tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81322869094113092432024-02-19T18:29:52.439-05:00Jack Jock's ThoughtThoughts on the daily sporting events. Canadian Style. From the centre of the Universe. Toronto, Ontario, Canada... or close to the city as possibleJack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-43255093159160623142007-09-13T10:21:00.001-05:002007-09-13T10:21:47.294-05:00Kick A Man When He's Down<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bCNaP9giNXvnY7stnBFM2wPzbWvNXo-Z0KEmMZQdMWQFXCVXocQ_ieiCgjZmoVawHyBX00_9q9NItwXz8bpWwUOUJOJpOjeQ3tNRdn-eZG8hHaNwymdSwC1U8YzoxP-WKuDfW7soFGM/s1600-h/72532170.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109709292388043410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bCNaP9giNXvnY7stnBFM2wPzbWvNXo-Z0KEmMZQdMWQFXCVXocQ_ieiCgjZmoVawHyBX00_9q9NItwXz8bpWwUOUJOJpOjeQ3tNRdn-eZG8hHaNwymdSwC1U8YzoxP-WKuDfW7soFGM/s200/72532170.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Gary Bettman decides to get off his ass and actually does some commissioner work at the expense of the Toronto Maple Leafs and crashing their 2007 RBK Edge uniform debut party. The man decides to suspend newly acquired Toronto Maple Leaf Mark Bell after a big indiscretion on his part. The man drove drunk, injured another person via a car accident and left the scene of a crime. Those are pretty bad charges. Bell agrees to the charges, pleads guilty, gets 6 months in jail and has to enroll into the NHL substance abuse program without pay. That is pretty hefty sanctions taken against him and that is all by the California State justice system. Then on the biggest media day for the Toronto Maple Leafs the Commissioner lays down a 15 game suspension on Mark Bell. Ridiculous! I can understand if this has been done before and was to be expected but it was clearly out of left field. No precedence exists regarding any type of game suspensions involving NHL players and off ice activity. There are two larger cases to look at regarding NHL players and their off ice activities. I am referring to Theo Fleury and Dany Heatley. Both cases are different but Dany Heatley killed his teammate even though accidental. And Theo Fleury has been in and out of the substance abuse program until he left the NHL. This is nothing more than kicking a man when he is down. And give him an extra kick just to make sure he stays there. Theo Fleury has been a resident mainstay in the substance abuse program until he left and this is practically like the same case.<br /><br />A few years ago I was arguing that Theo Fleury was still a great player and that all everyone was doing was poking him in the face. Just poking him and poking him, and what happens when people just keep poking you? You fight back, that is all he was doing and he was labeled a bad guy and washed up. Yes it was due to some of his problems but if you keep poking and prodding the man he is just going to lash out.<br /><br />Mark Bell spoke yesterday saying that this is fair and he will abide by it, but it is complete bull. All of the people to start a precedent pick the one NHL Player who didn’t kill anyone and one who is actually going to repay his debt to society by spending time in jail. I could argue and agree to the points that this is just to set up future action against other players who decide to get in trouble off the ice.<br /><br />I understand you can not go back and revise history but to just start handing out suspensions now is the wrong time. Start with Rick Tocchet or if Jay Bouwmeester faces no jail time, then start by suspending him. How many more penalties are going to be handed out to Mark Bell? How about suspending Mark Bell for doing interviews with the wrong colour tie, that should be worth 25 Games.</div>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-72411086079366576522007-09-03T18:34:00.002-05:002007-09-03T18:40:26.146-05:00Boys Should Be Boys, Not Men<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTbq5loo-h2JKJjccREYSfqCcNcQD597O7iX6Xlj91VmEc1kT2STJEFh4B7MHWaQULOLTPrGO_d7wSvvPPIX5WsffLrh9okFgtq1AYrnV8TlBPsjeXUpkODU1tGYDxspjyI0zk7qVAQY/s1600-h/s050270A.jpg"></a><img style="text-align: right;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6A-llxjvHHGtmZbIi5wxPrmFjd8OuRDwStDVI_EVIWBM3GqYowJ9n5yAb5_11QKFkbiUp5wRQN-JDmgzplbBBl_sfYb2ljHIR5cAHe6fdFf1-2AV4V-L2uSvfincvrTIs6TycqrWUyA/s200/202605_3.JPG.