Prior to getting to what it seems most of my loyal followers come here for, the Riders, a quick thought on the yesterday's NHL Trade Deadline. Like always, the hype that is generated by this day was overwhelming, and like most years, it was highly disappointing. Rick Nash was not traded and essentially the biggest deal of yesterday was Cody Hodgson being sent to Buffalo for Zack Kassian in a move that the Canucks made obviously in an attempt to get bigger and stronger as they move forward.
Do you ever stop and think why there is so much hype which in turn leads to disappointment? It is because that is all TSN and Sportsnet have talked about seemingly since the moment the World Junior's ended in early January. They talk about it daily, analyzing potential deals, talking about salary cap, who needs what and so forth. At the same the fact that both of these networks devote eight hours of live coverage to this day essentially dooms it to disappointment. Honestly, watching James Duthie and the guys wait for the second trade of the day, a lull of two hours after the Canadiens shipped Kostitsyn to the Predators was painful and I truly felt for them as they sought to make live television entertaining.
At the end of the day, here is what stands out for me from yesterday's NHL movement or lack of:
* Clearly Rick Nash is playing out his days as a Blue Jacket. I thought GM Scott Howson threw him under the bus for telling the world that Nash asked to be dealt. At the same time, I think Nash is feeding the Blue Jackets fan a line by saying he only wants whats best for that organization. Clearly Rick Nash you want what is best for you, and to be honest, you deserve it after enduring nine years in Columbus.
* The Nashville Predators will be a force in the play - offs. They have great goaltending, a solid back end and the addition of Paul Gaustad provides them with a little more sand up front. If I am in the west I am hoping to avoid a date with the Predators.
Not a great deal new with the Riders short of a couple of signings today. Canadain FB Graeme Bell has re - upped with the Green and White. And a pair of import QB's were signed today, Drew Willy and COlt Brennan. While little is known about Willy by myself, I know quite a bit about Brennan. I tweeted earlier that in a pass first league, Colt Brennan has the potential to be good. He put up astronomically big numbers as a Senior at the University of Hawaii, throwing for 58 touchdowns. For those accomplishments he was a runner up for the Heisman Trophy. After NFL stops in Washington and Baltimore, he has been out of football for two seasons following a nearly fatal car accident. The kid can throw the ball and can read a defense, there is no denying that. What might hold him back is the same thing that help Todd Reesing back two years ago. He came as a much heralded pivot from the University of Kansas but he lacked the arm strength to make the cross field throw. Sure, Reesing was more of a mobile QB whereas Brennan is a pocket passer. While his arm might hold him back, it also might be the very tool to earn a spot on the Riders roster this season. Only time will tell.
Later.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
And It Begins....
Essentially from this point until approximatley November, short of my job and my family, I will be consumed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This will be the first of what you can expect to be dozens of blogs, discussions, rants and so on dealing with this great organization.
Unless you live under a rock you know CFL Free Agency started on Wednesday. At the same time, if you follow the Riders you know that many have been publicily calling out Brendan Taman as being a poor GM who has 'never signed anyone'. Well I would say after the first two days, Brendan Taman has been the most succesful GM in the league thus far. A glaring problem with the Riders in last years debacle was the O - Line. Marc Parenteau struggled with the simple things like snapping the ball, Makowsky and Goodspeed looked every bit like late 30 something's and the list goes on. By yesterday at noon, enter Dominic Picard from Toronto to replace Parenteau and Brendon Labatte from the Bombers, a guy who was as much coveted as Andy Fantuz was and continues to be. What makes the Labatte signing that much sweeter is ET and the Evil Empire was hot on his trail and never got it done. They also reportedly wanted Fantuz desperately but does not look like they will get him. As the magic run out for Eric Tillman.
The hot debate continues to be where Andy Fantuz will land. Rumor has it that it comes down to Hamilton and the Riders with Hamilton offering more money. At the end of the day, I would love to keep Fantuz as much as the next. However, at the same time the additions to the O - Line were far more important. I mean we can have the best receivers in the world but without any quality protection, how can Darian find them? Seriously, it is not like our receiving corps is weak without Fantuz. Time will tell; I am hearing early next week we will know as Fantuz is presently wrapping up a three week holiday in Africa.
On a side note, but no less important the Riders also brought in local product Paul Woldu from the Als. Woldu will provide some insurance on the corner and is an absolute beast on the teams. He will bring a lot of energy to an already much improved group led by Craig Dickenson.
What have we lost...Stu Foord. Sad to see him go but wasn't really utilized all that much with the exception of Special Teams, and with three new backs being brought in to go with Brandon West, the writing was on the wall for STUUUUUUUUUU!.
Lastly, a Roughrider Press Conference at 10:30 this morning will prsumably announce the retirement of Gene Makowsky. A great Rider two years ago, it's his time to walk away. Let's face it, the O - Line needs to get younger and faster and with the two additions to go with the kids already around from last year, Geno would struggle to make this team anyways.
Have a great weekend.
