So, another NFL season is wrapping up, and as always, it has been filled with enough twists, turns, and surprises to keep its rabid fans glued to their sets every weekend. So, here are my picks for week 17:
Giants (2.5) @ Redskins = Even with their loss last week at home, the pitiful New York Giants basically control their own destiny with a win; the only way they don't make the postseason with a win is if the Packers crush the conference's best team in Chicago. Still, this team is in shambles, and a playoff birth would only be interesting for those of us who want to keep watching Tiki Barber play. This team is too inconsistent, but they'll pull it out on Saturday. Giants by 4.
Steelers @ Bengals (7) = Cincinnati is coming off a heartbreaking loss in Denver, and they now need help to enter the postseason. They'll get the win, but the help may be too much to ask for. Bengals by 10.
Lions @ Cowboys (12.5) = Dallas had everything in front of them for the taking, but blew their chance on Christmas Day with a stinker against the Eagles. But the first wild card spot is theirs, and a trip to Seattle along with it. Detroit can't do anything right; they should get points for showing up on time. Cowboys by 17.
Browns @ Texans (3.5) = Who cares? No, seriously, who? Texans by 10.
Jaguars @ Chiefs (2.5) = Both teams need a miracle to end all miracles to make the playoffs, but it all starts with a win on Sunday. Kansas City is virtually unbeatable at home, especially in December, but that didn't stop the Ravens. By the way, can I change my Super Bowl pick from the AFC? Jaguars by 3.
Rams (3) @ Vikings = The theory goes that the team with more to play for wins. But, often times, the team with nothing to lose plays their hearts out and wins the game. Too bad the Vikings don't have a quarterback, or else I'd go against the theory. Rams by 10.
Panthers (2.5) @ Saints = The Saints have nothing to play for, having clinched the #2 seed in the NFC. Carolina needs a win and help. This time, I'll go against the theory. Saints by 7.
Raiders @ Jets (12.5) = Who would have thought that the Jets would be going to the playoffs this season, over teams like Jacksonville, Kansas City, Miami, Buffalo, or Pittsburgh? Congrats to Eric Mangini and his entire team; they'll have no trouble against the hapless Raiders. Jets by 20.
Seahawks @ Bucanneers (3.5) = Seattle needs a big win in order to get their confidence back for the playoffs, otherwise Dallas, their likely opponent, with crush them. Seahawks by 14.
Patriots @ Titans (3.5) = Tennessee would be the best story of the season, if it wasn't for Hurricane Katrina and the New Orleans Saints. No one has stopped them yet, and the overrated Pats won't either. Titans by 10.
Bills @ Ravens (9.5) = If the Bills gained an extra five yards on their last drive last week, we would be talking about Buffalo's hot streak entering this last week. But, they didn't and now it's only the Ravens in this game who have something to play for. J.P. Losman is not there yet as an elite quarterback in the NFL, and the Ravens will expose that. Ravens by 14.
Dolphins @ Colts (8.5) = Miami has good weeks and bad, but last week they were kind of in the middle of that. Indy needs a wake up call after an embarrassing loss in Houston last week. As stated earlier this year, Indy is undefeated at home this year. Colts by 14.
Falcons @ Eagles (7.5) = Philadelphia is an amazing story as well. Jeff Garcia has taken this team and won THREE STRAIGHT ROAD DIVISION GAMES. This is unheard of, and Philly should be proud. The Falcons are up and down this year, and they'll be down on Sunday. Eagles by 17.
49ers @ Broncos (9.5) = The one thing San Francisco has going for it this year is their fantastic running game behind Frank Gore. If they can control the clock, they have a shot. But Denver, like Kansas City, is automatic at home in December. Take the Broncos. Denver by 10.
Cardinals @ Chargers (14) = You have to figure that San Diego will dominate this game. I'll go against the theory, but only for the points. Chargers by 7.
Packers @ Bears (2.5) = Possibly Brett Favre's last game. Sorry, Brett, you'll lose this one, and your longshot playoff chances. Bears by 10.
Record: 14-17-1. Better luck this week.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
How Do You Measure The Importance Of A Tournament?