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106126156136282866" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The boy becomes a man in 17 days. Well a man according to the Canadian Government. Although he is still unable to buy cigarettes and alcohol in the province of Ontario where he is employed as one of the biggest names, if not the biggest name in the Ontario Hockey League. After two seasons John Tavares wants to be eligible for the NHL Draft at the end of the NHL 07-08 season. The only problem is that he is 5 days to late to be eligible for the NHL draft. That and the fact that he began his OHL career at the age of 15. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">If unaware with the circumstances around John Tavares, he was a special exemption into the OHL based on the fact that he was such a dominant figure playing Midget AAA. In his final year Tavares had 158 points with the Toronto Marlboro’s and finished with the</span></p><img style="text-align: right;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTbq5loo-h2JKJjccREYSfqCcNcQD597O7iX6Xlj91VmEc1kT2STJEFh4B7MHWaQULOLTPrGO_d7wSvvPPIX5WsffLrh9okFgtq1AYrnV8TlBPsjeXUpkODU1tGYDxspjyI0zk7qVAQY/s200/s050270A.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106126538388372226" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"> Milton Merchants with another 28 points in the final 20 games. That is a pretty good year. I recall when they first started talking about him I said it would not be a good idea for him to be allowed to play in the OHL. But then again they did a good thing when they brought Tavares in. They said he has to play his 5 years in the OHL, no matter what club he is with. Although who would be stupid enough to trade the kid, it would be like trading Wayne Gretzky… oh wait some G.M.’s did that. How long did Mike Keenan stay in St. Louis after he traded Gretzky to the New York Rangers?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Back to the issue, Tavares is only 17 years old and he is not eligible till the 09 draft. That is how it should be. He should not be allowed to be in this draft just because he has some lawyers and a lot of potential. Yes he is setting the new General Motors Arena in Oshawa on fire. But other than personal accomplishments what has he done in his two years in Generals white and red? Has the Oshawa Generals defended their OHL crown? Have they won the OHL title in 1 of the 2 years? Have they been Eastern Conference Champions? Have they won the Eastern Conference’s Eastern Division Title? Have they made the playoffs? Well that is the only question that the answer is yes. I am not taking anything away from the kid because his personal numbers show that he is a force to reckon with being 6’ and around 190lbs. he is a big boy, shades of an Eric Lindros only he can skate with his head up.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tavares racked up 45 goals and 77 points in his first season. Tavares was also -13 and had 72 PIM. I will never say anything bad about having PIM because as a Canadian born hockey player you should be well versed in scoring goals as much as dishing out punishment. Take a look at Mike Richards when he was with the Kitchener Rangers. Or even Evan McGrath, the same style of play with a pair of hands to slide the puck behind the goalie in an instant. Usually the London Knights goaltender, which was very annoying if you are a Knights fan and you, always placed a nice wager on blanking the Rangers.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tavares undoubtedly had a coming out party in 06-07 when he recorded 72 goals and 134 points and being a +25 mark with 60 PIM. I got a chance to see him come to Mississauga and play, he is very good, even when he isn’t scoring goals he is a threat and a great presence on the ice. But no matter how good Tavares is the 17-year-old kid from Oakville is only a kid. Transitioning from the OHL, WHL, QMJHL or NCAA to the NHL is a huge transition and not everyone is ready for it. You can have all the skill in the world but it doesn’t mean it will translate into success. Alexandre Daigle anyone? How about Dan Blackburn? How many times have there been young kids rushed to make a buck and have killed themselves. Blackburn is now doing who knows what after completely tearing his shoulder up and Daigle, well you try to explain that one. There are two quick examples of kids who came in two fast and have done nothing but fizzle out.