Let me say this up front:
I am a fan of Saku Koivu.
I have been a fan of his on ice exploits over the years
and a bigger fan of his off ice magic that has helped so many.
However, now might be the time.
In listening to Pierre McGuire with Melnick last week, I was struck by Pierre's comments about the machinations of a trade in the NHL.
To paraphrase:
It has to be an eye opener, something that will make the room feel a shock.
Safe to say you know where I'm going with this.
It's not just a lack of production (One five on five goal),
It's leadership, the future of this team's leadership.
Christopher Higgins & Mike Komisarek are the future in that area,
you can hear it from Higgins and it leaves one to wonder
what we'd be hearing if he didn't have Koivu standing in his way.
It's not about 3 losses in a row or 5 losses in 6 games or whatever the latest is.
It's about the future.
Maybe not today, maybe not next week but it is inevitable.
NEXT !
Guy Carbonneau !
Get off this Guy's back will ya.
Especially you people who picked this team to miss the playoffs.
Right now he's doing better than you did.
It's his ass on the line.
If you're wrong, you'll just predict again until you get it right.
If he's wrong, he'll get fired.
I don't think there's a coach in the NHL who's moves you would agree with 100% of the time,
up until this point, I think he's done pretty well with what he was given.
Which brings us to:
BOB GAINEY !!!
I wasn't impressed when he went out and spent his money on Brian Smolinski, Tom Kostopoulis and Patrice Brisebois.
If this team was going to play as I suspected..(and early on I must admit they've done better)
than they would be better served letting the kids get used to the NHL.
They underestimated Kyle Chipchura, sent Ryan O'Byrne & Maxim Lapierre to the minors,
and made a forward of a bad contract in Mathieu Dandenault.
AND as I said last summer, I would have traded Cristobal Huet.
Price and Halak.
Let the kids learn up here...All of them.
Another Kostitsyn anyone ?
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Bonds Will Walk Again
He is baseball's all time leader in walks and while he may never play another game in the major leagues, Bonds will add at least one more to his total.
He'll get a pass on all charges levied by a grand jury this week.
Bonds was charged with four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction by federal prosecutors at a California District Court in San Francisco.
Each of the perjury charges carries a jail sentence of up to five years, while the obstruction charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
This all boils down to Barry's statement before the grand jury:"I have never knowingly taken steroids".
This won't be about proving he took them.
Most of us have no problem believing that to be a fact.
This won't be completely about how the samples of his positive test were collected.
That, like the O.J. case, won't be pretty.
This won't even be about whether he really DID know he was taking steroids.
It will be about proving his statement untrue.
PROVE that he didn't know.
How are they going to do that ?
When asked in court about the papers that clearly showed his positive test, Bonds responded by saying:"I've never seen that report before".
So, what has changed since Barry made that statement ?
Who is ready to testify to the contrary ?
His buddy and former personal trainer Greg Anderson was coincidentally released from prison the same day that the indictment came down.
He spent a year in prison rather than give Barry up.
The government seems to think they now have enough information or the right canary to make their case now.
We were told in the Michael Vick case that the feds would never go forward unless they had the goods.
That it's a rare time that when they do move in that they don't get a conviction.
This isn't the Los Angeles district attorney's office.
Johnny Cochrane has passed on.
I'm not a lawyer.
I don't even play one on TV.
But if I was, I think I might have an easier time defending him than prosecuting.
Regardless of my opinion of that jerk !
This blog was reprinted from my regular baseball column at mcn sports.
Have a look at the columns and the baseball shows taped this summer at:
http://www.mcnsports.com/
He'll get a pass on all charges levied by a grand jury this week.
Bonds was charged with four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction by federal prosecutors at a California District Court in San Francisco.
Each of the perjury charges carries a jail sentence of up to five years, while the obstruction charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
This all boils down to Barry's statement before the grand jury:"I have never knowingly taken steroids".
This won't be about proving he took them.
Most of us have no problem believing that to be a fact.
This won't be completely about how the samples of his positive test were collected.
That, like the O.J. case, won't be pretty.
This won't even be about whether he really DID know he was taking steroids.
It will be about proving his statement untrue.
PROVE that he didn't know.
How are they going to do that ?
When asked in court about the papers that clearly showed his positive test, Bonds responded by saying:"I've never seen that report before".
So, what has changed since Barry made that statement ?
Who is ready to testify to the contrary ?
His buddy and former personal trainer Greg Anderson was coincidentally released from prison the same day that the indictment came down.
He spent a year in prison rather than give Barry up.
The government seems to think they now have enough information or the right canary to make their case now.
We were told in the Michael Vick case that the feds would never go forward unless they had the goods.
That it's a rare time that when they do move in that they don't get a conviction.
This isn't the Los Angeles district attorney's office.
Johnny Cochrane has passed on.
I'm not a lawyer.
I don't even play one on TV.
But if I was, I think I might have an easier time defending him than prosecuting.
Regardless of my opinion of that jerk !
This blog was reprinted from my regular baseball column at mcn sports.
Have a look at the columns and the baseball shows taped this summer at:
http://www.mcnsports.com/
Monday, November 12, 2007
Naming These Things Is The Toughest Part
Look, this all about me.
It's my blog and I'll cry if I want to.
ENOUGH !!
How many games do the Oakland Raiders have to lose before they finally allow Jamarcus Russell to do what he should be doing.
Despite spending too much time on the field, the Oakland Defense has allowed an average of less than 20 points a game and lost all 5.
Giddy-UP !!!
GO HAWKS GO !!!
I believe.
There is a future after all.
That so many were confused with last year's amatuer draft.
Oh, there isn't a true number one.
The kid's too small.
Patrick Kane is going to be just fine and along with Jonathan Toews and the passing of Bill Wirtz, there is hope once again in Chicago.
ALS I'VE GOT TO SAY
Why are we shocked that the Als are not moving on because they twice couldn't gain a single bloody yard.
It happened in the first game of the season and the last game of the year.
It's a shame that so many will suffer at the hands of so few.
This one's on the G.M.
You can't blame people for not doing what they clearly can't do.
We already knew the O-Line was trouble.
Never blame players who play to their ability, blame the guy who put them in that position.
Jim Popp was not a great coach this season but he let down the coach with his previously stellar work as G.M.
OH THE HUMANITY
Defense apparently only wins championships, it just doesn't get respect.
Ryan Braun as rookie of the year over Troy Tulowitzki ?
It's not best rookie hitter of the year.
Braun may have been the worst fielding thirdbaseman in all of baseball last year.
Tulowitzki is as good a fielding shortstop as there is in the game already.
Why doesn't it all add up ?
HABS SO MUCH BETTER
Everyone is entitled to their mistakes.
I called for the Canadiens to miss the playoffs this season and I was wrong.
Here's why:
The Goaltending's better.
The defense is better.
Kovalev is better.
Komisarek is better.
The coach is better.
It's not like they'll win the Stanley Cup.
But they're better.
And how much better do they have to be ?
I think they CAN be 2 points better.
It's my blog and I'll cry if I want to.
ENOUGH !!
How many games do the Oakland Raiders have to lose before they finally allow Jamarcus Russell to do what he should be doing.
Despite spending too much time on the field, the Oakland Defense has allowed an average of less than 20 points a game and lost all 5.
Giddy-UP !!!
GO HAWKS GO !!!
I believe.
There is a future after all.
That so many were confused with last year's amatuer draft.
Oh, there isn't a true number one.
The kid's too small.
Patrick Kane is going to be just fine and along with Jonathan Toews and the passing of Bill Wirtz, there is hope once again in Chicago.
ALS I'VE GOT TO SAY
Why are we shocked that the Als are not moving on because they twice couldn't gain a single bloody yard.
It happened in the first game of the season and the last game of the year.
It's a shame that so many will suffer at the hands of so few.
This one's on the G.M.
You can't blame people for not doing what they clearly can't do.
We already knew the O-Line was trouble.
Never blame players who play to their ability, blame the guy who put them in that position.
Jim Popp was not a great coach this season but he let down the coach with his previously stellar work as G.M.
OH THE HUMANITY
Defense apparently only wins championships, it just doesn't get respect.
Ryan Braun as rookie of the year over Troy Tulowitzki ?
It's not best rookie hitter of the year.
Braun may have been the worst fielding thirdbaseman in all of baseball last year.
Tulowitzki is as good a fielding shortstop as there is in the game already.
Why doesn't it all add up ?
HABS SO MUCH BETTER
Everyone is entitled to their mistakes.
I called for the Canadiens to miss the playoffs this season and I was wrong.
Here's why:
The Goaltending's better.
The defense is better.
Kovalev is better.
Komisarek is better.
The coach is better.
It's not like they'll win the Stanley Cup.
But they're better.
And how much better do they have to be ?
I think they CAN be 2 points better.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Dynasties
I think it's kind of funny that folks have started comparing the 2007 champion Red Sox to the Boston group that won four years ago.
The fact of the matter is, this edition more resembles the 1975 Beantown version, even if those guys never won another pennant or even a single world series.
Unlike the 2004 team, this one is built for the future.
That they didn't win again gives you an idea of what can go wrong when all looks so rosy in the today.
The starting line up included 23 year old Fred Lynn and 22 year old Jim Rice.
They finished one-two in rookie of the year balloting and amazingly one and three in MVP voting that season.