Many tournaments are popular because they have been around for many years. Everyone in Canada born in the last fifty years or so has grown up with the Stanley Cup playoffs, and have generally understood its importance in the Canadian sporting landscape. It is, after all, the official playoff of the best professional league to play our most popular game, and therefore, it is regarded with the appropriate attention.
All other professional sports share this distinction, of course. When the post-season rolls around for a major league such as the NFL, NBA, or MLB, the tournament that follows is watched with interest by those who follow the sport, and sometimes even those that don't.
But what about the other tournaments? The ones that, on the surface, seem to be nothing more than an exhibition bundled in television wrapping with a HD bow on top?
The World Baseball Classic failed in the U.S. and Canada, probably because the teams weren't very good, but more likely because we are hesitant to change our traditions. Baseball is not important in February or March, unless you are a diehard fan who pays close attention to training camps. And even then, a tournament where the casual fan only knows 5-10% of the players involved brings little viewership. In other countries around the world that participated in the WBC, it was met with interest because their teams could prove to the world that the game of baseball went beyond Major League Baseball. But in the end, it was a failure. The same could be said for the World Cup of Hockey, with similar reasons.
This all has a point. Tomorrow, the World Junior Hockey Championships begin in Sweden, with the odd future NHL player teamed up with young kids who will likely never reach this level of competition again. But why is it so important?
It seems to me that TSN, the Canadian broadcaster for the WJHC, pushes the interest of the tournament onto the public. The tournament, only 30 years old, does not hold the interest of a country the way TSN would have us believe. The only reason, for example, that the World Hockey Championship is not regarded in the same way is that it occurs against the NHL playoffs. I guarantee you, if the situation were reversed, and the WHC was scheduled for the dreary post-Christmas season, it would be celebrated in the same fashion, and the Junior tournament, if held in late April, would be largely ignored.
It's all about timing, and it's all about marketing. Showing players that "could be" future superstars is an excellent angle, and TSN is wise for playing to it. Those of us who watched past tournaments relished in seeing players like Sidney Crosby and Eric Lindros before their NHL stardom. But a tournament, outside of a post-season for a pro league, is only as important as the marketing behind it. Maybe TSN should pick up the World Baseball Classic.
All other professional sports share this distinction, of course. When the post-season rolls around for a major league such as the NFL, NBA, or MLB, the tournament that follows is watched with interest by those who follow the sport, and sometimes even those that don't.
But what about the other tournaments? The ones that, on the surface, seem to be nothing more than an exhibition bundled in television wrapping with a HD bow on top?
The World Baseball Classic failed in the U.S. and Canada, probably because the teams weren't very good, but more likely because we are hesitant to change our traditions. Baseball is not important in February or March, unless you are a diehard fan who pays close attention to training camps. And even then, a tournament where the casual fan only knows 5-10% of the players involved brings little viewership. In other countries around the world that participated in the WBC, it was met with interest because their teams could prove to the world that the game of baseball went beyond Major League Baseball. But in the end, it was a failure. The same could be said for the World Cup of Hockey, with similar reasons.
This all has a point. Tomorrow, the World Junior Hockey Championships begin in Sweden, with the odd future NHL player teamed up with young kids who will likely never reach this level of competition again. But why is it so important?
It seems to me that TSN, the Canadian broadcaster for the WJHC, pushes the interest of the tournament onto the public. The tournament, only 30 years old, does not hold the interest of a country the way TSN would have us believe. The only reason, for example, that the World Hockey Championship is not regarded in the same way is that it occurs against the NHL playoffs. I guarantee you, if the situation were reversed, and the WHC was scheduled for the dreary post-Christmas season, it would be celebrated in the same fashion, and the Junior tournament, if held in late April, would be largely ignored.
It's all about timing, and it's all about marketing. Showing players that "could be" future superstars is an excellent angle, and TSN is wise for playing to it. Those of us who watched past tournaments relished in seeing players like Sidney Crosby and Eric Lindros before their NHL stardom. But a tournament, outside of a post-season for a pro league, is only as important as the marketing behind it. Maybe TSN should pick up the World Baseball Classic.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Quick Picks
My computer froze last night while I was doing my picks, so you'll have to believe me that I picked the Chiefs to cover tonight. But here are my appreviated picks for the Xmas weekend.