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tavares was signed with the idea that the Oshawa Generals would have him for 4 full seasons, well probably more like 3.5 if a team needs a guy like him for the final push. He will probably end with a Guelph Storm, London Knight, Kitchener Ranger or Barrie Colts uniform on but he should not be allowed to make the jump to the NHL. He was signed as an ‘Exceptional Player’ and just because he has that label does not enable him to become one in the NHL. It is a tough playground when you’re just a kid. Think of all the bullies who do that for a living.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am looking forward to seeing you in a Generals jersey for a few more years as I pay only $15 in Mississauga to boo the shit out of you. Too bad the St. Michael Majors of Toronto moved in to Mississauga. Bring back the IceDogs!<br /></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-59147283224192763382007-08-14T22:40:00.001-05:002007-08-14T22:43:43.234-05:00Stats SchmatzI was going to discuss why Stephen Ames is more deserving than Mike Weir to be in the President’s Cup. But in reality just because it is in Canada doesn’t mean that there needs to be a Canadian in the field. I mean after all there is a ton of talent that is going to be at the event. There is no real need for a Canadian to be playing in this event. There is Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Stuart Appleby, Ernie Els, Adam Scott, Reteif Goosen, Angel Cabrera, Phil Mickelson, Stewart Cink, Scott Verplank and more. If that doesn’t sell tickets in Canada then Canadians just do not like golf.<br /><br />Also, there has been so much rhetoric about experience over what a player does now, which I actually agree with, although consistency is the only thing that Ames has right now over a recovering Weir. What I am going to discuss right now is an ongoing discussion I have with my former radio co-host and a few other friends of mine.<br /><br />How much stock can you actually put into Sports Statistics?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdaP5zvgB0Lq-mVDtsM0Jy-SvutFjJsJceIrTuw0d1T21mnYm8KOu8sEq6jJQJiheaf3sfzshGHWD9C_iouDon4D3uCXJcyL5kh4UzcCSILnuufivrtWtp-LE-dHKDmRPz3W5wQVATR4/s1600-h/P000069869.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdaP5zvgB0Lq-mVDtsM0Jy-SvutFjJsJceIrTuw0d1T21mnYm8KOu8sEq6jJQJiheaf3sfzshGHWD9C_iouDon4D3uCXJcyL5kh4UzcCSILnuufivrtWtp-LE-dHKDmRPz3W5wQVATR4/s200/P000069869.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098767723402746194" border="0" /></a>Take a young pitcher such as Matt Cain who pitches for the San Francisco Giants. Last year Matt Cain went 13-12 as a rookie and many people believed there is much more potential in the tank that is untapped. This year Matt Cain is 4-13 and everyone has written this kid off. Does anyone actually see this kid pitch or are you just watching the stats. Moving to Hockey I have the displeasure of watching Andrew Raycroft play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They did not make the playoffs this year but he did set a new Maple Leafs goaltender record with 37 wins. On the surface that is huge, BUT!!!!<br />If you watched him play he is god awful, just horrible and definitely not worth the $2.5 million he is making. Not to mention that a few of the wins came from shootouts, in which he blew the lead, or the team got a flukey goal. The point of it is that you can not just look at stats, and yes many people do not have the necessary means to watch more than their hometown coverage or any bonus footage.<br /><br />Back to Matt Cain, 3 of his losses were outstanding losses, his first lost this year was 7.0Inn of 1H 1ER baseball. And the Giants lose the game 1-0. A loss against Oakland Athletics on 6/10 Cain pitched 8.0INN with 5H 1ER and 8K’s and loses 2-0. Another outing he pitches 7.1Inn with 2ER and 11K on 5H and the Giants lose 4-3. So is Matt Cain that bad of a pitcher? No. Is his stats bad? Yes. Even the best pitchers in the game today have severe trouble.