Also in the starting line up:
23 year old outfielder Dwight Evans, 24 year old shortstop Rick Burleson and 25 year old DH Cecil Cooper.
23 year old Butch Hobson was waiting for a chance.
The only young pitcher of note, 25 year old Roger (Rogelio) Moret never came close to another 14-3 season.He went 6-9 the rest of his career.
The 2007 world series champions have a fine group 23 and under with pitching prospects to match.
Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury are both 23, so is game 4 winner Jon Lester.
Phenom Clay Buchholz is 22.Jonathon Papelbon and Daisuke Matzuzaka are only 26.
The ace of them all right now, Josh Beckett just 27.
With the money this team has and the way the game is played right now,it'll be hard to bet against these guys for some time to come.
As for the Yankees:
This is a very different situation that Joe Girardi walks into than the one that greeted Joe Torre.
The Yanks had been a wild card team the previous season under Buck Showalter.
The team's first playoff appearance in 14 years.
They hadn't won it all in 18 seasons.
Girardi inherits the job that now demands world series or bust.
The problem is that they will start his regime as a weak sister to the new dynasty.
Just another team in the battle for a playoff spot.
Fighting to retain free agents, saddled with aging veterans and inexperienced though promising young pitchers.
Girardi must also deal with Torre's shadow and the very real world series flags that fly in the soon to be distant past.
The fact of the matter is, this edition more resembles the 1975 Beantown version, even if those guys never won another pennant or even a single world series.
Unlike the 2004 team, this one is built for the future.
That they didn't win again gives you an idea of what can go wrong when all looks so rosy in the today.
The starting line up included 23 year old Fred Lynn and 22 year old Jim Rice.
They finished one-two in rookie of the year balloting and amazingly one and three in MVP voting that season.
Also in the starting line up:
23 year old outfielder Dwight Evans, 24 year old shortstop Rick Burleson and 25 year old DH Cecil Cooper.
23 year old Butch Hobson was waiting for a chance.
The only young pitcher of note, 25 year old Roger (Rogelio) Moret never came close to another 14-3 season.He went 6-9 the rest of his career.
The 2007 world series champions have a fine group 23 and under with pitching prospects to match.
Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury are both 23, so is game 4 winner Jon Lester.
Phenom Clay Buchholz is 22.Jonathon Papelbon and Daisuke Matzuzaka are only 26.
The ace of them all right now, Josh Beckett just 27.
With the money this team has and the way the game is played right now,it'll be hard to bet against these guys for some time to come.
As for the Yankees:
This is a very different situation that Joe Girardi walks into than the one that greeted Joe Torre.
The Yanks had been a wild card team the previous season under Buck Showalter.
The team's first playoff appearance in 14 years.
They hadn't won it all in 18 seasons.
Girardi inherits the job that now demands world series or bust.
The problem is that they will start his regime as a weak sister to the new dynasty.
Just another team in the battle for a playoff spot.
Fighting to retain free agents, saddled with aging veterans and inexperienced though promising young pitchers.
Girardi must also deal with Torre's shadow and the very real world series flags that fly in the soon to be distant past.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Denver Defense - Like A Rock
As we look ahead to the 2007 World Series there is one area that is difficult to compare.
On the surface, the Red Sox seem to have a rather decided edge in the starting pitching department.
The Rockies best (Jeff Francis) does not yet have the regular or post season pedigree of Sox opponent Josh Beckett.
Further down the line however, the match-ups seem even more in Boston's favor.
Don't let the numbers deceive you, there's a lot more than meets the eye.
First off, even though Coors Field now has the humidor,
Denver still has the light air.
Numbers can't be run up against each other in the usual way.
Defense is really difficult to quantify.
The Sabrematicians have tried but there doesn't seem to be a complete system that will tell you just how much guys with superior glovesmean to the fellows that make the pitches inning after inning.
It's amazing how Tom Glavine's E.R.A. went from 2.96 in his last season in Atlanta to 4.52 in his first with the Mets,than back to a respectable 3.60 when the Mets replaced the aging Mo Vaughn and Roberto Alomar and young Ty Wigginton in the infield.
Plus a porous outfield that just couldn't go get it.Bring on, Jose Reyes and David Wright in the infield and gold glove center fielder Mike Cameron and...Voila !!
The current edition of the Rockies have been built partly on a silent killer.
A team defense that rivals just about any in recent memory.
It's not just about not making errors or turning double plays.
It's about turning base hits into outs, and regular one out ground balls into inning ending, rally killing double plays.
The glue to all this has turned out to be rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.
Keep an eye on the guy.
You will be amazed.
Few noticed in the lowest television rated NLCS in history.
That's about to change.
Can the Rockies continue one of the most amazing runs in baseball history and beat the Red Sox ?
I'm not sure, but as Diamondback infielder Tony Clark said:"
Sooner or later you have to admit that a team is not hot...they're good".
On the surface, the Red Sox seem to have a rather decided edge in the starting pitching department.
The Rockies best (Jeff Francis) does not yet have the regular or post season pedigree of Sox opponent Josh Beckett.
Further down the line however, the match-ups seem even more in Boston's favor.
Don't let the numbers deceive you, there's a lot more than meets the eye.
First off, even though Coors Field now has the humidor,
Denver still has the light air.
Numbers can't be run up against each other in the usual way.
Defense is really difficult to quantify.
The Sabrematicians have tried but there doesn't seem to be a complete system that will tell you just how much guys with superior glovesmean to the fellows that make the pitches inning after inning.
It's amazing how Tom Glavine's E.R.A. went from 2.96 in his last season in Atlanta to 4.52 in his first with the Mets,than back to a respectable 3.60 when the Mets replaced the aging Mo Vaughn and Roberto Alomar and young Ty Wigginton in the infield.
Plus a porous outfield that just couldn't go get it.Bring on, Jose Reyes and David Wright in the infield and gold glove center fielder Mike Cameron and...Voila !!
The current edition of the Rockies have been built partly on a silent killer.
A team defense that rivals just about any in recent memory.
It's not just about not making errors or turning double plays.
It's about turning base hits into outs, and regular one out ground balls into inning ending, rally killing double plays.
The glue to all this has turned out to be rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.
Keep an eye on the guy.
You will be amazed.
Few noticed in the lowest television rated NLCS in history.
That's about to change.
Can the Rockies continue one of the most amazing runs in baseball history and beat the Red Sox ?
I'm not sure, but as Diamondback infielder Tony Clark said:"
Sooner or later you have to admit that a team is not hot...they're good".
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Football Losers, Baseball WInners, Hawks & Tiger
First let me point out that all we're all really looking for is consistency
It's not easy to pick 11 losers in the NFL and match that with another big 11 the following week.
You'd make a lot of money picking my losers.
I've been a better loser than any winner out there.
MONEY !!!
At least my Survivor picks have been perfect
and the Raiders are in first place !
Baseball playoffs, Remember this:
The Baseball playoffs are a crapshoot, starting with last year's champs.
Go Hawks Go.
Here are my props for the season with Shaun:
Sidney wins by more than 10 points over Jagr.
Hawks better and more exciting than the Habs.
Sergei Samsonov scores 20.
Both Shaun and Denis laughed at those last two.
Standing behind Tiger on the practise range was almost as good as getting Bobby Hull's autograph when I was 8 years old.
It's not easy to pick 11 losers in the NFL and match that with another big 11 the following week.
You'd make a lot of money picking my losers.
I've been a better loser than any winner out there.
MONEY !!!
At least my Survivor picks have been perfect
and the Raiders are in first place !
Baseball playoffs, Remember this:
The Baseball playoffs are a crapshoot, starting with last year's champs.
The Cards mostly mediocre pitching staff got hot and ran the table.
The vaunted starting pitching of all those Braves teams managed only one world series championship.
The Oakland A's 'Bash Brothers" won one series.
The arrogant Mets were lucky in their only title.
Last season the Yankee hitters were being hailed as the new 'Murderers Row'.
They scored 8 runs to win game one of the division series but the Tigers held them to just six combined in the next three games
and swept them the rest of the way.
The Yankees won 97 games, The Tigers 95.
Twelve teams won more games than St Louis.
Of course the Cards had the most wins in baseball the season before, and where did that get them ?
Since the 2000 season there have been eleven teams win at least 100 games.
That includes the insane total of 116 run up by the 2001 Seattle Mariners.
Those eleven teams have run up ZERO world series titles.
Go Hawks Go.
Here are my props for the season with Shaun:
Sidney wins by more than 10 points over Jagr.
Hawks better and more exciting than the Habs.
Sergei Samsonov scores 20.
Both Shaun and Denis laughed at those last two.
Standing behind Tiger on the practise range was almost as good as getting Bobby Hull's autograph when I was 8 years old.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Sundays Just Got Better
I'm not sure when it happened.
Perhaps it started the day that Joe Namath made good on his promise.
It was the first football game I really remember seeing.
Okay, so I was cheering for the favoured Colts, it was still amazing.
Maybe It was when I sat wide eyed watching hi-lites of Bears running back and kick returner Gale Sayers, still the most exciting football player I have ever seen.
Maybe when I fell in love with the Raiders.
They won so often under John Madden but couldn't win the big one, year after year.
Why do you think Madden has the best winning percentage of all time but only one Super Bowl Championship ?