Unless you live under a rock you know CFL Free Agency started on Wednesday. At the same time, if you follow the Riders you know that many have been publicily calling out Brendan Taman as being a poor GM who has 'never signed anyone'. Well I would say after the first two days, Brendan Taman has been the most succesful GM in the league thus far. A glaring problem with the Riders in last years debacle was the O - Line. Marc Parenteau struggled with the simple things like snapping the ball, Makowsky and Goodspeed looked every bit like late 30 something's and the list goes on. By yesterday at noon, enter Dominic Picard from Toronto to replace Parenteau and Brendon Labatte from the Bombers, a guy who was as much coveted as Andy Fantuz was and continues to be. What makes the Labatte signing that much sweeter is ET and the Evil Empire was hot on his trail and never got it done. They also reportedly wanted Fantuz desperately but does not look like they will get him. As the magic run out for Eric Tillman.
The hot debate continues to be where Andy Fantuz will land. Rumor has it that it comes down to Hamilton and the Riders with Hamilton offering more money. At the end of the day, I would love to keep Fantuz as much as the next. However, at the same time the additions to the O - Line were far more important. I mean we can have the best receivers in the world but without any quality protection, how can Darian find them? Seriously, it is not like our receiving corps is weak without Fantuz. Time will tell; I am hearing early next week we will know as Fantuz is presently wrapping up a three week holiday in Africa.
On a side note, but no less important the Riders also brought in local product Paul Woldu from the Als. Woldu will provide some insurance on the corner and is an absolute beast on the teams. He will bring a lot of energy to an already much improved group led by Craig Dickenson.
What have we lost...Stu Foord. Sad to see him go but wasn't really utilized all that much with the exception of Special Teams, and with three new backs being brought in to go with Brandon West, the writing was on the wall for STUUUUUUUUUU!.
Lastly, a Roughrider Press Conference at 10:30 this morning will prsumably announce the retirement of Gene Makowsky. A great Rider two years ago, it's his time to walk away. Let's face it, the O - Line needs to get younger and faster and with the two additions to go with the kids already around from last year, Geno would struggle to make this team anyways.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 3, 2012
What's that Smell???
I am not going to do anything to belittle the performance of Edmonton's Sam Gagner last night. He did something only thirteen players had done before him in the history of the league. At the same time his eight point night tied an Oiler record for most points in a game with a couple of fellows you may have heard before; Paul Coffey and Wayne Gretzky. A great night for a guy who has struggled to find his place with the Oilers this year, and as an Oilers fan I hope this is the break out performance he needed. While he might not have another eight point night again, the way he played last night was something to watch. He was quicker to the puck, stronger on the puck and hands down the best player on the ice.
HOWEVER, the performance was tainted for me by TSN who chose to name him the 1st, 2nd and 3rd star of the game. Was he that much better than all the other players on both the Hawks and Oilers last night? No..he wasn't. Lost in his performance were solid efforts by both Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall, each of whom had a goal and three apples. While it is only half of an eight point performance, four points is also a very good night in the best league in the world.
Don't get me wrong, Gagner was awesome last night but to name him the three best players on the ice..well that is just a little bit ridiculous if you ask me. Gord Miller...shame on you.
HOWEVER, the performance was tainted for me by TSN who chose to name him the 1st, 2nd and 3rd star of the game. Was he that much better than all the other players on both the Hawks and Oilers last night? No..he wasn't. Lost in his performance were solid efforts by both Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall, each of whom had a goal and three apples. While it is only half of an eight point performance, four points is also a very good night in the best league in the world.
Don't get me wrong, Gagner was awesome last night but to name him the three best players on the ice..well that is just a little bit ridiculous if you ask me. Gord Miller...shame on you.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Head Scratcher....
I tend to stick with the professional sports on this blog, but today was the WHL trade deadline and was left scratching my head and wondering....
Why did the Regina Pats do what they did? They not only chose to keep Jordan Weal but at the same time were what you would refer to as 'buyers'. They picked up Martin Marincin from the Prince George Cougars. In return they sent a forward to the Cougars as well as some bantam picks, a 1st, a 2nd and a 4th. So here are my questions:
Do the Regina Pats really think they are going to make a run at the WHL Title this year? Next year? I don't see them being anywhere close to an elite team in this league. So WHY give up the future (the picks to PG along with the kids and picks they would have gotten for Weal) for this? Seriously this could truly backfire on GM Chad Lang.
Secondly, the Pats know have 8 defencemen on their roster, 9 if you include Tyler Bortsmayer who is playing in the SJHL and could be called up at anytime. Not only that but their back end was pretty good to start and probably didn't need to be tinkered with. If they are going to make a run, what they needed was some front line scoring to take some of the pressure off of Jordan Weal. That never happened, and come play - off time, stick one of those diggers out there to make Weal's life miserable and who is going to put the puck in the net for the Pats? I mean honestly, I thought the bad decisons of this organization would have disappeared as quickly as Brent Parker stepped down as GM. Oh well...if I were a Regina Pats season ticket holder..I would not by happy. While it is okay to be optimistic, far too often the Pats think they are on thr brink of greatness...only when the definition of greatness is a fifth place finish at best and with any luck possibly a second round of play - off's.