<br /><br />Former Cy Young award Winner Roy Halladay has had a winning pitching record 5 of the last 6 seasons, in 2004 he had an 8-8 record and was on the shelf for a good chunk of that time. In those 6 seasons he has gone 90-36 (current 2007 stats included). Every year Halladay has 2-3 starts where he will go 8+ innings of 1 run ball and lose the game 2-0. It happens to everyone. Some pitchers more than others. Matt Cain is just one example but there are at least 10 other pitchers who people are willing to get off the band wagon just because the end stats are horrific and ignore the fact that they are still a great pitcher that doesn’t always have their team<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eVvvG60q3f81kzYKA-EfSE3S6LnRQPMgl0s1M_IexB5ggTF6Jb5IrhXeWGdQ1zn09OSRdxoFVxzkoy44mwPuGJlVFvMRmG1T196lrn8zhJBh-xtICXXZ1u1LfUc_SqzBrzDKNMfb8MM/s1600-h/chacin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eVvvG60q3f81kzYKA-EfSE3S6LnRQPMgl0s1M_IexB5ggTF6Jb5IrhXeWGdQ1zn09OSRdxoFVxzkoy44mwPuGJlVFvMRmG1T196lrn8zhJBh-xtICXXZ1u1LfUc_SqzBrzDKNMfb8MM/s200/chacin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098767809302092130" border="0" /></a> helping them out. Just remember Gustavo Chacin last year. He finished the year 9-4 in 17 starts and finishing with an ERA over 5. He gave up early runs but for some reason the Toronto bats would come alive and bail him out so he can get the win.<br /><br />The point is that you can only put about 55-60% weight in just looking at the stats when judging whether a player is good or not. There is so much more than a W-L record or how many HR a player can hit. Or how many goals or touchdowns an individual makes.Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-33186019982705317862007-08-13T21:52:00.001-05:002007-08-13T21:54:48.057-05:00Devil Rays Problem 2 of 2: A Solution Is Near<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHijxG0sYf_2LZvAmvJMv6DGq_IyXEZ7tZMxCguPpc8QXxNIRWHR0jtjt-Okgq7qMUA9_9jDs2S9a_d1dwHnxfoUdNxGaPy_DrTWqgnt5OJBRADnIZVHCMtBozQvYZy0_-2D4qT1tSCE/s1600-h/TB_1347.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHijxG0sYf_2LZvAmvJMv6DGq_IyXEZ7tZMxCguPpc8QXxNIRWHR0jtjt-Okgq7qMUA9_9jDs2S9a_d1dwHnxfoUdNxGaPy_DrTWqgnt5OJBRADnIZVHCMtBozQvYZy0_-2D4qT1tSCE/s200/TB_1347.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098383972369815874" border="0" /></a><br />So yesterday was a look at how the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have basically been a team with a history of… well losing. And it isn’t like the trend is stopping. As I am typing this up, they are currently down 3-0 to the Boston Red Sox and sit at the bottom of the AL East with a record of 45-72 and 25 games back of AL East Leading Boston Red Sox.<br /><br />My stance does not change. If the Devil Rays had a decent rotation with an Ace and 2 .600 pitchers they could easily move up to third in the AL East standings. The Toronto Blue Jays are slightly better than what the D-Rays will need. The Rays have their Ace in Scott Kazmir who is 9-7 with 160K’s in 151.0 Innings. Not bad for a 23 year old kid. The rest of the 2007 Rotation is a bunch of kids looking for a chance to play baseball. Jason Hammel, Edwin Jackson, James Shields and Andy Sonnanstine are only 24, 23, 25 and 24 respectively. Do you expect these kids to all of a sudden flip on a switch and become solid aces such as Johan Santana or Roy Halladay? What about great number two pitchers such as Derek Lowe or Dice-K? The Blue Jays had to wait for Roy Halladay to work his way back up through A-class ball back to the Bigs. Sometimes you just have to wait this out.