Perhaps it was the day the Raiders finally won, Happy Birthday to me, January 9th 1977. Oakland Raiders 32 Minnesota Vikings 14.
It could have been the day I stopped watching that Oilers-Bills game and went downstairs to watch my brother work on his car, surely this one was over.
When I returned Houston's lead was cut in half.
Who the heck is Frank Reich and how did he erase a 32 point deficit ?
I grew up a hockey nut.
At seven years old I could tell you every player and his number in the NHL.
Okay so there were only six teams but still, I was seven !
Baseball then crept into my world and even to this day, even with the Expos gone, I still love watching, get a chill watching a youngster pitch a no hitter.
Still play along with the catcher and watch closely how the pitcher and he set up hitters.
But my love for the NFL and the anticipation of the season, opening day and each subsequent Sunday has become king.
I can hang on until my Raiders get better.
I could even watch Washington vs Cleveland, if there were out of town scores
I AM READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL !
Perhaps it started the day that Joe Namath made good on his promise.
It was the first football game I really remember seeing.
Okay, so I was cheering for the favoured Colts, it was still amazing.
Maybe It was when I sat wide eyed watching hi-lites of Bears running back and kick returner Gale Sayers, still the most exciting football player I have ever seen.
Maybe when I fell in love with the Raiders.
They won so often under John Madden but couldn't win the big one, year after year.
Why do you think Madden has the best winning percentage of all time but only one Super Bowl Championship ?
Perhaps it was the day the Raiders finally won, Happy Birthday to me, January 9th 1977. Oakland Raiders 32 Minnesota Vikings 14.
It could have been the day I stopped watching that Oilers-Bills game and went downstairs to watch my brother work on his car, surely this one was over.
When I returned Houston's lead was cut in half.
Who the heck is Frank Reich and how did he erase a 32 point deficit ?
I grew up a hockey nut.
At seven years old I could tell you every player and his number in the NHL.
Okay so there were only six teams but still, I was seven !
Baseball then crept into my world and even to this day, even with the Expos gone, I still love watching, get a chill watching a youngster pitch a no hitter.
Still play along with the catcher and watch closely how the pitcher and he set up hitters.
But my love for the NFL and the anticipation of the season, opening day and each subsequent Sunday has become king.
I can hang on until my Raiders get better.
I could even watch Washington vs Cleveland, if there were out of town scores
I AM READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL !
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Sun Setting On Vick's Career ?
It certainly appears as though Michael Vick is going to jail.
The Atlanta Falcon quarterback has found out what most people in the know were already aware of.
When you are indicted by a U.S. Federal Grand Jury, you are in a world of hurt.
This isn’t about some scumbag politician trying to make a name for himself.
This is about justice.
This has also come at a bad time for Vick in what will be a battle at some time to resume his NFL career.
Many bad things have been done by NFL players to other human beings, and many such incidents have been swept under the collective rug.
It helped players believe they were above the law.
The NFL new commish laid down the NEW law on his way in and it has changed perception.
It’s no longer business as usual for BAD BOYS.
Makes you wonder about Vick’s future or even his present.
Is there any stipulation in the basic NFL player deal that would force the QB to pay back any part of his humungous up front money from the Falcons ?
And what of his return ?
This is no sure thing.
This isn’t an ex-con accountant given a second chance in a quiet office building downtown.
This is entertainment and if people won’t come see the dog killer no matter how talented he might be as an NFL quarterback, then he won’t be hired.
By any team in any league.
The Atlanta Falcon quarterback has found out what most people in the know were already aware of.
When you are indicted by a U.S. Federal Grand Jury, you are in a world of hurt.
This isn’t about some scumbag politician trying to make a name for himself.
This is about justice.
This has also come at a bad time for Vick in what will be a battle at some time to resume his NFL career.
Many bad things have been done by NFL players to other human beings, and many such incidents have been swept under the collective rug.
It helped players believe they were above the law.
The NFL new commish laid down the NEW law on his way in and it has changed perception.
It’s no longer business as usual for BAD BOYS.
Makes you wonder about Vick’s future or even his present.
Is there any stipulation in the basic NFL player deal that would force the QB to pay back any part of his humungous up front money from the Falcons ?
And what of his return ?
This is no sure thing.
This isn’t an ex-con accountant given a second chance in a quiet office building downtown.
This is entertainment and if people won’t come see the dog killer no matter how talented he might be as an NFL quarterback, then he won’t be hired.
By any team in any league.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Just Give Me The Scores
Ahh, for when times were simpler.
It'll be 25 years on the air in Montreal come mid August and yes I'm feeling a little age.
The bones are not creeking though the hair has greyed quite a bit.
I haven't suddenly developed a paunch around the middle, I already had that.
It's how we gather and deliver the news and especially the news itself.
Once upon a time we waited by the ticker machine for all the news,
yes kiddies there was a time before computers and the internet.
There was big trouble for the idiot that left that machine off all night or forgot to put a new roll of paper in it.
Scores, standings and stats were pretty much what you needed to know.
A clear understanding of alphabet words were soon to come.
ACL, MCL and CBA amongst them.
I'm not a doctor or lawyer but have been forced to play one on the radio.
Shocking things can come at you when you least expect it.
I was in the press box talking with beatwriter Jeff Blair for just a moment one night in St Louis when all of a sudden I had to run back and help out Bobby Winkles on the broadcast because Moises Alou's ankle was hanging by a few tendons as he wailed in pain on the turf.
We were all surrounding a television set watching O.J.'s bronco while the Expos played a few feet away at the Big O.
What to say when an umpire dies in front of your eyes on opening day in Cincinnati.
One Hilton after another finding their way to the big house including Paris who I didn't have to talk about.
THE Expo season wiped out.
An entire campaign in the National Hockey League.
Now,
Football has gone to the dogs with Michael Vick, Baseball is Barry Bonds better homers by chemistry, a betting scandal in the NBA and don't get me started on the Tour De France.
All this nonsense of course has spawned 24 hour sports radio stations,
which of course means I get to be employed.
So if you will, please raise a glass with me as I toast:
O.J. Simpson, Todd Bertuzzi, John Rocker, Zinedine Zidane, Michael Vick, Rae Carruth, The Hiltons, Mike Tyson, Pete Rose, Kobe Bryant, Lawrence Phillips, Pacman Jones, Ron Artest, Ricky Williams and all their friends.
And now if you'll excuse me, I must go play golf.
It'll be 25 years on the air in Montreal come mid August and yes I'm feeling a little age.
The bones are not creeking though the hair has greyed quite a bit.
I haven't suddenly developed a paunch around the middle, I already had that.
It's how we gather and deliver the news and especially the news itself.
Once upon a time we waited by the ticker machine for all the news,
yes kiddies there was a time before computers and the internet.
There was big trouble for the idiot that left that machine off all night or forgot to put a new roll of paper in it.
Scores, standings and stats were pretty much what you needed to know.
A clear understanding of alphabet words were soon to come.
ACL, MCL and CBA amongst them.
I'm not a doctor or lawyer but have been forced to play one on the radio.
Shocking things can come at you when you least expect it.
I was in the press box talking with beatwriter Jeff Blair for just a moment one night in St Louis when all of a sudden I had to run back and help out Bobby Winkles on the broadcast because Moises Alou's ankle was hanging by a few tendons as he wailed in pain on the turf.
We were all surrounding a television set watching O.J.'s bronco while the Expos played a few feet away at the Big O.
What to say when an umpire dies in front of your eyes on opening day in Cincinnati.
One Hilton after another finding their way to the big house including Paris who I didn't have to talk about.
THE Expo season wiped out.
An entire campaign in the National Hockey League.
Now,
Football has gone to the dogs with Michael Vick, Baseball is Barry Bonds better homers by chemistry, a betting scandal in the NBA and don't get me started on the Tour De France.
All this nonsense of course has spawned 24 hour sports radio stations,
which of course means I get to be employed.
So if you will, please raise a glass with me as I toast:
O.J. Simpson, Todd Bertuzzi, John Rocker, Zinedine Zidane, Michael Vick, Rae Carruth, The Hiltons, Mike Tyson, Pete Rose, Kobe Bryant, Lawrence Phillips, Pacman Jones, Ron Artest, Ricky Williams and all their friends.
And now if you'll excuse me, I must go play golf.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Habs Didn't Need Souray
I hope Sheldon Souray spends his money well.
I hope life works out okay for the Alberta native, he seems like a decent enough guy.
Why the Canadiens made him a pair of free agent offers
and why they didn't trade him at the deadline last season is beyond me.
I don't believe too much in coaching x's and o's in the National Hockey League but it was clear that when teams carried the puck over the Habs blueline the last few years they made a beeline over to Souray's side of the ice and there was good reason why he was a minus hockey player.
He wasn't the one hurt in the minus department by his teammates,
it was the other way around.
In the 3rd, 4th or 5th year of Souray's contract, how many of those young defensemen will be better than Souray and would be taking away the ice time of the $27 million man.
I really do like the way Bob Gainey is going about the business of trying to put the Canadians back on the map.
Whether he's right about all those young defensemen he's collected for the very near future I can't tell you but it would be amazing if he's wrong about all of them.
This is not going to be a great hockey team this coming season.
Maybe not even the season after that but this has been a boring hockey team chasing it's own tail for a few years now.
The only way to stop the cycle is to build with youngsters and hope you're right.