One more note about the trade deadline...Brett Connolly who played with Team Canada at the WJHC and up to that point played the entire season in Tampa Bay had his rights dealt from Prince George to Tri - City for get this....three draft picks including a first and a second. Is it just me but is that basically like Tri - City just giving up picks for nothing. Look...if Brett Connolly was going to play in the WHL this year Tampa would have sent him down before he played ten games at which point they are not required to pay the entire year of his NHL salary. Do you honestly think Steve Yzerman and the Lightning want to pay this guy $900, 000 to play in the WHL the remainder of the year? I would think not.
Surprisingly enough, really the only team I see as a contender who made a substantial move was the Brandon....doesn't change my pick to win the league. I will take the Kamloops Blazers to host the Ed Chynoweth trophy this season. Go Blazers!!!!
Why did the Regina Pats do what they did? They not only chose to keep Jordan Weal but at the same time were what you would refer to as 'buyers'. They picked up Martin Marincin from the Prince George Cougars. In return they sent a forward to the Cougars as well as some bantam picks, a 1st, a 2nd and a 4th. So here are my questions:
Do the Regina Pats really think they are going to make a run at the WHL Title this year? Next year? I don't see them being anywhere close to an elite team in this league. So WHY give up the future (the picks to PG along with the kids and picks they would have gotten for Weal) for this? Seriously this could truly backfire on GM Chad Lang.
Secondly, the Pats know have 8 defencemen on their roster, 9 if you include Tyler Bortsmayer who is playing in the SJHL and could be called up at anytime. Not only that but their back end was pretty good to start and probably didn't need to be tinkered with. If they are going to make a run, what they needed was some front line scoring to take some of the pressure off of Jordan Weal. That never happened, and come play - off time, stick one of those diggers out there to make Weal's life miserable and who is going to put the puck in the net for the Pats? I mean honestly, I thought the bad decisons of this organization would have disappeared as quickly as Brent Parker stepped down as GM. Oh well...if I were a Regina Pats season ticket holder..I would not by happy. While it is okay to be optimistic, far too often the Pats think they are on thr brink of greatness...only when the definition of greatness is a fifth place finish at best and with any luck possibly a second round of play - off's.
One more note about the trade deadline...Brett Connolly who played with Team Canada at the WJHC and up to that point played the entire season in Tampa Bay had his rights dealt from Prince George to Tri - City for get this....three draft picks including a first and a second. Is it just me but is that basically like Tri - City just giving up picks for nothing. Look...if Brett Connolly was going to play in the WHL this year Tampa would have sent him down before he played ten games at which point they are not required to pay the entire year of his NHL salary. Do you honestly think Steve Yzerman and the Lightning want to pay this guy $900, 000 to play in the WHL the remainder of the year? I would think not.
Surprisingly enough, really the only team I see as a contender who made a substantial move was the Brandon....doesn't change my pick to win the league. I will take the Kamloops Blazers to host the Ed Chynoweth trophy this season. Go Blazers!!!!
Monday, January 9, 2012
I am Back....
It has been a while since I have blogged. Rather than try to explain my absence, know only that I will try my best to blog more regularly in the New Year. I realize that all five of my followers yearn for my knowledge and insight so I will provide it as necessary.
Let's start with the topic of choice most days on this blog...the Riders. We are now preparing for the free agency season to start in February 15th as a coaching staff is now in place. Rather than get into a long winded spiel about what I like and dislike about each member of Cory Chamblin's staff I will say this...he brought in young new faces to replace the old boy's club. He kept only two coaches from last years staff, Craig Dickenson and Richie Hall, both of whom I see as being worthy of another season in green and white. The more I hear and read about Chamblin the more I am excited for the season to start...the fact that he was able to put a staff such as this together speaks a lot about him and the respect he has of others within the coaching fraternity.
Free Agency starts in February as has been stated and that is always a finger crossing period. Will Andy Fantuz leave? Well the choice is his but bringing in Khari Jones and Jason Tucker is a tremendous addition to Darian Durant and the offense in general. In saying that I would think we have as good a chance as any to retain Andy's services. Other than that, I will just throw this out there...Justin Hickman is a FA this year....is it possible he follows his old DC to the prairies? Would sure help us out a lot. Offensive Line is a glaring need and these is a local grown product from Weyburn who if the NFL doesn't pan out is a great lineman in this league...Brendan Labatte would be a huge upgrade over now MLA Makowsky. As far as who we sign and who we lose; that's not my doing and regardless of what I think or hope, what will happen will happen but I still anticipate the 15th of next month.
On to the NFL and what a ridiculous OT rule the apparent greatest league in the world has adopted. While the NFL has the most talented players in the world, you have to wonder who is making the rules. Case in point, one play into OT yesterday and the Pittsburgh Steelers season is over. I am in no way, shape or form a Steeler fan but that is brutal the way it ended. Essentially their season is over because they lost a coin toss. A good analogy would be an extra inning game in baseball where the visiting squad hits a homerun in the top of the inninng..Game Over; or a shootout in hockey in which Team A scores on their first shot and that's it. Come on NFL...be like the CFL and NCAA where at least you get an opportunity to match your opponent. I can only hope that the Superbowl is not decided that way.