<br /><br />So lets look at a few ways the Devil Rays could possibly improve. Well they could always start by opening up their pocket book. There are a few veteran pitchers out there who wouldn’t mind working with these young kids. Gil Meche instantly comes to mind, and he did even want to come to a media centre. That is how he ended up in Kansas City. That and $11 Million a year couldn’t help. Opening up the purse strings can attract the most unlikely of talent. And right now they can use any talent. But looking at the history of paying players and looking at the salaries of everyone on the roster there is only Carl Crawford making some good money. Dan Wheeler is another who is making some money, just over $2 Million this season. Currently there are 18 players who are under contract for less than a $1million, and there are 5 players on the roster whose salary is not disclosed. There is a pretty good chance that they are making well under a million dollars. Are the Devil Rays actually going to start dishing out some cash? Probably not. Will they be able to attract some free agent pitching? Not unless they need a year salary to pay off some debts or they are over the age of 35.<br /><br />So effectively there is only one more option. Wait for your staff to mature. And to be honest it is probably the most effective. If you are going to pay your talent, make it your home-grown talent. Since they are all 24 years old, give them 2-3 years and they will be all at least .500 pitchers. They are youthful. They have the power. They have the control. But you just have to wait. The Blue Jays gave Halladay 3-4 Years to develop; Kazmir is on to year 3 now, just wait for the rest of the staff to mature.<br /><br />This team will be out of the basement next season but just barely ahead of Baltimore or Toronto. And in 2009 could just be in contention for… well maybe still 4th place.<br /><br />As long as the Rays keep their young talent in the field and the young staff they will be able to upset some teams through out the season. You can count on it. Laugh all you want… Although I am aware that Toronto and Baltimore will pretty much have to not improve over the next few seasons even though the young pitching of the Blue Jays is a surprise to everyone this year. And Baltimore is looking pretty good. In the interest of competition Hopefully the Rays will improve ten fold and there will be a great race in the AL East for a few seasons to come.<br /><br />It is a good thing that Mike Weir was selected to the President’s Cup Team… To Bad for Stephen Ames… Get this opinion and more coming tomorrow.Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-32975472143785932062007-08-13T01:17:00.001-05:002007-08-13T01:22:03.418-05:00Devil Rays Problem 1 of 2: The History That Caused The StormFor the purposes of this article I am just looking at the Tampa Bay Devil Rays short history in MLB and how every year, there is promise at the plate, but there is no pitching that save them.<br /><br />In the Devil Rays 10 seasons they have never been better than a .500 team. To be completely specific this team has never been better than a .435 club. With only around 40 games remaining it looks as though the Devil rays will have to struggle just to make .400.<br /><br />This team has been able to do a lot of high drafting in their 10 year history and has had a few bright spots in their lineup. Just take a look at what they were fielding back in their inaugural year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5h3p3goWomATJcEH7mo7w2ArFmbLz8rVfwOoeXtbmIE0s-aOvbma4GnNluN1LWDqQcwKFjKwee4xcq9tO4kYodS2vY2l4l9aoBPqBzjz0-vg43Jn7DkQ9rMexZ248kXfjpFcUlv1fkc/s1600-h/2005-01-04-inside-boggs-300.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5h3p3goWomATJcEH7mo7w2ArFmbLz8rVfwOoeXtbmIE0s-aOvbma4GnNluN1LWDqQcwKFjKwee4xcq9tO4kYodS2vY2l4l9aoBPqBzjz0-vg43Jn7DkQ9rMexZ248kXfjpFcUlv1fkc/s200/2005-01-04-inside-boggs-300.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098065698113313042" border="0" /></a>John Flaherty behind the plate who is now deemed useless he is catching for Tim Wakefield in Boston. Fred McGriff at the age of 34 was their homerun champ at 1st base. The pair up the middle was Miguel Cairo at second and Kevin Stocker at short. The Hot corner was manned by Bobby Smith. From left to right, the outfield looked like this, Quinton McCracken, Randy Winn and Dave Martinez. Then there was also a man by the name of Wade Boggs who got his 3000th hit in a Ray’s uniform. As for their rotation and bullpen, there is just no reason to mention any of them. Not because they were not caliber pitchers, but because… well that is the reason, there was no pitching staff to go along with their C- hitting. The 1998 squad finished with a 63-99 record which is respectable considering it was their inaugural year.