Best of luck Bob.
Keeping busy includes an internet only baseball show I do for the folks at http://www.mcnsports.com/
we are currently on hiatus in the process of switching studios.
Please come and have a look.
I write a blog over there too.
Here's this weeks:
I hate to say I told you so, no wait a minute, that's a lie.
I love to say I told you so !
OK, so I'm not perfect, but not bad at all at the all star break as we look back on pre season predictions.
Every division winner I picked is either in first place (Red Sox, Angels, Mets, Brewers),
or, at the most, one game out in their respective divisions (Dodgers and Indians).
My National League wild card pick (Braves) stand only 2 games back of San Diego.
In the American, shame on me !
I let the Yankees money flash blind me instead of going with the League's best team last year (Tigers)
I thought the Yankees would paper over their pitching problems.Clearly Roger Clemens won't be enough.
I don't think the Yankees will be catching either the Red Sox or Tigers in the second half no matter how much they spendand that's fine with me.
I hate the way baseball is set up to allow money to cover tracks.
The Yankees in most years can spend their way past mistakes while if a team like the Brewers don't get it exactly right,it's basically tough luck.
In the National, there's several ways things can change.I think the Phillies will make a run, the Brewers to hold off the Cubs and the Dodgers to catch the Padres.
I don't think the Padres will hold on for the post season at all.Despite the 574 career victories that Greg Maddux and David Wells have run up, this is all about the BIG TWO.
These guys need a rhyming name.
Remember Spahn and Sain and pray for rain ?
Well how about Peavy and Young and then they're dung ?
nah, not with 574 career wins.hmm...
How 'bout Peavy and Young and then they're done ?
Peavy and Young and their song is sung ?
Peavy and Young and cough up a lung ?
Why the hell isn't there anything to rhyme with Peavy ?
Wait a minute !!!
Chris and Jake, the rest are fake.
Chris and Jake, through your heart with a stake,
the rest are fake, for goodness sake.
This all star break has been too long.PLAY BALL !
By the way.
History lesson time.
As for Spahn and Sain.
Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain.
They were teammates for six seasons, all with the Boston Braves before they moved to Milwaukee.
Both had four twenty win seasons in those six years but team success was really limited to one season.
Four 4th place finishes, a 3rd and the 1948 pennant before losing to Cleveland's last world series winner.
I hope life works out okay for the Alberta native, he seems like a decent enough guy.
Why the Canadiens made him a pair of free agent offers
and why they didn't trade him at the deadline last season is beyond me.
I don't believe too much in coaching x's and o's in the National Hockey League but it was clear that when teams carried the puck over the Habs blueline the last few years they made a beeline over to Souray's side of the ice and there was good reason why he was a minus hockey player.
He wasn't the one hurt in the minus department by his teammates,
it was the other way around.
In the 3rd, 4th or 5th year of Souray's contract, how many of those young defensemen will be better than Souray and would be taking away the ice time of the $27 million man.
I really do like the way Bob Gainey is going about the business of trying to put the Canadians back on the map.
Whether he's right about all those young defensemen he's collected for the very near future I can't tell you but it would be amazing if he's wrong about all of them.
This is not going to be a great hockey team this coming season.
Maybe not even the season after that but this has been a boring hockey team chasing it's own tail for a few years now.
The only way to stop the cycle is to build with youngsters and hope you're right.
Best of luck Bob.
Keeping busy includes an internet only baseball show I do for the folks at http://www.mcnsports.com/
we are currently on hiatus in the process of switching studios.
Please come and have a look.
I write a blog over there too.
Here's this weeks:
I hate to say I told you so, no wait a minute, that's a lie.
I love to say I told you so !
OK, so I'm not perfect, but not bad at all at the all star break as we look back on pre season predictions.
Every division winner I picked is either in first place (Red Sox, Angels, Mets, Brewers),
or, at the most, one game out in their respective divisions (Dodgers and Indians).
My National League wild card pick (Braves) stand only 2 games back of San Diego.
In the American, shame on me !
I let the Yankees money flash blind me instead of going with the League's best team last year (Tigers)
I thought the Yankees would paper over their pitching problems.Clearly Roger Clemens won't be enough.
I don't think the Yankees will be catching either the Red Sox or Tigers in the second half no matter how much they spendand that's fine with me.
I hate the way baseball is set up to allow money to cover tracks.
The Yankees in most years can spend their way past mistakes while if a team like the Brewers don't get it exactly right,it's basically tough luck.
In the National, there's several ways things can change.I think the Phillies will make a run, the Brewers to hold off the Cubs and the Dodgers to catch the Padres.
I don't think the Padres will hold on for the post season at all.Despite the 574 career victories that Greg Maddux and David Wells have run up, this is all about the BIG TWO.
These guys need a rhyming name.
Remember Spahn and Sain and pray for rain ?
Well how about Peavy and Young and then they're dung ?
nah, not with 574 career wins.hmm...
How 'bout Peavy and Young and then they're done ?
Peavy and Young and their song is sung ?
Peavy and Young and cough up a lung ?
Why the hell isn't there anything to rhyme with Peavy ?
Wait a minute !!!
Chris and Jake, the rest are fake.
Chris and Jake, through your heart with a stake,
the rest are fake, for goodness sake.
This all star break has been too long.PLAY BALL !
By the way.
History lesson time.
As for Spahn and Sain.
Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain.
They were teammates for six seasons, all with the Boston Braves before they moved to Milwaukee.
Both had four twenty win seasons in those six years but team success was really limited to one season.
Four 4th place finishes, a 3rd and the 1948 pennant before losing to Cleveland's last world series winner.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Let Me Tell You About My Golf Game
Okay
It's true.
Nobody cares about your golf game or how your rotisserie baseball team is doing.
We however have lapsed deeply into a:
Let me tell you about me society.
Sorry Mitch, this doesn't only go for our latest golf score but also where we've had our latest drink and what music we're listening to lately.
By the way,
My vacation started with my 2 best rounds of the summer (82 and 84) and finished with my worst (94), surely a sign that your vacation should come to a close.
My rotiserie baseball teams by the way are 1st, 1st and 2nd.
I'm so tired about whether or not the Canadiens should have drafted more French players.
If they're of equal talent, by all means, draft the french fellow.
Otherwise, what's the bloody point ?
Please don't send email on this subject, I won't read it or respond.
I do however think that the Angelo Esposito thing now has the possibility to look worse than it might have otherwise.
If the kid can play, and it looks like he can.
He's going to win a cup or two in Pittsburgh.
As long as Sid is there, Angelo is never going to be THE man, but as we've seen with the great ones of the past, Sid will help fatten young Angelo's stats.
All Esposito has to do is be as good as let's say Rob Brown or Blair McDonald or others that Gretzky or Mario helped pump up for years.
Sorry to see former major leauger Rob Beck pass at such a young age.
Everyone it seems has a Beck story.
Here's mine.
The Cubs were finishing up a road trip in Montreal.
Fresh out of the shower, Beck was getting ready for the flight back to Chicago.
I was admiring his new attache case, which looked like it cost more than a full year's salary for me.
I was thinking how baseball players had gone over to another side of life.
So much money, carrying all those important papers in that glorious case.
Beck opened it up,
put 10 beers into the previously empty attache and declared
"Now I'm ready to go"
It's true.
Nobody cares about your golf game or how your rotisserie baseball team is doing.
We however have lapsed deeply into a:
Let me tell you about me society.
Sorry Mitch, this doesn't only go for our latest golf score but also where we've had our latest drink and what music we're listening to lately.
By the way,
My vacation started with my 2 best rounds of the summer (82 and 84) and finished with my worst (94), surely a sign that your vacation should come to a close.
My rotiserie baseball teams by the way are 1st, 1st and 2nd.
I'm so tired about whether or not the Canadiens should have drafted more French players.
If they're of equal talent, by all means, draft the french fellow.
Otherwise, what's the bloody point ?
Please don't send email on this subject, I won't read it or respond.
I do however think that the Angelo Esposito thing now has the possibility to look worse than it might have otherwise.
If the kid can play, and it looks like he can.
He's going to win a cup or two in Pittsburgh.
As long as Sid is there, Angelo is never going to be THE man, but as we've seen with the great ones of the past, Sid will help fatten young Angelo's stats.
All Esposito has to do is be as good as let's say Rob Brown or Blair McDonald or others that Gretzky or Mario helped pump up for years.
Sorry to see former major leauger Rob Beck pass at such a young age.
Everyone it seems has a Beck story.
Here's mine.
The Cubs were finishing up a road trip in Montreal.
Fresh out of the shower, Beck was getting ready for the flight back to Chicago.
I was admiring his new attache case, which looked like it cost more than a full year's salary for me.
I was thinking how baseball players had gone over to another side of life.
So much money, carrying all those important papers in that glorious case.
Beck opened it up,
put 10 beers into the previously empty attache and declared
"Now I'm ready to go"
Monday, May 28, 2007
Let's Get It On
The worm has turned.
Thanks to the Ottawa Senators & the Anaheim Ducks,
not to mention the bunglers at the NBA offices, my attention has been grabbed away.
I'm ready !
Ready for one of the best Stanley Cup finals in years.
No Oilers and Hurricanes to force early risers to sleep this time around.
Alfredsson, Spezza & Heatley bring it now.