Speaking of Superbowl, is anybody going to touch New Orleans???? And what IF Tim Tebow takes out the Patriots???? I love the playoffs.
The NHL is our final stop today and Brad Marchand had a hearing with the NHL over a hip check on Sami Salo which led to a concussion. While the check has been brought into question, I can't help but yell when I hear Canucks bench boss Alain Vigneault go off about how Brad Marchand is going to get hurt if he continues to play like that. How can this guy say that without looking down his bench at two of the biggest jabroni's in the league (yeah I used the word jabroni) in Maxim Lapierre and Alex Burrows. While Marchand is at least willing to back up his actions, those two clowns just talk and talk but never answer the bell. Now those are two guys who are about due to have their rectums handed to them on a platter. Not condoning the Marchand hit, just saying Alain Vigneault can't point the finger at somebody who is twice the player those two clowns are.
Lastly the WHL trade deadline is tomorrow. Will the Regina Pats do the right thing and trade Jordan Weal? The Pats are going nowhere in the post season and they could get a lot in return for Weal. Two years ago they dropped the ball by keepign Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert only to finish eighth and lose in the first round. That put that club back three years. They had a jackpot coming in return for Eberle by what I hear and balked. If they don't trade Weal this year they may as well just admit to their fan base that they are fine with being irrelevant for the next half decade. That is the way things go in Junior Hockey...take advantage of things when you can because you know there will be lean years, but you accept that. Unfortunately for Pats fans upper management always sees the glass as half full when the rest of us can see it is half empty.
Have a good one,
HM
Let's start with the topic of choice most days on this blog...the Riders. We are now preparing for the free agency season to start in February 15th as a coaching staff is now in place. Rather than get into a long winded spiel about what I like and dislike about each member of Cory Chamblin's staff I will say this...he brought in young new faces to replace the old boy's club. He kept only two coaches from last years staff, Craig Dickenson and Richie Hall, both of whom I see as being worthy of another season in green and white. The more I hear and read about Chamblin the more I am excited for the season to start...the fact that he was able to put a staff such as this together speaks a lot about him and the respect he has of others within the coaching fraternity.
Free Agency starts in February as has been stated and that is always a finger crossing period. Will Andy Fantuz leave? Well the choice is his but bringing in Khari Jones and Jason Tucker is a tremendous addition to Darian Durant and the offense in general. In saying that I would think we have as good a chance as any to retain Andy's services. Other than that, I will just throw this out there...Justin Hickman is a FA this year....is it possible he follows his old DC to the prairies? Would sure help us out a lot. Offensive Line is a glaring need and these is a local grown product from Weyburn who if the NFL doesn't pan out is a great lineman in this league...Brendan Labatte would be a huge upgrade over now MLA Makowsky. As far as who we sign and who we lose; that's not my doing and regardless of what I think or hope, what will happen will happen but I still anticipate the 15th of next month.
On to the NFL and what a ridiculous OT rule the apparent greatest league in the world has adopted. While the NFL has the most talented players in the world, you have to wonder who is making the rules. Case in point, one play into OT yesterday and the Pittsburgh Steelers season is over. I am in no way, shape or form a Steeler fan but that is brutal the way it ended. Essentially their season is over because they lost a coin toss. A good analogy would be an extra inning game in baseball where the visiting squad hits a homerun in the top of the inninng..Game Over; or a shootout in hockey in which Team A scores on their first shot and that's it. Come on NFL...be like the CFL and NCAA where at least you get an opportunity to match your opponent. I can only hope that the Superbowl is not decided that way.
Speaking of Superbowl, is anybody going to touch New Orleans???? And what IF Tim Tebow takes out the Patriots???? I love the playoffs.
The NHL is our final stop today and Brad Marchand had a hearing with the NHL over a hip check on Sami Salo which led to a concussion. While the check has been brought into question, I can't help but yell when I hear Canucks bench boss Alain Vigneault go off about how Brad Marchand is going to get hurt if he continues to play like that. How can this guy say that without looking down his bench at two of the biggest jabroni's in the league (yeah I used the word jabroni) in Maxim Lapierre and Alex Burrows. While Marchand is at least willing to back up his actions, those two clowns just talk and talk but never answer the bell. Now those are two guys who are about due to have their rectums handed to them on a platter. Not condoning the Marchand hit, just saying Alain Vigneault can't point the finger at somebody who is twice the player those two clowns are.
Lastly the WHL trade deadline is tomorrow. Will the Regina Pats do the right thing and trade Jordan Weal? The Pats are going nowhere in the post season and they could get a lot in return for Weal. Two years ago they dropped the ball by keepign Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert only to finish eighth and lose in the first round. That put that club back three years. They had a jackpot coming in return for Eberle by what I hear and balked. If they don't trade Weal this year they may as well just admit to their fan base that they are fine with being irrelevant for the next half decade. That is the way things go in Junior Hockey...take advantage of things when you can because you know there will be lean years, but you accept that. Unfortunately for Pats fans upper management always sees the glass as half full when the rest of us can see it is half empty.
Have a good one,
HM
Monday, December 12, 2011
Something's a Brewin...
I have much to say about the CFL and today's BIG trade. Before that, let me get a few things off of my chest....