(Bold team is favoured)
Bills over Titans by 7.
Saints over Giants by 7.
Falcons over Panthers by 17.
Rams over Redskins by 10.
Colts over Texans by 20.
Ravens over Steelers by 6.
Buccaneers over Browns by 3.
Bears over Lions by 14.
Jaguars over Patriots by 14.
Cardinals over 49ers by 6.
Broncos over Bengals by 7.
Seahawks over Chargers by 3.
Cowboys over Eagles by 10.
Dolphins over Jets by 6.
Record = 11-6
(Bold team is favoured)
Bills over Titans by 7.
Saints over Giants by 7.
Falcons over Panthers by 17.
Rams over Redskins by 10.
Colts over Texans by 20.
Ravens over Steelers by 6.
Buccaneers over Browns by 3.
Bears over Lions by 14.
Jaguars over Patriots by 14.
Cardinals over 49ers by 6.
Broncos over Bengals by 7.
Seahawks over Chargers by 3.
Cowboys over Eagles by 10.
Dolphins over Jets by 6.
Record = 11-6
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Vikings at Packers Pick
Vikings @ Packers (4.5) = The Vikings seem to have packed it in, even though they are technically still alive for the postseason. Brad Johnson, their veteran yet inconsistent quarterback, is being benched for Thursday's game in Green Bay against the Packers, who also have an outside shot at the playoffs.
Both teams are 6-8, and the loser is finally eliminated from postseason contention. Take Favre and the Packers at home. I don't have a good reason, just a good feeling. Packers by 10.
Record: 10-6 against spread
Both teams are 6-8, and the loser is finally eliminated from postseason contention. Take Favre and the Packers at home. I don't have a good reason, just a good feeling. Packers by 10.
Record: 10-6 against spread
Sunday, December 17, 2006
I Don't Mean to Brag, but...
So, as I write this, the Chargers are up by 13 with just under 12 minutes left in the game. If this holds up, my record for the week is 9-6 heading into Monday's game in Indianapolis. That's okay, most of it is just luck, but I was wowed by the fact that I called two games exactly this weekend: Cowboys by 10, and Titans by 7. Of course, now that I say that, I'll go 0-16 next week. Just slightly worse than the Raiders this season. :-)
Also, Vernon Wells reportedly will sign the $126 million deal from the Jays, and it will be announced formally tomorrow. The most impressive part of the deal from the Jays perspective is that under the terms of the contract, Wells will only be paid $500,000 in 2008, and just over a million in '09, with the bulk of his large contract to be paid in the last three years of the deal, after Wells himself can opt of the deal for greener pastures elsewhere. With this deal, Wells gets the guarantee and the money he wants, and the team has the cash to spend on other players in the next couple of years, which becomes easier when the team shows a commitment to winning like the Jays are doing now.
Also, Vernon Wells reportedly will sign the $126 million deal from the Jays, and it will be announced formally tomorrow. The most impressive part of the deal from the Jays perspective is that under the terms of the contract, Wells will only be paid $500,000 in 2008, and just over a million in '09, with the bulk of his large contract to be paid in the last three years of the deal, after Wells himself can opt of the deal for greener pastures elsewhere. With this deal, Wells gets the guarantee and the money he wants, and the team has the cash to spend on other players in the next couple of years, which becomes easier when the team shows a commitment to winning like the Jays are doing now.
Friday, December 15, 2006
NFL Picks for Week 15
I won't have time for this on Saturday, so here's my picks for Sunday and Monday's games:
Jets @ Vikings (3) = The Jets are playing better, last week's stinker against Buffalo notwithstanding. The Vikings are still alive in the pathetic NFC wild card race, but there are too many holes in their team that the Jets can take advantage of. Jets by 10.
Browns @ Ravens (12.5) = No contest for Baltimore this week, and a win gets them in the playoffs. The Browns, as always, are playing for next year. Ravens by 17.