Pronger, Niedermayer & Beauchemin try and stop them.
Giguere, win a Conn Smythe and a cup this time around.
Emery, grab the respect they've been giving everyone else.
He'll be the most maligned Stanley Cup winning netminder since Chris Osgood.
Give me a few moments boys, let's have some lasting memories.
Quickly, which was the last in the final that stayed with you ?
Raise your hand if you selected John Lackey to be the first in the majors to 8 wins.
Hands down, Jake Peavy of San Diego is the best pitcher in baseball.
Johan Santana is about to close the gap however
His career record in the first two months of the season is 19-16 and true to form this year he is hovering around that winning percentage again.
From June first on he is 133-67….Look Out !
Go Lebron
this is the only chance that the NBA final will be somewhat entertaining.
The Pistons and Spurs just don't move me.
I want to see some spectacular offense.
I want the Phoenix Suns.
The NBA, NHL, NFL and MLB have a habit of building teams that mimic previous champions.
More Phoenix Suns is what I want, less Pistons and Spurs.
Vote for Russell Martin !
I've got questions !
When can I watch Jamarcus Russell ?
When can I watch Kevin Garnett in an NBA final ?
When will the Black Hawks make the playoffs again ?
When will the Canadiens win a playoff series again ?
When will a Hab once again reach 100 points in a season ?
When can I watch Carey Price as a Hab ?
When will I break 80 ?
Why do I still love baseball ?
Did I miss the Indianapolis 500 ?
When can I watch Jonathon Toews ?
Why did Roger Clemens decide on the Yankees ?
What did the Rocket eat to look like that ?
Did I miss the Memorial Cup ?
And by the way, since I picked Ottawa before the season and before the playoffs
I think it might be a good idea to stay with them.
Go Sens !
Thanks to the Ottawa Senators & the Anaheim Ducks,
not to mention the bunglers at the NBA offices, my attention has been grabbed away.
I'm ready !
Ready for one of the best Stanley Cup finals in years.
No Oilers and Hurricanes to force early risers to sleep this time around.
Alfredsson, Spezza & Heatley bring it now.
Pronger, Niedermayer & Beauchemin try and stop them.
Giguere, win a Conn Smythe and a cup this time around.
Emery, grab the respect they've been giving everyone else.
He'll be the most maligned Stanley Cup winning netminder since Chris Osgood.
Give me a few moments boys, let's have some lasting memories.
Quickly, which was the last in the final that stayed with you ?
Raise your hand if you selected John Lackey to be the first in the majors to 8 wins.
Hands down, Jake Peavy of San Diego is the best pitcher in baseball.
Johan Santana is about to close the gap however
His career record in the first two months of the season is 19-16 and true to form this year he is hovering around that winning percentage again.
From June first on he is 133-67….Look Out !
Go Lebron
this is the only chance that the NBA final will be somewhat entertaining.
The Pistons and Spurs just don't move me.
I want to see some spectacular offense.
I want the Phoenix Suns.
The NBA, NHL, NFL and MLB have a habit of building teams that mimic previous champions.
More Phoenix Suns is what I want, less Pistons and Spurs.
Vote for Russell Martin !
I've got questions !
When can I watch Jamarcus Russell ?
When can I watch Kevin Garnett in an NBA final ?
When will the Black Hawks make the playoffs again ?
When will the Canadiens win a playoff series again ?
When will a Hab once again reach 100 points in a season ?
When can I watch Carey Price as a Hab ?
When will I break 80 ?
Why do I still love baseball ?
Did I miss the Indianapolis 500 ?
When can I watch Jonathon Toews ?
Why did Roger Clemens decide on the Yankees ?
What did the Rocket eat to look like that ?
Did I miss the Memorial Cup ?
And by the way, since I picked Ottawa before the season and before the playoffs
I think it might be a good idea to stay with them.
Go Sens !
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
More BS
I can't tell you just how dissapointed I am with the NBA in the aftermath of Robert Horry's bodycheck in game 4 of what should be the NBA final.
Getting it right should always be the battle cry when it comes to these kinds of things.
A little justice wouldn't hurt either.
The NBA had already missed the boat with the lack of punitive action against San Antonio's Bruce Bowen following his knee to Steve Nash's groin.
It was especially surprising considering the league's regular season policy of meting out punishment at every possible transgression.
While he may be "Big Shot" Bob, Robert Horry can be done without.
Taking both Amare Stoudamire & Boris Diaw away from Phoenix for game 5 is simply not fair.
League rules stipulate if you move off the bench to follow an on court altercation, you get suspended.
FINE !
Knowing this series will at least go 6, the league could have at least staggered the 2 suspensions.
Instead, it's possible that Phoenix will now head to San Antonio needing a road win to stay alive,
all because Stoudamire was right:
San Antonio is a dirty team...There's no justice there.
The Milwaukee Brewers have come a long way and built their division leader the right way.
They drafted better than almost anyone else and now they get to enjoy a run that Expo fans were denied.
Great, young players still cheap enough to afford to hang around awhile.
These guys are for real.
Now they need their manager to catch up.
Ned Yost watched how it was done in Atlanta and judging from the last week, didn't learn much.
First he runs out closer Francisco Cordero six days in a row, then forgets he exists.
Managers have been drawn into this pathetic pattern with their bullpens.
Every domino set up to fall exactly at the right time or not at all.
After the 6 straight days of work, Cordero has not pitched in a week.
Yost first, wouldn't bring him in during the Phillies 8th inning rally on Monday, watching a 6 run outburst turn around a 6-2 Brewers lead into defeat, staying with Derrick Turnbow while it was clear he didn't have it.
Next up, well, you can't bring your closer into a tie game, better wait for a lead you'll never have.
Turnbow again, homer, loss again.
Now Yost will probably need to use Cordero in a 10-0 game just to get him some work.
Hope the Brewers don't lose the division by a game or two.
I'm a huge believer in pain.
The pain of past dissapointment keeping the future focused.
Many teams have fed off it and I believe that's a big reason as to why the Ottawa Senators haven't taken their eyes off the prize.
Why they currently look like the best team in the NHL.
It's not a guarantee of course as Expo and Cub fans can tell you.
Mind you, Sabre fans know that only too well.
Especially if they also follow the Bills.
Getting it right should always be the battle cry when it comes to these kinds of things.
A little justice wouldn't hurt either.
The NBA had already missed the boat with the lack of punitive action against San Antonio's Bruce Bowen following his knee to Steve Nash's groin.
It was especially surprising considering the league's regular season policy of meting out punishment at every possible transgression.
While he may be "Big Shot" Bob, Robert Horry can be done without.
Taking both Amare Stoudamire & Boris Diaw away from Phoenix for game 5 is simply not fair.
League rules stipulate if you move off the bench to follow an on court altercation, you get suspended.
FINE !
Knowing this series will at least go 6, the league could have at least staggered the 2 suspensions.
Instead, it's possible that Phoenix will now head to San Antonio needing a road win to stay alive,
all because Stoudamire was right:
San Antonio is a dirty team...There's no justice there.
The Milwaukee Brewers have come a long way and built their division leader the right way.
They drafted better than almost anyone else and now they get to enjoy a run that Expo fans were denied.
Great, young players still cheap enough to afford to hang around awhile.
These guys are for real.
Now they need their manager to catch up.
Ned Yost watched how it was done in Atlanta and judging from the last week, didn't learn much.
First he runs out closer Francisco Cordero six days in a row, then forgets he exists.
Managers have been drawn into this pathetic pattern with their bullpens.
Every domino set up to fall exactly at the right time or not at all.
After the 6 straight days of work, Cordero has not pitched in a week.
Yost first, wouldn't bring him in during the Phillies 8th inning rally on Monday, watching a 6 run outburst turn around a 6-2 Brewers lead into defeat, staying with Derrick Turnbow while it was clear he didn't have it.
Next up, well, you can't bring your closer into a tie game, better wait for a lead you'll never have.
Turnbow again, homer, loss again.
Now Yost will probably need to use Cordero in a 10-0 game just to get him some work.
Hope the Brewers don't lose the division by a game or two.
I'm a huge believer in pain.
The pain of past dissapointment keeping the future focused.
Many teams have fed off it and I believe that's a big reason as to why the Ottawa Senators haven't taken their eyes off the prize.
Why they currently look like the best team in the NHL.
It's not a guarantee of course as Expo and Cub fans can tell you.
Mind you, Sabre fans know that only too well.
Especially if they also follow the Bills.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
I Only Have Random Thoughts
It was in another lifetime when the NHL drew higher TV ratings than the NBA.
Things obviously are very different now and not about to change any time soon.
A perfect illustration of why that is can be viewed in the league's respective post season games to date.
The NHL looks nothing like the regular season.
Rules to add offense are no longer a major factor as teams play not to make mistakes.
Playoff hockey means being more responsible as it's always easier to coach stopping the other guy rather than going all out to score another goal.
The longer a tie game rolls on, the less likely you are of seeing anything truly spectacular lest you let the opposition score the go ahead goal.
Pro sports have always been built on however the last champion did it.
I'm supremely dissapointed at the way the Buffalo Sabres have gone about their playoff business, looking nothing like the team that wowed all during the regular season.
On the one hand, I hope they lose because of that.
On the other, I hope they return to form so that playoff hockey will change in the future.
It's why I'm cheering for the Phoenix Suns.