The NBA is a joke, plain and simple. For the third time in less than a week, a trade involving New Orleans PG Chris Paul has been vetoed by the league. Unfortunately for Paul along with both Los Angeles team who have had deals for the Wake Forest product worked out, the Hornets are being run by the NBA team at this point as they look for a buyer. In the minds of the owners, these potential deals make the rich richer in terms of the Los Angeles clubs.
Essentially nobody wants Paul to be traded at the expense of another team getting better. Well, here is how it will play out. Chris Paul will be forced to play the season in New Orleans because no deal for him will be allowed. Next summer comes along and Chris Paul walks away from the only organization he has known in his short career, signs where ever he wants and what do the Hornets get???? Not a damn thing. The only club this is really hurting is the Hornets; they have had three deals worked out, all of which see them getting significant returns for Paul. In the end, attendance in New Orleans struggles, continued ownership problems abound and before you know it this franchise is moving for the third time in a decade. Way to go NBA...way to go.
Sidney Crosby will miss his third straight game with what the Penguins are referring to as concussion like symptoms. This is very, very troubling. If this is indeed a concussion, you know what this means for Crosby? The Penguins? The NHL? Hockey Canada? This means that the best player in the game is pretty much done at the ripe ol' age of what? 24? I am unsure on his exact age but this is potentially awful news for the Crosby and the NHL.
And now on to the CFL.....
A monster deal today coming out of the Alberta capital as the Eskimos have sent QB Ricky Ray to the Toronto Argonauts for Steven Jyles, a draft pick, and a Canadian kicker. Some have gone so far as to say this is being done by the CFL Board of Governors to ensure the Argo's are competitive next year as they aim to host the Grey Cup. What this is in reality is the Eric Tillman factor. Tillman has done the exact same thing with Ray that he did with Kerry Joseph, surprisingly enough with the same dance partner as in 2008. Ray is 32 and nearing his expiration date; Tillman knows that. The Argos are in the market for a proven QB..a pocket passer that they hope can take the mold of Anthony Calvillo. After all the double blue does have the OC from Calvillo's finest days in Montreal in Scott Milanovich. We all know how well Kerry Joseph did in Toronto and without some serious upgrades at the reciever position, I don't see things going much better for Ray.
I know this is the second time Tillman has traded for Jyles, but I honestly don't think this is his idea of a starting QB next year. If you ask me, he has something up his sleeve and we will see another QB land in Edmonton soon. Is it possible the Stamps ship Henry Burris to their arch - rival? Is Burris on the way to Hamilton which in turn would allow one of Kevin Glenn or Quinton Porter join the Evil Empire? Buck Pierce? Who knows what is in store in Edmonton. What I do know is if Tillman feels that Jyles is the answer, I think that makes the Eskimos a far inferior team entering next season than they were at the end of 2011.
Is it a salary dump in order to make a play for Andy Fantuz come February? Tillman made no qualms about the fact he inquired about the availability of the Canadian reciever at this past season's trade deadline. Tillman also was the man who drafted Fantuz in the first place. It could make sense, but again I don't think Fantuz would go there unless a more established QB is in place.
OR....does this make Toronto the front runner to sign Fantuz? He is from Ontario, and that football team could be better with some help at reciever and Ricky Ray has done wonders for guys like Fred Stamps. The possibility of huge numbers for Fantuz with Ray delivering is strong.
Time will tell. The Riders would love to keep him, the fans want him to stay. At the end of the day, I think this trade today is the start of a bizarre season of transactions in the CFL and until next June, we won't know who is where.
The saga continues in the search for the next Head Coach of the Riders. Brendan Taman to this point has interviewed six candidates, and Kent Austin won't go away. It is reported that Austin wants $600, 000 per year and a lot more responsibility than simply Head Coach. Marc Trestman makes $500, 000 per year and has a much better track record than Austin. Austin was a HC for ONE YEAR!!! Sure it was a Grey Cup but we aren't going to give him everything he wants based on one season are we? The fans will cry murder if they don't sign him, but seriously people he is only here until the next great offer comes south of the border.
I have said it for a while now, I would like to see Dave Dickenson running the show here next year. He could do wonders for this offense and Darian in particular. It has been said over and over that he has no interest in living in Regina. I wish people would stop making crap up. If he didn't want the job why would he come for an interview last week, and based on what Taman and O'Day said on the Sportscage on Friday, be more than willing to set up shop in our provincial capital and coach the team that embodies everything the CFL is about.
If it isn't Dickenson, I would like to see Mike O'Shea get a serious look. He is young, full of energy, and even though a defensive guy, innovative which is something we have been lacking in the past few seasons.
According to Rod Pederson's blog a decision will be made on the new coach before the second week of January so I guess time will tell.
The NBA is a joke, plain and simple. For the third time in less than a week, a trade involving New Orleans PG Chris Paul has been vetoed by the league. Unfortunately for Paul along with both Los Angeles team who have had deals for the Wake Forest product worked out, the Hornets are being run by the NBA team at this point as they look for a buyer. In the minds of the owners, these potential deals make the rich richer in terms of the Los Angeles clubs.