Texans @ Patriots (12.5) = It has long been my contention that the Patriots are overrated. Even though the Texans blew a big lead at home last week, they will keep it close, and besides, the Patriots rarely blow teams out. Take the points. Patriots by 4.
Dolphins @ Bills (1.5) = This one's tough. Both teams are playing really well, and the loser is essentially out of the playoff chase. Bills at home in December are tough, though. Bills by 3.
Steelers (3) @ Panthers = The game of "What happened?" Both teams were pegged to be high-seeded playoff teams when the season began, but now, both teams seem to be in a tailspin that won't end any time soon. Delhomme likely won't play again, and the Steelers defence is still solid. Flip a coin, and take the Steelers. Steelers by 6.
Redskins @ Saints (10.5) = The Saints are a win away from clinching a very unlikely division title. The Redskins are going absolutely nowhere. This one seems easy... Saints by 21.
Jaguars (3.5) @ Titans = Two very hot teams right now, and it's hard to pick against either one. Even though I picked the Jags to win the AFC, there' s something magical about Vince Young this year. Titans by 7.
Buccaneers @ Bears (14.5) = A two touchdown plus spread sounds huge, but the Bucs are horrendous and the Bears don't let anyone score. That said, I don't think Rex Grossman will be able to put up many points in this one. I smell a shutout. Bears by 17.
Lions @ Packers (6.5) = The Packers are hard to figure. How does a team go down 31-0 at the half to the Jets (who promptly lose 31-13 at home to Buffalo) then beat the 49ers (who followed that up by stunning the Seahawks)? The Lions are easier to understand; they stink. Packers by 14.
Broncos (3.5) @ Cardinals = It certainly seems like the Broncos, still primed for a playoff spot, are playing for next year. The Cards are too, but they're better at it. Upset here. Cardinals by 7.
Eagles @ Giants (5.5) = Game of the day. Winner has the inside track to the playoffs. Veteran quarterback beats team fighting itself. Eagles by 3.
Rams @ Raiders (1.5) = Wait a minute...
Is that right?
Raiders are favoured?
Rams by 14.
Chiefs @ Chargers (9.5) = The Chiefs are in freefall, and the Chargers seem unstoppable. If this game was in Kansas City, it might be close. Chargers by 21.
Bengals @ Colts (3) = Very interesting game. The Bengals have seemed to get their act together, at least on the field, and the Colts seem to be falling apart. But let's remember that every Colts loss this year was on the road. Colts by 10.
Well, here' s hoping I get at least 3 or 4 right this week.
Jets @ Vikings (3) = The Jets are playing better, last week's stinker against Buffalo notwithstanding. The Vikings are still alive in the pathetic NFC wild card race, but there are too many holes in their team that the Jets can take advantage of. Jets by 10.
Browns @ Ravens (12.5) = No contest for Baltimore this week, and a win gets them in the playoffs. The Browns, as always, are playing for next year. Ravens by 17.
Texans @ Patriots (12.5) = It has long been my contention that the Patriots are overrated. Even though the Texans blew a big lead at home last week, they will keep it close, and besides, the Patriots rarely blow teams out. Take the points. Patriots by 4.
Dolphins @ Bills (1.5) = This one's tough. Both teams are playing really well, and the loser is essentially out of the playoff chase. Bills at home in December are tough, though. Bills by 3.
Steelers (3) @ Panthers = The game of "What happened?" Both teams were pegged to be high-seeded playoff teams when the season began, but now, both teams seem to be in a tailspin that won't end any time soon. Delhomme likely won't play again, and the Steelers defence is still solid. Flip a coin, and take the Steelers. Steelers by 6.
Redskins @ Saints (10.5) = The Saints are a win away from clinching a very unlikely division title. The Redskins are going absolutely nowhere. This one seems easy... Saints by 21.
Jaguars (3.5) @ Titans = Two very hot teams right now, and it's hard to pick against either one. Even though I picked the Jags to win the AFC, there' s something magical about Vince Young this year. Titans by 7.
Buccaneers @ Bears (14.5) = A two touchdown plus spread sounds huge, but the Bucs are horrendous and the Bears don't let anyone score. That said, I don't think Rex Grossman will be able to put up many points in this one. I smell a shutout. Bears by 17.