<br /><br />Moving to the 1999 squad the D-Rays improved to a 69-93 record and showed some promise with their closer Roberto Hernandez who reached a career best 43 saves in the 1999 season, but was conceivably on the way down since he was 34 that year.<br /><br />The 2000 Rays squad was poised to improve on their 69 wins but was only able to match their 69 wins that season but only had 92 losses to give them a better winning percentage of .429 over 1999’s .426. But there is still no stand outs just a mix between unknown youth, and over the hill veteran talent. It is almost like the Toronto Maple Leafs… But there time is coming.<br /><br />The 2001 Squad took a turn for the worse and went to 62-100 making the first time the franchise has had 100 losses, a feat that will be match 2 more times in the next 5 seasons.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASwLvdxrPc6lgv6ACRl6vWW7RBqK4DupDEhWSlT9ocJoCcF4B7LJexaWg6irWSOkosRBahfKdlQbiSj3hsInfPI70HaVYr5Nss6n-lmo1UKNQYiCbjCreJsBeMxKWStf2NU0WYi3izSw/s1600-h/364523_Carl-Crawford-040528.JPG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASwLvdxrPc6lgv6ACRl6vWW7RBqK4DupDEhWSlT9ocJoCcF4B7LJexaWg6irWSOkosRBahfKdlQbiSj3hsInfPI70HaVYr5Nss6n-lmo1UKNQYiCbjCreJsBeMxKWStf2NU0WYi3izSw/s200/364523_Carl-Crawford-040528.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098066286523832626" border="0" /></a>In 2002 the Devil Rays had a much better looking lineup and their pitching depth… was still missing. The Rays went 55-106 that season but saw the emergence of a few talents. The Rays now had a young catcher that would be ready for the everyday job in Toby Hall. They had an outfielder who they could build the outfield around in 20 year old Carl Crawford. There was also Aubrey Huff who broke out and emerged as an offensive threat with a team high 23HR and a .313BA. The Devil Rays were definitely getting better offensively but pitching was still a major concern.<br /><br />2003 was the start of the new Devil Rays with Lou Pinella at the helm and this was definitely going to be a season to watch. The outfield was helped out with the arrival of LF Rocco Baldelli who didn’t post power numbers but was second on the team with 184 hits trailing RF Aubrey Huff who had 198 hits. For the second straight year their lineup looked good and was only getting better with an average age of 26.5 for their starters.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBskM39JBKDIaYuGsDxseO_5phTpfwpLQKpLaXb759SwIN0VFZEDWj8WDzFgIdjRfIy7yJwn7NyA76yj14yTec2vgSQP-vD1T-yI5u1GHUgRVLBE2qWmT6iFvx6k6Lc24cqUfxHHV9XQ/s1600-h/7.3_SK_ap.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBskM39JBKDIaYuGsDxseO_5phTpfwpLQKpLaXb759SwIN0VFZEDWj8WDzFgIdjRfIy7yJwn7NyA76yj14yTec2vgSQP-vD1T-yI5u1GHUgRVLBE2qWmT6iFvx6k6Lc24cqUfxHHV9XQ/s200/7.3_SK_ap.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098065938631481634" border="0" /></a>2004 was the Devil Rays best year in franchise history. They finished with 70 wins and the basement of the AL east finishing ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays for fourth place. The year was an improvement all around even in the pitching. Not a big improvement but there was a 20 year old fire-baller by the name of Scott Kazmir that made his debut. And although heout of hasn’t won 20 games yet, He is only 23 and a 10 perennial 10 game winner also helps out the D-Rays. Also debuting in 2004 was a 23yr old outfielder by the name of Joey Gathright, and 23yr old Jonny Gomes who would be thrusted into a more serious roll in 2005.<br /><br />The 05 season is probably the best squad to march on to the field in history. They had a legitimate power duo in Aubrey Huff and Jonny Gomes. They had a solid everyday catcher in Toby Hall. Infielders Travis Lee and Alex Gonzalez added veteran presence in the clubhouse, and a slightly better than average outfield featuring young talent that can throw and run down any ball hit past the infield. Their pitching was even a vast improvement. Scott Kazmir led the staff, veteran Mark Hendrickson gave leadership and guidance. Even Casey Fossum, Doug Waetcher and Hideo Nomo was an improvement over any other starting rotation. They also had a closer in Danny Baez who posted 41Sv that season. The Rays finished with a record of 67-95 which is a considered a disappointment and a step backwards from their 70 wins in 04.