you can tune in to the Malaysian Grand Prix to see if a Red Bull car can actually complete the race, which British driver (Button or Hamilton) will win the race and if Michael Schumacher can regain his form. This should be a fun race to watch because of the longest straight away on the circuit and wide lanes where we might actually get some passing.

Enjoy the show...