Lions @ Packers (6.5) = The Packers are hard to figure. How does a team go down 31-0 at the half to the Jets (who promptly lose 31-13 at home to Buffalo) then beat the 49ers (who followed that up by stunning the Seahawks)? The Lions are easier to understand; they stink. Packers by 14.
Broncos (3.5) @ Cardinals = It certainly seems like the Broncos, still primed for a playoff spot, are playing for next year. The Cards are too, but they're better at it. Upset here. Cardinals by 7.
Eagles @ Giants (5.5) = Game of the day. Winner has the inside track to the playoffs. Veteran quarterback beats team fighting itself. Eagles by 3.
Rams @ Raiders (1.5) = Wait a minute...
Is that right?
Raiders are favoured?
Rams by 14.
Chiefs @ Chargers (9.5) = The Chiefs are in freefall, and the Chargers seem unstoppable. If this game was in Kansas City, it might be close. Chargers by 21.
Bengals @ Colts (3) = Very interesting game. The Bengals have seemed to get their act together, at least on the field, and the Colts seem to be falling apart. But let's remember that every Colts loss this year was on the road. Colts by 10.
Well, here' s hoping I get at least 3 or 4 right this week.
So I was wrong...
Okay, so I picked the Seahawks to win by 14, and they lost by 10. I'll try better on the next game.
Dallas and Atlanta. The Cowboys are favoured by 3.5 points on the road, and are coming off an embarrassing loss at home to the Saints on Sunday night. The Falcons have the ability to play very well, but without their two starting running backs, Michael Vick will be asked to carry the load on his own.
He won't. Dallas over Atlanta by 10 on Saturday. Better luck this time.
Dallas and Atlanta. The Cowboys are favoured by 3.5 points on the road, and are coming off an embarrassing loss at home to the Saints on Sunday night. The Falcons have the ability to play very well, but without their two starting running backs, Michael Vick will be asked to carry the load on his own.
He won't. Dallas over Atlanta by 10 on Saturday. Better luck this time.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Super Bowl Picks? Already?
So I've been reading various articles about the current NFL season, and everyone seems to be ready to predict who they think will win the Super Bowl. As it stands today, only 2 teams have clinched a spot in the post-season, and the rest of the races are wide open. But I am weak, so here goes...
AFC: If I were to do this last month, I would have said Indianapolis, hands down. But now, that is not the wise choice. The league's greatest quarterback has the worst run defence in the league on the field when he's sitting on the bench, and it's going to hurt him in the playoffs. Peyton Manning's team will make the playoffs barring a catastrophe, and will likely have at least one home game. Poor defence or not, the Colts are still to be feared this year.
The Chargers are the it team in 2006. They have a young, talented quarterback, an excellent defence, and arguably the best running back in the league since Emmitt Smith. But they're still young, and unless Philip Rivers can play like Ben Roethlisberger last year, or Tom Brady before him, they may have to wait until next year.
The Ravens have the best defence in the conference, but they're mainly average on offence, which might be enough to sneak into the championship game.
The Patriots are struggling, and even the magic combination of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady may not save them this season. The wild card teams, whoever they are will enter the playoffs on a roll, just like Pittsburgh did last year. So will Cincinnati, Jacksonville, or any of the other teams make a run like that? Why not? If the Jags remain consistent (which has been their main issue this year), they will make the Super Bowl. Yes, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Come on, how can you not like a team whose coach wears a suit?
NFC: Not nearly as interesting here. The Bears are the best team, and even with Rex Grossman at quarterback, are the clear favourites from the weaker conference. But let's talk about who they have to beat.
Their closest competition right now is the New Orleans Saints, or as the media calls them, everyone's second favourite team. While the Saints making it all the way would be the story to end all stories, it's not going to happen in 2006. Remember, this team won 3 games last year, and they should be congratulated for their remarkable success thus far. They'll win the division, and likely get a bye. But, as is so often the case, a team will get hot and enter the SuperDome to knock them out.