Essentially nobody wants Paul to be traded at the expense of another team getting better. Well, here is how it will play out. Chris Paul will be forced to play the season in New Orleans because no deal for him will be allowed. Next summer comes along and Chris Paul walks away from the only organization he has known in his short career, signs where ever he wants and what do the Hornets get???? Not a damn thing. The only club this is really hurting is the Hornets; they have had three deals worked out, all of which see them getting significant returns for Paul. In the end, attendance in New Orleans struggles, continued ownership problems abound and before you know it this franchise is moving for the third time in a decade. Way to go NBA...way to go.
Sidney Crosby will miss his third straight game with what the Penguins are referring to as concussion like symptoms. This is very, very troubling. If this is indeed a concussion, you know what this means for Crosby? The Penguins? The NHL? Hockey Canada? This means that the best player in the game is pretty much done at the ripe ol' age of what? 24? I am unsure on his exact age but this is potentially awful news for the Crosby and the NHL.
And now on to the CFL.....
A monster deal today coming out of the Alberta capital as the Eskimos have sent QB Ricky Ray to the Toronto Argonauts for Steven Jyles, a draft pick, and a Canadian kicker. Some have gone so far as to say this is being done by the CFL Board of Governors to ensure the Argo's are competitive next year as they aim to host the Grey Cup. What this is in reality is the Eric Tillman factor. Tillman has done the exact same thing with Ray that he did with Kerry Joseph, surprisingly enough with the same dance partner as in 2008. Ray is 32 and nearing his expiration date; Tillman knows that. The Argos are in the market for a proven QB..a pocket passer that they hope can take the mold of Anthony Calvillo. After all the double blue does have the OC from Calvillo's finest days in Montreal in Scott Milanovich. We all know how well Kerry Joseph did in Toronto and without some serious upgrades at the reciever position, I don't see things going much better for Ray.
I know this is the second time Tillman has traded for Jyles, but I honestly don't think this is his idea of a starting QB next year. If you ask me, he has something up his sleeve and we will see another QB land in Edmonton soon. Is it possible the Stamps ship Henry Burris to their arch - rival? Is Burris on the way to Hamilton which in turn would allow one of Kevin Glenn or Quinton Porter join the Evil Empire? Buck Pierce? Who knows what is in store in Edmonton. What I do know is if Tillman feels that Jyles is the answer, I think that makes the Eskimos a far inferior team entering next season than they were at the end of 2011.
Is it a salary dump in order to make a play for Andy Fantuz come February? Tillman made no qualms about the fact he inquired about the availability of the Canadian reciever at this past season's trade deadline. Tillman also was the man who drafted Fantuz in the first place. It could make sense, but again I don't think Fantuz would go there unless a more established QB is in place.
OR....does this make Toronto the front runner to sign Fantuz? He is from Ontario, and that football team could be better with some help at reciever and Ricky Ray has done wonders for guys like Fred Stamps. The possibility of huge numbers for Fantuz with Ray delivering is strong.
Time will tell. The Riders would love to keep him, the fans want him to stay. At the end of the day, I think this trade today is the start of a bizarre season of transactions in the CFL and until next June, we won't know who is where.
The saga continues in the search for the next Head Coach of the Riders. Brendan Taman to this point has interviewed six candidates, and Kent Austin won't go away. It is reported that Austin wants $600, 000 per year and a lot more responsibility than simply Head Coach. Marc Trestman makes $500, 000 per year and has a much better track record than Austin. Austin was a HC for ONE YEAR!!! Sure it was a Grey Cup but we aren't going to give him everything he wants based on one season are we? The fans will cry murder if they don't sign him, but seriously people he is only here until the next great offer comes south of the border.
I have said it for a while now, I would like to see Dave Dickenson running the show here next year. He could do wonders for this offense and Darian in particular. It has been said over and over that he has no interest in living in Regina. I wish people would stop making crap up. If he didn't want the job why would he come for an interview last week, and based on what Taman and O'Day said on the Sportscage on Friday, be more than willing to set up shop in our provincial capital and coach the team that embodies everything the CFL is about.
If it isn't Dickenson, I would like to see Mike O'Shea get a serious look. He is young, full of energy, and even though a defensive guy, innovative which is something we have been lacking in the past few seasons.
According to Rod Pederson's blog a decision will be made on the new coach before the second week of January so I guess time will tell.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Has it been three weeks???
Yes, it has been three weeks since I last blogged. I have wanted to blog, tried to blog, but just didn't. It is not like there hasn't been a ton of relevant material to give you my views and opinion on; from the Penn State fiasco to the Milan Lucic hit, to the CFL play - off's, the world of sports has given me more than enough material to discuss.