All out offense that will force the future of NBA teams to go in that direction as well.
It's not like they guys don't play defense, an unfair knock to be sure.
But they didn't change their game to try and win in the playoffs.
Good on them, good on the NBA.
Someone wake me up when the next playoff game shows us more than 5 goals.
Clearly the Yankees have fingered the proper culprit.
The reason for the terrible start, last in the AL East is....The strength and conditioning coach.
He should have brought in better and healthier pitchers in the off season.
Who is that guy in the Brodeur uni for the Devils.
Are the good times really over for good ?
Hey good on you Lou.
Fire yourself !
Jamarcus Russell !!!
Shock, isn't it that the Raiders were pathetic trying to score points.
Only NFL team not to draft a quarterback, running back, wide receiver or tight end in the first round over the last 10 years.
First 4 rounds this year...Three of the four.
Maybe Martin Brodeur has changed places with Al Davis
Things obviously are very different now and not about to change any time soon.
A perfect illustration of why that is can be viewed in the league's respective post season games to date.
The NHL looks nothing like the regular season.
Rules to add offense are no longer a major factor as teams play not to make mistakes.
Playoff hockey means being more responsible as it's always easier to coach stopping the other guy rather than going all out to score another goal.
The longer a tie game rolls on, the less likely you are of seeing anything truly spectacular lest you let the opposition score the go ahead goal.
Pro sports have always been built on however the last champion did it.
I'm supremely dissapointed at the way the Buffalo Sabres have gone about their playoff business, looking nothing like the team that wowed all during the regular season.
On the one hand, I hope they lose because of that.
On the other, I hope they return to form so that playoff hockey will change in the future.
It's why I'm cheering for the Phoenix Suns.
All out offense that will force the future of NBA teams to go in that direction as well.
It's not like they guys don't play defense, an unfair knock to be sure.
But they didn't change their game to try and win in the playoffs.
Good on them, good on the NBA.
Someone wake me up when the next playoff game shows us more than 5 goals.
Clearly the Yankees have fingered the proper culprit.
The reason for the terrible start, last in the AL East is....The strength and conditioning coach.
He should have brought in better and healthier pitchers in the off season.
Who is that guy in the Brodeur uni for the Devils.
Are the good times really over for good ?
Hey good on you Lou.
Fire yourself !
Jamarcus Russell !!!
Shock, isn't it that the Raiders were pathetic trying to score points.
Only NFL team not to draft a quarterback, running back, wide receiver or tight end in the first round over the last 10 years.
First 4 rounds this year...Three of the four.
Maybe Martin Brodeur has changed places with Al Davis
Friday, April 27, 2007
Is Hockey On The Tube
There's just an incredible amount of variety when it comes to sports television and we all have our favorites.
It occurs to me that I still love baseball.
I know this is hockey central but I can't take my eyes and mind away from the diamond.
You can take the sport out of the city and sadly I guess out of just about everyone else in my hometown, but not me.
I'm a classic channel changer and I move around a lot but I still seem to focus in on baseball and especially with the baseball package on the internet where I have a choice of every game.
When I noticed Mark Buehrlie of the White Sox and Felix Hernandez of Seattle were working on no hitters, my attention was easily diverted away from the NHL playoffs.
Same with Cole Hamels outing last weekend not to mention the latest ARod exploits.
The NBA also holds my interest.
I can't look away from a golf major.
The NFL would easily win in a battle for my TV heart.
I know that almost everyone has forgiven the NHL for the lost year and while my love of hockey has been rekindeled with the "new" NHL, hockey still sits in my back seat.
This job has helped bring me back to the game.
Let's face it, how are you going to talk about something for four hours if you don't know what you're talking about.
In watching any sport I'm always looking for a memory.
Something special.
A moment in time.
Nothing of that sort for me so far in this year's NHL playoffs, nor was there last year.
The lack of upsets in the first round this year at least points to a possibility.
Good thing I have two eyes.
It occurs to me that I still love baseball.
I know this is hockey central but I can't take my eyes and mind away from the diamond.
You can take the sport out of the city and sadly I guess out of just about everyone else in my hometown, but not me.
I'm a classic channel changer and I move around a lot but I still seem to focus in on baseball and especially with the baseball package on the internet where I have a choice of every game.
When I noticed Mark Buehrlie of the White Sox and Felix Hernandez of Seattle were working on no hitters, my attention was easily diverted away from the NHL playoffs.
Same with Cole Hamels outing last weekend not to mention the latest ARod exploits.
The NBA also holds my interest.
I can't look away from a golf major.
The NFL would easily win in a battle for my TV heart.
I know that almost everyone has forgiven the NHL for the lost year and while my love of hockey has been rekindeled with the "new" NHL, hockey still sits in my back seat.
This job has helped bring me back to the game.
Let's face it, how are you going to talk about something for four hours if you don't know what you're talking about.
In watching any sport I'm always looking for a memory.
Something special.
A moment in time.
Nothing of that sort for me so far in this year's NHL playoffs, nor was there last year.
The lack of upsets in the first round this year at least points to a possibility.
Good thing I have two eyes.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
How Come The Habs Aren't On TV Tonight ?
I looked all over the dial and couldn't find the Habs playoff game anywhere
found a whole lot of baseball though.
For the record
I picked Ottawa to win the Cup before the season started
so I guess I'll stick with that.
As far as baseball is concerned
here's why you'll be laughing at me come October:
found a whole lot of baseball though.
For the record
I picked Ottawa to win the Cup before the season started
so I guess I'll stick with that.
As far as baseball is concerned
here's why you'll be laughing at me come October:
NATIONAL LEAGUE
NL EAST - New York Mets
Hitting is too good and they've got money to fill in the rotation if El Duque’s too old and/or Mike Pelfrey & Joe Maine are too young or ineffective
NL CENTRAL-Milwaukee Brewers
They finished at the bottom of the league
in hitting,fielding and pitching last year
They will win sooner or later with all that talent
NL WEST-Los Angeles Dodgers
Addition of Jason Schmidt & healthy Randy Wolf
young players all over the place and still coming
however several old guys need to stay healthy
solid rotation and bullpen
NL WILD CARD- Atlanta Braves
The return to form of Tim Hudson is a key
Bullpen most improved in the League
Young hitters keep getting better
Andruw Jones a big season in walk year
NL NOTES
Phillies bullpen will do in a pretty good team
Nationals will be baseball’s worst
Cardinals will fall a long way from championship
Rockies & D’backs coming on.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL EAST - Boston Red Sox
Best rotation in the league
Enough hitting to get by
No worries with Papelbon closing once more
AL CENTRAL-Cleveland Indians
MVP candidates in Travis Hafner & Grady Sizemore
Emerging stars in Josh Barfield & Andy Marte
Good young starters - Veteran bullpen
AL WEST- L.A. Angels of Anaheim
They’ve got VLAD
Top end starters especially if Bartolo Colon returns strong
Up and coming hitters in Kotchman & Kendrick
Smart manager in Mike Scioscia
AL WILD CARD - New York Yankees
This team will score plenty
excellent bullpen
Got to believe they’ll paper over starting rotation
if they can somehow find the money
AL NOTES
Don’t discount Twins, Blue Jays, White Sox
and especially Oakland, always more than it seems
Monday, March 26, 2007
When the Going Gets Tough...
It's been a fine run for the Habs as they try to put a terrible period behind them.
Coming all the way from a top seed to battle for a playoff spot is not the way you want your season to go after believing there are bigger and better things out there for you.
They certainly have to be feeling better about themselves and that's half the battle.
The easy part is over however.
I know the experts will tell you that every game is tough when you head down the stretch.
Teams that have nothing to lose can be just as tough with no pressure on them,
but let's face facts:
Would you rather play Boston twice and then the Caps,
or...a 3 game run against the Rangers, Senators and Sabres.
While the Habs have been picking up 8 points against non playoff teams
here's what the other playoff hopefuls have accomplished:
The two teams directly in front of the Habs
The Rangers and Hurricanes are a combined 8-0.
Add the Islanders and Leafs including Toronto's big blown lead at Buffalo
and those 4 are a combined 12-2-3.
Not a lot of wasted points as you see.
The 4 game win streak hasn't vaulted the Canadiens into a playoff spot, it has helped them hang around.
The tough sledding starts NOW.
By the way,
If a silly point wasn't handed out for a LOSS in OT or shootout
Here's what the East standings would look like as of Monday morning:
6 TB 82
7 Rangers 78
8 Habs 78
9 Carolina 76
10 Islanders 72
11 Leafs 72
Coming all the way from a top seed to battle for a playoff spot is not the way you want your season to go after believing there are bigger and better things out there for you.
They certainly have to be feeling better about themselves and that's half the battle.
The easy part is over however.
I know the experts will tell you that every game is tough when you head down the stretch.
Teams that have nothing to lose can be just as tough with no pressure on them,
but let's face facts:
Would you rather play Boston twice and then the Caps,
or...a 3 game run against the Rangers, Senators and Sabres.
While the Habs have been picking up 8 points against non playoff teams
here's what the other playoff hopefuls have accomplished:
The two teams directly in front of the Habs
The Rangers and Hurricanes are a combined 8-0.
Add the Islanders and Leafs including Toronto's big blown lead at Buffalo
and those 4 are a combined 12-2-3.
Not a lot of wasted points as you see.