The Cowboys aren't ready yet either, and the Giants, Falcons, and Seahawks are wildly inconsistent this year.
There you go: Bears vs. Jaguars. Not the best matchup, but there's nothing I can do about that. We'll see what happens next.
AFC: If I were to do this last month, I would have said Indianapolis, hands down. But now, that is not the wise choice. The league's greatest quarterback has the worst run defence in the league on the field when he's sitting on the bench, and it's going to hurt him in the playoffs. Peyton Manning's team will make the playoffs barring a catastrophe, and will likely have at least one home game. Poor defence or not, the Colts are still to be feared this year.
The Chargers are the it team in 2006. They have a young, talented quarterback, an excellent defence, and arguably the best running back in the league since Emmitt Smith. But they're still young, and unless Philip Rivers can play like Ben Roethlisberger last year, or Tom Brady before him, they may have to wait until next year.
The Ravens have the best defence in the conference, but they're mainly average on offence, which might be enough to sneak into the championship game.
The Patriots are struggling, and even the magic combination of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady may not save them this season. The wild card teams, whoever they are will enter the playoffs on a roll, just like Pittsburgh did last year. So will Cincinnati, Jacksonville, or any of the other teams make a run like that? Why not? If the Jags remain consistent (which has been their main issue this year), they will make the Super Bowl. Yes, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Come on, how can you not like a team whose coach wears a suit?
NFC: Not nearly as interesting here. The Bears are the best team, and even with Rex Grossman at quarterback, are the clear favourites from the weaker conference. But let's talk about who they have to beat.
Their closest competition right now is the New Orleans Saints, or as the media calls them, everyone's second favourite team. While the Saints making it all the way would be the story to end all stories, it's not going to happen in 2006. Remember, this team won 3 games last year, and they should be congratulated for their remarkable success thus far. They'll win the division, and likely get a bye. But, as is so often the case, a team will get hot and enter the SuperDome to knock them out.
The Cowboys aren't ready yet either, and the Giants, Falcons, and Seahawks are wildly inconsistent this year.
There you go: Bears vs. Jaguars. Not the best matchup, but there's nothing I can do about that. We'll see what happens next.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
NFL Pick - Seattle vs. San Francisco
So, another Thursday game upon us. Is it me, or are these games...what's the word...stupid?
We've gotten used to a Sunday packed with football, and a good game on Monday night. And I could handle those Saturday games towards the end of the year. But Thursday? NFL network? It seems less important than the other games of the week.
Before I pick, I need to talk about the coverage of these games. Bryant Gumbel is a fantastic journalist, but even his brother Greg is better at calling football games than he is. Cris Collinsworth is good, not great, but surely there must be a better play-by-play person available for these national games.
So, time to pick tomorrow's game. Seattle is the easy pick, and I'll take it. With the points, too. Seahawks by 14.
We've gotten used to a Sunday packed with football, and a good game on Monday night. And I could handle those Saturday games towards the end of the year. But Thursday? NFL network? It seems less important than the other games of the week.
Before I pick, I need to talk about the coverage of these games. Bryant Gumbel is a fantastic journalist, but even his brother Greg is better at calling football games than he is. Cris Collinsworth is good, not great, but surely there must be a better play-by-play person available for these national games.
So, time to pick tomorrow's game. Seattle is the easy pick, and I'll take it. With the points, too. Seahawks by 14.
Blue Jays finally decide on Wells
It popped up on the wires on Tuesday night that the Toronto Blue Jays have made a 7 year offer to their best player, Vernon Wells, for a reported $126 million U.S..
If true, and signed by Wells, it would be the richest contract in the near 30 year history of Canada's lone remaining baseball franchise. And G.M. J.P. Riccardi should be congratulated for it.
Last year at the winter meetings, Riccardi stole the show, signing pitchers A.J. Burnett, B.J. Ryan, as well as Bengie Molina and Troy Glaus. The result was an improved team in all facets, and a second place finish in baseball's toughest division.