To go back a week, Milan Lucic should absolutely have been suspended for his hit on Ryan Miller of the Sabres. Really liked the way Lindy Ruff dealt with the situation. A guy who clearly has a vested interest in these events kept his cool when others, like John Tortorella would have blown a gasket, and just said that the bar has been set; goalies out of their crease are free game and contact with them will get you a grand total of two penalty minutes. Look I know contact with a goalie is going to take place from time to time but Lucic made no attempt to either slow down, get out of the way or lessen the impact of the blow. A lot of people have applauded the work of Brendan Shanahan in his approach to supplemental discipline; I am not one of those people. I see what he is trying to do, he is trying to make those offenders accountable by lengthening suspensions in the hope that these punishable instances don't repeat themselves as regularly. However, Shanny has certainly missed the boat a couple of times aside from the Lucic hit. Go back three weeks, Andy Sutton got five games for an open ice hit on Gabriel Landeskog of the Avalanche. Granted his elbow did come up but Landeskog got up and skated away..no injury at all. I can see giving Sutton a game or two, but five games for a first time offender? Then you look at what happened the night before the Sutton incident...Wojtek Wolski of the Rangers deliberately elbows Daniel Alfreddson in the kisser..Alfreddson is concussed and that doesn't warrant a suspension??? And might I add Milan Lucic also concussed Ryan Miller. So two guys concuss opponents with deliberate actions and walk away scott free but another delievers a hit in the heat of the moment, causes no injury and sits out five. To me that is shameful...get some consistency Shanahan!!!
Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers is a stud. When was the last time a MLB player won both the Cy Young and MVP in the same year? Today, Verlander captured the double feature earning AL MVP honors ahead of Jacob Ellsbury and Jose Bautista. All you naysayers can complain all you want about pitchers not warranting an MVP award but this is an award given to the player who means the most to their team. Where would the Detroit Tigers have been without this guy??? Not only was he the best pitcher in all of MLB this year, he was the best player. Case closed.
The Grey Cup is set for Sunday in Vancouver and the home town fans will get to watch their B.C. Lions beat up the Winnipeg Blue Bombers en route to the title. The B.C. Lions are just too good, flat out. Travis Lulay is close to, if not already the best QB in the league, their defence is down right nasty and Paul McCallum is pretty much automatic. Yeah, I said it..BC in a landslide. Can you believe that these guys started the year 0 - 5???
And now on to my beloved Riders, and a few ideas I want to touch on. For starters, Rod Pederson questioned us this morning on his blog as to what was more painful..having the Riders miss the post - season or losing in the Grey Cup Final. While it was odd and troubling to not watch the Riders the past two weeks, it pales in comparison to losing the big one. I was in Calgary in 09' for the 13th man debacle. I was so thrilled to get to watch my team play for a Championship, and at one point I was on my feet hooting and hollering, high - fiving my old man because not only did I watch them play for the Grey Cup, I watched them win the Grey Cup...and then that god damn orange flag. I have never been so deflated in that short a period of time in my life. The LRT ride back to the hotel was as quiet as you could ever imaging given the fact we were cramped in their like sardines.
At the same time, last year's loss to Montreal in Edmonton might have been more difficult to follow, but only for this reason. I honestly didn't have any expectations of winning the Grey Cup in 2009 whereas last year I really felt we were the better team and just didn't really play the way we expected them too. Regardless of the situation, a loss in the big game is a bitter pill to swallow and I would take a missed post season over a Grey Cup loss any year. I know it doesn't help the bottom line, but as a fan the bottom line doesn't impact me that much.
And the saga contines, who will the Riders hire to replace Grandpa? A lot of names have been bantered about, some I like, some I fear and some are just interesting. Apparently this week will see Corey Chamblin and Mike O'Shea interview for the job. I don't like the idea of Chamblin as he is a defensive guy, and I really think we need to find an offensive minded guy to run the show. I only say this because it would be better for Darian and our offense which struggled mightily at times last year. Not that Chamblin isn't a good coach and I know Taman wanted him last year, but not my first pick. Then again, I don't think Jim and the boys around the big round table at Mosaic could give two hoots about what a teacher from Norquay, SK thinks.
O'Shea on the other hand is if nothing else, interesting. He certainly isn't afraid to be innovative and take chances. One needs only to look at how his Argo's Special Teams made us look ridiculous during both their visits to Mosaic over the past two years. Do I think he get's the job, no, but good on the Riders to look into some new blood.
The name that outright horrifies me is George Cortez...another one of those great coordinators for a lot of years who never got a chance. I hope we learned from last year. My pick if I were running things and could have my choice...Dave Dickenson calling the shots, brother Craig running the Offensive side of the ball and keep Richie in charge of the D. Just my thoughts.
Lastly, we all got a glimpse of how scary the Edmonton Oilers could be in the not to distant future. The league leading Chicago Blackhawks, fresh off of a 5 - 1 manhandling of defending Stanley Cup Champion Vancouver two nights earlier, visited the Oilers on Saturday night. Final score of 9 - 2 for the Oilers with a combined 13points out of Eberle, Hall and the Nuge. Yeah that's right...from this moment on I shall refer to him only as The Nuge. Great to watch and here's to hoping they hand around for a long time and in the process return the Oilers to the pinnacle of the NHL.
Later....
PS...Tad, if you read this, do I know you? If I do, who are you, and if I don't thanks for being a follower.