The 4 game win streak hasn't vaulted the Canadiens into a playoff spot, it has helped them hang around.
The tough sledding starts NOW.
By the way,
If a silly point wasn't handed out for a LOSS in OT or shootout
Here's what the East standings would look like as of Monday morning:
6 TB 82
7 Rangers 78
8 Habs 78
9 Carolina 76
10 Islanders 72
11 Leafs 72
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Looking in my Cristobal
Well Hab fans, what you've got is what you've got.
No plastic surgeon is coming in to perk up those drooping goal scorers.
There's no goalie-lift for the sagging situation left behind by M. Huet's hamstring.
No botox injection for their season long five on five ineptness.
Before the season started,
I thought this was a team that would squeeze into the playoffs.
I didn't like the wasted dollars (Almost $4 million) placed in the hands of the tendered Mike Ribiero and David Aebischer.
I hoped youngsters Chris Higgins, Mike Komisarek, Alex Perezhogin & Thomas Plekanec would continue with their improvement, not to mention the wild card up front in Latendresse.
Count me among those who did not predict that Sergei Samsonov would be almost a total bust.
I Thought Cristobal would help drag them through to the post season.
Goaltending, Goaltending, Goaltending.
As the Habs battle for extra time this season,
can you honestly say they are better than:
Pittsburgh or Atlanta ?
The goaltending of Rick Dipietro after the addition of Ryan Smyth makes The Islanders better.
That leaves Carolina, The Leafs and maybe the Rangers.
I can's say the Habs are better than any of those...or worse for that matter.
Buckle up !
It's going to be a bumpy ride.
Expect more wins like the one at Nashville and more duds like the one at MSG.
When you rely on special teams and goaltending that's what happens.
And when you don't have your goaltender......
No plastic surgeon is coming in to perk up those drooping goal scorers.
There's no goalie-lift for the sagging situation left behind by M. Huet's hamstring.
No botox injection for their season long five on five ineptness.
Before the season started,
I thought this was a team that would squeeze into the playoffs.
I didn't like the wasted dollars (Almost $4 million) placed in the hands of the tendered Mike Ribiero and David Aebischer.
I hoped youngsters Chris Higgins, Mike Komisarek, Alex Perezhogin & Thomas Plekanec would continue with their improvement, not to mention the wild card up front in Latendresse.
Count me among those who did not predict that Sergei Samsonov would be almost a total bust.
I Thought Cristobal would help drag them through to the post season.
Goaltending, Goaltending, Goaltending.
As the Habs battle for extra time this season,
can you honestly say they are better than:
Pittsburgh or Atlanta ?
The goaltending of Rick Dipietro after the addition of Ryan Smyth makes The Islanders better.
That leaves Carolina, The Leafs and maybe the Rangers.
I can's say the Habs are better than any of those...or worse for that matter.
Buckle up !
It's going to be a bumpy ride.
Expect more wins like the one at Nashville and more duds like the one at MSG.
When you rely on special teams and goaltending that's what happens.
And when you don't have your goaltender......
Thursday, February 22, 2007
That Old Black Magic, or is it Red, White & Blue
This NHL trading deadline thing is like waiting for Godot.
Tick tick, let's go already !
Give me some damn names !
This is Montreal after all, so we all know Bob Gainey is not likely
to be able to do his job without our input.
And we all know what he would do with our input once received.
That would certainly be an uncomfortable spot to accept our info !
But, what the hell...
Here goes.
If I were a Habs fan....
Trade them all !
Every last free agent to be.
Sheldon Souray...Gone !
Craig Rivet...Gone !
Markov, Aebischer, Bonk.
Gone, gone, gone !
This curse on the Habs is my fault.
Tortured by them and their Cups every damn year !
I hated them.
Let their fans find out how the other half lives I wished !
Enough is enough.
I've ended up torturing MYSELF.
Forced to watch this mediocrity season after season.
Someone much smarter than I might have described this,
hoping for the last playoff spot year after year
as having your feet firmly planted in the air.
Mr. Gainey,
Please.
Do what you have to do.
I've seen all I care to of the second and third line players this organization has rolled out for the better part of a decade.
This NHL is built on cheap labour.
Get the inexpensive ones that deliver and you can afford the expensive ones that bring riches.
If the hurt of missing the playoffs in the present means battling for a cup in the future.
Hab fans will thank you then.
YOUR problem of course is that general managers that miss playoffs at the Bell Center
don't get to do that twice !
MY Problem is, I'm getting old,
and can't remember how to remove this curse.
I guess it's up to you !
Tick tick, let's go already !
Give me some damn names !
This is Montreal after all, so we all know Bob Gainey is not likely
to be able to do his job without our input.
And we all know what he would do with our input once received.
That would certainly be an uncomfortable spot to accept our info !
But, what the hell...
Here goes.
If I were a Habs fan....
Trade them all !
Every last free agent to be.
Sheldon Souray...Gone !
Craig Rivet...Gone !
Markov, Aebischer, Bonk.
Gone, gone, gone !
This curse on the Habs is my fault.
Tortured by them and their Cups every damn year !
I hated them.
Let their fans find out how the other half lives I wished !
Enough is enough.
I've ended up torturing MYSELF.
Forced to watch this mediocrity season after season.
Someone much smarter than I might have described this,
hoping for the last playoff spot year after year
as having your feet firmly planted in the air.
Mr. Gainey,
Please.
Do what you have to do.
I've seen all I care to of the second and third line players this organization has rolled out for the better part of a decade.
This NHL is built on cheap labour.
Get the inexpensive ones that deliver and you can afford the expensive ones that bring riches.
If the hurt of missing the playoffs in the present means battling for a cup in the future.
Hab fans will thank you then.
YOUR problem of course is that general managers that miss playoffs at the Bell Center
don't get to do that twice !
MY Problem is, I'm getting old,
and can't remember how to remove this curse.
I guess it's up to you !
Thursday, February 15, 2007
The Unforgetable Fire
Perhaps you haven't noticed all the attention that's returning to the
late great basketball life of Pete Maravich thanks to what's being described as a sensational new book "Pistol" by Mark Kriegel.
As turning 50 back in January reminds me,
I've got a lot more behind me than in front, though you never know when the fountain of youth will be uncovered.
It gives one pause however to having lived through a very different time when it came to viewing our sports heroes.
There was no nightly highlite show, let alone entire networks dedicated to the best of our time.
If you were lucky, your hero was on the "Game of the week".
If not, you waited and you read.
Today's highlites of the past simply don't do justice to the greats of my youth.
There is no doubt that today's athletes are bigger, stronger and faster than those of yesteryear.
For every Bobby Hull that could fire a slapshot through a brick wall,
every team has 20 of them now.
Stronger perhaps but more electrifying ?
I think not.
I didn't see the Rocket but I was told of a fire unmatched.
Before Gretzky & Sidney.
Before Magic, Bird and Michael.
Before Tyson.
Before Bonds.
Before Brady & Manning.
There was Pistol Pete, Bobby Orr, Joe Namath & O.J.
Willie Mays.
Muhammid Ali.
You didn't see them every day but their glow of flash worked wonders on imagination and will last MY lifetime.
Sorry if you missed them.
late great basketball life of Pete Maravich thanks to what's being described as a sensational new book "Pistol" by Mark Kriegel.
As turning 50 back in January reminds me,
I've got a lot more behind me than in front, though you never know when the fountain of youth will be uncovered.
It gives one pause however to having lived through a very different time when it came to viewing our sports heroes.
There was no nightly highlite show, let alone entire networks dedicated to the best of our time.
If you were lucky, your hero was on the "Game of the week".
If not, you waited and you read.
Today's highlites of the past simply don't do justice to the greats of my youth.
There is no doubt that today's athletes are bigger, stronger and faster than those of yesteryear.
For every Bobby Hull that could fire a slapshot through a brick wall,
every team has 20 of them now.
Stronger perhaps but more electrifying ?
I think not.
I didn't see the Rocket but I was told of a fire unmatched.
Before Gretzky & Sidney.
Before Magic, Bird and Michael.
Before Tyson.
Before Bonds.
Before Brady & Manning.
There was Pistol Pete, Bobby Orr, Joe Namath & O.J.
Willie Mays.
Muhammid Ali.
You didn't see them every day but their glow of flash worked wonders on imagination and will last MY lifetime.
Sorry if you missed them.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The King is Dead
The great Eddie Fiegner passed away friday.
Most of you never heard of him, the ones who saw him will never forget.
The famed softball pitcher who needed just a catcher but employed 2 other fielders
to form the 'King and his court'.
He threw 104 mph, pitched blindfolded and could throw strikes from second base if he wanted to. There were 930 no-hitters and 10,000 games.
There was his legendary spring training feat in 1967, where he struck out Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson, Maury Wills, Harmon Killebrew, Roberto Clemente and Pete Rose in succession.
Clemente on a between-the-legs pitch and he got Killebrew with one behind his back.
So famous was he that he pitched for presidents (Kennedy) and other kings (Elvis).
Once on Johnny Carson's tonight show,
he knocked a cigarette right out of the host's mouth with a softball.
There was a story several years back in sports illustrated about a ficticious pitcher with an otherwordly fastball by the name of Sid Finch.
Notice the date of George Plimpton's release (April 1st)
http://www.strongmemories.com/toppage8.htm
But this king was no made up character
and today he is gone.