There was some criticism out there that Riccardi didn't do enough this year, but I disagree. The pitching options were extremely thin, and let's be honest, Ted Lilly's 15 wins (a career high) are not worth $10 million a year, especially for a 3rd starter. Riccardi stumbled a bit with the Gregg Zaun signing, but did wrap up the catcher for a fair amount. Of course, let's not forget the Frank Thomas signing, which does bring in a huge bat into a position, DH, that lacked it in 2006.
But the signing of Wells, or at least the offer, symbolizes a change in culture in Toronto that began with the increased payroll offered by Jays ownership. And Riccardi has responded in kind. Now it's time to deliver.
John Gibbons has all the tools in place now to bring, at the very least, a playoff spot to Canada's baseball fans. Two excellent starting pitchers, with a very good young one behind them; one of the premier closers in the A.L.; and strength in offence from top to bottom. If Wells re-commits to 7 more years in T.O., the expectations will increase even more. And Riccardi has put all the pieces in place to do that.
As a aside, is there some rule in Rogers Communications (the owners of the team) that a certain number of personnel must use initials for their names? J.P., A.J., B.J.? Just something I noticed.
If true, and signed by Wells, it would be the richest contract in the near 30 year history of Canada's lone remaining baseball franchise. And G.M. J.P. Riccardi should be congratulated for it.
Last year at the winter meetings, Riccardi stole the show, signing pitchers A.J. Burnett, B.J. Ryan, as well as Bengie Molina and Troy Glaus. The result was an improved team in all facets, and a second place finish in baseball's toughest division.
There was some criticism out there that Riccardi didn't do enough this year, but I disagree. The pitching options were extremely thin, and let's be honest, Ted Lilly's 15 wins (a career high) are not worth $10 million a year, especially for a 3rd starter. Riccardi stumbled a bit with the Gregg Zaun signing, but did wrap up the catcher for a fair amount. Of course, let's not forget the Frank Thomas signing, which does bring in a huge bat into a position, DH, that lacked it in 2006.
But the signing of Wells, or at least the offer, symbolizes a change in culture in Toronto that began with the increased payroll offered by Jays ownership. And Riccardi has responded in kind. Now it's time to deliver.
John Gibbons has all the tools in place now to bring, at the very least, a playoff spot to Canada's baseball fans. Two excellent starting pitchers, with a very good young one behind them; one of the premier closers in the A.L.; and strength in offence from top to bottom. If Wells re-commits to 7 more years in T.O., the expectations will increase even more. And Riccardi has put all the pieces in place to do that.
As a aside, is there some rule in Rogers Communications (the owners of the team) that a certain number of personnel must use initials for their names? J.P., A.J., B.J.? Just something I noticed.
Monday, December 11, 2006
I Know No One Will Read This
I know no one will read this, but here goes.
Am I the only person outside of San Francisco who likes Barry Bonds? Who thinks that he's a sure fire hall of famer and one of the best players in the history of the game? It seems that way, because everything you read says that he is a menace to the game and tarnishing the reputation of America's pastime.
People forget, however, that any steroids he took (and let's be honest, he did take them) were not illegal in the game of baseball, and he was not the only one who did. We all know about Sosa, McGwire, and Palmeiro. But these players were good in their prime. Bonds was great, and he doesn't get enough credit for the calibre of player he was and is throughout his career.
Yes, he's back in San Francisco for 2007 for a paltry $16 million, and he likely will break Hank Aaron's home run record this year or next. Like it or not, Bonds is going to the hall of fame, even with a syringe in his hand.
Am I the only person outside of San Francisco who likes Barry Bonds? Who thinks that he's a sure fire hall of famer and one of the best players in the history of the game? It seems that way, because everything you read says that he is a menace to the game and tarnishing the reputation of America's pastime.
People forget, however, that any steroids he took (and let's be honest, he did take them) were not illegal in the game of baseball, and he was not the only one who did. We all know about Sosa, McGwire, and Palmeiro. But these players were good in their prime. Bonds was great, and he doesn't get enough credit for the calibre of player he was and is throughout his career.
Yes, he's back in San Francisco for 2007 for a paltry $16 million, and he likely will break Hank Aaron's home run record this year or next. Like it or not, Bonds is going to the hall of fame, even with a syringe in his hand.
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