To go back a week, Milan Lucic should absolutely have been suspended for his hit on Ryan Miller of the Sabres. Really liked the way Lindy Ruff dealt with the situation. A guy who clearly has a vested interest in these events kept his cool when others, like John Tortorella would have blown a gasket, and just said that the bar has been set; goalies out of their crease are free game and contact with them will get you a grand total of two penalty minutes. Look I know contact with a goalie is going to take place from time to time but Lucic made no attempt to either slow down, get out of the way or lessen the impact of the blow. A lot of people have applauded the work of Brendan Shanahan in his approach to supplemental discipline; I am not one of those people. I see what he is trying to do, he is trying to make those offenders accountable by lengthening suspensions in the hope that these punishable instances don't repeat themselves as regularly. However, Shanny has certainly missed the boat a couple of times aside from the Lucic hit. Go back three weeks, Andy Sutton got five games for an open ice hit on Gabriel Landeskog of the Avalanche. Granted his elbow did come up but Landeskog got up and skated away..no injury at all. I can see giving Sutton a game or two, but five games for a first time offender? Then you look at what happened the night before the Sutton incident...Wojtek Wolski of the Rangers deliberately elbows Daniel Alfreddson in the kisser..Alfreddson is concussed and that doesn't warrant a suspension??? And might I add Milan Lucic also concussed Ryan Miller. So two guys concuss opponents with deliberate actions and walk away scott free but another delievers a hit in the heat of the moment, causes no injury and sits out five. To me that is shameful...get some consistency Shanahan!!!
Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers is a stud. When was the last time a MLB player won both the Cy Young and MVP in the same year? Today, Verlander captured the double feature earning AL MVP honors ahead of Jacob Ellsbury and Jose Bautista. All you naysayers can complain all you want about pitchers not warranting an MVP award but this is an award given to the player who means the most to their team. Where would the Detroit Tigers have been without this guy??? Not only was he the best pitcher in all of MLB this year, he was the best player. Case closed.
The Grey Cup is set for Sunday in Vancouver and the home town fans will get to watch their B.C. Lions beat up the Winnipeg Blue Bombers en route to the title. The B.C. Lions are just too good, flat out. Travis Lulay is close to, if not already the best QB in the league, their defence is down right nasty and Paul McCallum is pretty much automatic. Yeah, I said it..BC in a landslide. Can you believe that these guys started the year 0 - 5???
And now on to my beloved Riders, and a few ideas I want to touch on. For starters, Rod Pederson questioned us this morning on his blog as to what was more painful..having the Riders miss the post - season or losing in the Grey Cup Final. While it was odd and troubling to not watch the Riders the past two weeks, it pales in comparison to losing the big one. I was in Calgary in 09' for the 13th man debacle. I was so thrilled to get to watch my team play for a Championship, and at one point I was on my feet hooting and hollering, high - fiving my old man because not only did I watch them play for the Grey Cup, I watched them win the Grey Cup...and then that god damn orange flag. I have never been so deflated in that short a period of time in my life. The LRT ride back to the hotel was as quiet as you could ever imaging given the fact we were cramped in their like sardines.
At the same time, last year's loss to Montreal in Edmonton might have been more difficult to follow, but only for this reason. I honestly didn't have any expectations of winning the Grey Cup in 2009 whereas last year I really felt we were the better team and just didn't really play the way we expected them too. Regardless of the situation, a loss in the big game is a bitter pill to swallow and I would take a missed post season over a Grey Cup loss any year. I know it doesn't help the bottom line, but as a fan the bottom line doesn't impact me that much.
And the saga contines, who will the Riders hire to replace Grandpa? A lot of names have been bantered about, some I like, some I fear and some are just interesting. Apparently this week will see Corey Chamblin and Mike O'Shea interview for the job. I don't like the idea of Chamblin as he is a defensive guy, and I really think we need to find an offensive minded guy to run the show. I only say this because it would be better for Darian and our offense which struggled mightily at times last year. Not that Chamblin isn't a good coach and I know Taman wanted him last year, but not my first pick. Then again, I don't think Jim and the boys around the big round table at Mosaic could give two hoots about what a teacher from Norquay, SK thinks.
O'Shea on the other hand is if nothing else, interesting. He certainly isn't afraid to be innovative and take chances. One needs only to look at how his Argo's Special Teams made us look ridiculous during both their visits to Mosaic over the past two years. Do I think he get's the job, no, but good on the Riders to look into some new blood.
The name that outright horrifies me is George Cortez...another one of those great coordinators for a lot of years who never got a chance. I hope we learned from last year. My pick if I were running things and could have my choice...Dave Dickenson calling the shots, brother Craig running the Offensive side of the ball and keep Richie in charge of the D. Just my thoughts.
Lastly, we all got a glimpse of how scary the Edmonton Oilers could be in the not to distant future. The league leading Chicago Blackhawks, fresh off of a 5 - 1 manhandling of defending Stanley Cup Champion Vancouver two nights earlier, visited the Oilers on Saturday night. Final score of 9 - 2 for the Oilers with a combined 13points out of Eberle, Hall and the Nuge. Yeah that's right...from this moment on I shall refer to him only as The Nuge. Great to watch and here's to hoping they hand around for a long time and in the process return the Oilers to the pinnacle of the NHL.
Later....
PS...Tad, if you read this, do I know you? If I do, who are you, and if I don't thanks for being a follower.
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