Thanks to John Canzano for the memories...Go and learn:
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf?/base/sports/1171167946308780.xml&coll=7
Most of you never heard of him, the ones who saw him will never forget.
The famed softball pitcher who needed just a catcher but employed 2 other fielders
to form the 'King and his court'.
He threw 104 mph, pitched blindfolded and could throw strikes from second base if he wanted to. There were 930 no-hitters and 10,000 games.
There was his legendary spring training feat in 1967, where he struck out Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson, Maury Wills, Harmon Killebrew, Roberto Clemente and Pete Rose in succession.
Clemente on a between-the-legs pitch and he got Killebrew with one behind his back.
So famous was he that he pitched for presidents (Kennedy) and other kings (Elvis).
Once on Johnny Carson's tonight show,
he knocked a cigarette right out of the host's mouth with a softball.
There was a story several years back in sports illustrated about a ficticious pitcher with an otherwordly fastball by the name of Sid Finch.
Notice the date of George Plimpton's release (April 1st)
http://www.strongmemories.com/toppage8.htm
But this king was no made up character
and today he is gone.
Thanks to John Canzano for the memories...Go and learn:
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf?/base/sports/1171167946308780.xml&coll=7
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Super Bowl's Over Replacement Blog
Another 4 a.m. alarm
Never thought I would get used to answering that damn thing.
I was right !
Still, there are worse things than talking sports for 4 hours.
Really, how lucky can you be.
Oh yeah, you could be making millions for playing !
And by the way, I know that this is a shameless plug, but let’s face it
I’m preaching to the converted here.
I believe we have the most entertaining morning show in town.
They’re both gonna call me a big suck
But Casavant and Starr make up the best team I’ve ever been on.
I wouldn’t mind turning over tomorrow morning and waking up in April.
I love the NFL and that’s over.
I love playing golf.
I love playoff hockey.
I love the start of the baseball season.
I hate winter.
I hate the cold.
It’s not the worst thing being one of the Bears.
Eat until you can’t move and then go to sleep until it’s warm.
No one said this blog had to be about sports.
Sorry,
Elliott’s asleep right now
Please come back later in the week.
Never thought I would get used to answering that damn thing.
I was right !
Still, there are worse things than talking sports for 4 hours.
Really, how lucky can you be.
Oh yeah, you could be making millions for playing !
And by the way, I know that this is a shameless plug, but let’s face it
I’m preaching to the converted here.
I believe we have the most entertaining morning show in town.
They’re both gonna call me a big suck
But Casavant and Starr make up the best team I’ve ever been on.
I wouldn’t mind turning over tomorrow morning and waking up in April.
I love the NFL and that’s over.
I love playing golf.
I love playoff hockey.
I love the start of the baseball season.
I hate winter.
I hate the cold.
It’s not the worst thing being one of the Bears.
Eat until you can’t move and then go to sleep until it’s warm.
No one said this blog had to be about sports.
Sorry,
Elliott’s asleep right now
Please come back later in the week.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Superb Bowl
Another Super Bowl and it's getting hard to remember them all.
I don't remember the first 2 but the Joe Namath guarantee in III was for the ages.
Without looking them up, here are some random remembrances:
Broncos Craig Morton was a ragdoll, Cowboys Jerry Smith dropping a sure TD,
my beloved Raiders finally winning the big one on my birthday, thank you John Madden.
Kicker Garo Yepremium tries to throw a pass but the Dolphins are perfect anyway.
Wide right, Rams stop 'em on the goal line and 2 more Raider championships.
Lots of Steelers, Niners & Cowboys.
When I was a kid, you had two leagues to choose from.
I Had my Raiders in the AFL and yes the Colts were in the NFL.
After the merger I kind of lost the Colts when they moved into the AFC
seemed silly to have 2 teams in the same conference.
I'll cheer on Indy but I don't really care who wins.
After Thursday's Hab game in Pittsbugh,
I'm anticipating the Penguins afternoon affair as much as the football game,
that's how good that last one was.
Unless the Habs are playing, generally, I would pick any NFL game over the NHL.
And before the new rules last season,
I stopped watching the NHL altogether.
I used to know when pitchers and catchers reported.
Gotta go play with the kids.
I don't remember the first 2 but the Joe Namath guarantee in III was for the ages.
Without looking them up, here are some random remembrances:
Broncos Craig Morton was a ragdoll, Cowboys Jerry Smith dropping a sure TD,
my beloved Raiders finally winning the big one on my birthday, thank you John Madden.
Kicker Garo Yepremium tries to throw a pass but the Dolphins are perfect anyway.
Wide right, Rams stop 'em on the goal line and 2 more Raider championships.
Lots of Steelers, Niners & Cowboys.
When I was a kid, you had two leagues to choose from.
I Had my Raiders in the AFL and yes the Colts were in the NFL.
After the merger I kind of lost the Colts when they moved into the AFC
seemed silly to have 2 teams in the same conference.
I'll cheer on Indy but I don't really care who wins.
After Thursday's Hab game in Pittsbugh,
I'm anticipating the Penguins afternoon affair as much as the football game,
that's how good that last one was.
Unless the Habs are playing, generally, I would pick any NFL game over the NHL.
And before the new rules last season,
I stopped watching the NHL altogether.
I used to know when pitchers and catchers reported.
Gotta go play with the kids.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Planes, Flames & Expomobiles
It occurred to me the other day that this is the longest I've gone without getting on an airplane in more than 25 years.
Not that flying ever bothered me, hell, I would have rather something that got me there quicker
(Teleportation ?),
But I don't miss it at all.
It's all a byproduct of course of Montreal no longer having a baseball team,
one that I worked for or covered in one way or another for eighteen years.
In fact, the last flight I took was the one home from New York after the Expos last game.
Much has changed in my life since that day.
While I just turned 50, I get to see every day of my young children's lives.
I still enjoy baseball but don't get wrapped up in it the way I did for nearly half a century.
For some crazy reason I can recite the starting line up and reserves of let's say, the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets of the NBA but not the Washington Nationals.
OK, I play fantasy basketball and it IS in season.
And of course, nobody can name the Nats players these days, not even in Washington.
This season they may just roll out the worst pitching staff in baseball.
The whole fantasy sports thing has been good for me.
It keeps me up on the players in all sports with a little competitiveness thrown in,
without losing thousands to a bookie or the government's own sports collection agency.
Of course that baseball play by play thing was a nuisance,
getting in the way of golf the way it did.
I miss the play by play a lot more than I miss the baseball,
never would have thought that would have been the case.
It was with mixed feelings that I watched the Ken Dryden sweater retirement ceremony this week.
It was tough growing up a Blackhawk fan in a city where the Habs won almost every year.
Dryden's maiden NHL voyage was the toughest of all.
Just one cup...ONE !!! that's all I wanted.
That was the year.
2-0 lead at home, game seven.
Cried myself to sleep.
It didn't seem fair, The Habs won all the time and they wouldn't miss ONE CUP.
TWENTY THREE STANLEY CUPS !!!
Would that be an embarrassment ?
I hated the Canadiens, but I don't anymore.
It stopped the day I started covering them in 1982.
And while the Hawks still haven't won one, I covered every game of
the Patrick Roy led 1986 championship and it kind of felt like my first.
It was quite a thrill to be on the charter with the team back from Calgary.
Still that night in 1971 hit me harder than Blue Monday.
Not that flying ever bothered me, hell, I would have rather something that got me there quicker
(Teleportation ?),
But I don't miss it at all.
It's all a byproduct of course of Montreal no longer having a baseball team,
one that I worked for or covered in one way or another for eighteen years.
In fact, the last flight I took was the one home from New York after the Expos last game.
Much has changed in my life since that day.
While I just turned 50, I get to see every day of my young children's lives.
I still enjoy baseball but don't get wrapped up in it the way I did for nearly half a century.
For some crazy reason I can recite the starting line up and reserves of let's say, the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets of the NBA but not the Washington Nationals.
OK, I play fantasy basketball and it IS in season.
And of course, nobody can name the Nats players these days, not even in Washington.
This season they may just roll out the worst pitching staff in baseball.
The whole fantasy sports thing has been good for me.
It keeps me up on the players in all sports with a little competitiveness thrown in,
without losing thousands to a bookie or the government's own sports collection agency.
Of course that baseball play by play thing was a nuisance,
getting in the way of golf the way it did.
I miss the play by play a lot more than I miss the baseball,
never would have thought that would have been the case.
It was with mixed feelings that I watched the Ken Dryden sweater retirement ceremony this week.
It was tough growing up a Blackhawk fan in a city where the Habs won almost every year.
Dryden's maiden NHL voyage was the toughest of all.
Just one cup...ONE !!! that's all I wanted.
That was the year.
2-0 lead at home, game seven.
Cried myself to sleep.
It didn't seem fair, The Habs won all the time and they wouldn't miss ONE CUP.
TWENTY THREE STANLEY CUPS !!!
Would that be an embarrassment ?
I hated the Canadiens, but I don't anymore.
It stopped the day I started covering them in 1982.
And while the Hawks still haven't won one, I covered every game of
the Patrick Roy led 1986 championship and it kind of felt like my first.
It was quite a thrill to be on the charter with the team back from Calgary.
Still that night in 1971 hit me harder than Blue Monday.
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