<br /><br />This ended the tenure of Lou Pinella who stepped down due to medical conditions. In 8 seasons the Rays did not crack the .500 mark and had almost 3 seasons of 100 losses from 2001-2003 (62-100, 55-106, 63-99).<br /><br />The Start of the Joe Maddon Regime is about to begin in 2006 and it should be the start of something good with all their players on the rise and a respectable rotation and the buildings of a bullpen.<br /><br />Check back for the 06 and 07 season recaps as well on thoughts of why the Florida Marlins were able to win 2 world series in their first two years and to why the D-Rays can not make the .450 mark.Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-46658734844141133892007-06-17T14:17:00.001-05:002007-06-17T14:23:52.742-05:00Griffey Is Still A Threat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7ie44E9FXk-42re8Xa1xtOpJExBJBfMzhjgovW2pLAsK2ifVKX3lukJdwnzZ0gWfIyOyGP3sxRYaN-Z9NKw3aI9CPMDFb5mPR-jRIH64LZr2SYCzsH246z489jlop_GqQ3jlU2rGCWY/s1600-h/450historygriffey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7ie44E9FXk-42re8Xa1xtOpJExBJBfMzhjgovW2pLAsK2ifVKX3lukJdwnzZ0gWfIyOyGP3sxRYaN-Z9NKw3aI9CPMDFb5mPR-jRIH64LZr2SYCzsH246z489jlop_GqQ3jlU2rGCWY/s200/450historygriffey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077115295227146530" border="0" /></a><br />There was a time when Ken Griffey Jr. was one of the most feared hitters in the game. Griffey was feared more than Barry Bonds is now and even more than Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa during their chase for Roger Maris’ homerun record. Now-a-days when you discuss the greatest hitters of the game, with ‘average’ or today’s fans, you only hear names like Berkman, Rodriguez, Pujols, Bonds, and Ichiro etc. Griffey is now an afterthought in these discussions unless you find someone old enough to remember when he played for Seattle. For the most part his time in Cincinnati is considered a waste and a blackmark on his career because of all the injuries during the ‘end’ of his prime. Even though his power numbers has severely dropped off and he is no longer going to break every offensive record imaginable, just take a minute to reflect on why Griffey should still be considered a big threat in the National League today. Griffey broke and re-wrote every offensive number that the Seattle Mariners had in their record books while he had on #24. He was the super kid that drew fans to the Kingdome for no other reason to see the 19 year old phenom that was dubbed the next Willie Mays. He had a stellar Rookie campaign cut short due to broken fingers but still finished with 120H in 127 G, 16HR and 61RBI and 16SB. Not bad for a shortened Rookie season. The rest of Griffey’s credentials while in a Seattle Mariners uniform speak for itself. Griffey received 10 straight Gold Glove awards from 1990-1999. He is a 4 time AL Homerun Champion (1994, 1997-1999) and the AL MVP for the year of 1997. When Griffey finished his time in Seattle he had 1742 hits, 398 homeruns, 1152 rbi’s, 167 stolen bases and finished 11 seasons in Seattle with a 298 batting average. To digest these numbers as they stand, at the age of 30 Ken Griffey was just short of 400 homeruns, and presumably with 9 years left in the majors, at an average of 35 homeruns per season, Griffey would hit approximately 715 homeruns in his career, that would be 3rd on the all time list. This is of course ignoring logic that would dictate he would still hit 40+ per season as from 1993-1999 he hit well over 40 per season. Rbi’s are a hit and miss stat but how bout just doubling the mark to be around 2300 for his career and would make Griffey the all time RBI leader. Griffey has all of this potential and then he goes and requests a trade and ultimately ends up in Cincinnati. Instead of testing the open free agent market Griffey makes a 9 year deal with the Cincinnati Reds worth $116 Million. This is of course a lot less<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoAS1EWXHOppxfM8TQ2J2hlBeWC7DA-jsnceWy6XUSfkMHG5kxq3SyjXNyVLWmbWTtsK4XcAfEsH_WOcBHR4f-ORmSVnYgoCHueZf903xU0eXYoC5EIpMeMAteSESNv-RL0iPdWcccJc/s1600-h/griffey-junior.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoAS1EWXHOppxfM8TQ2J2hlBeWC7DA-jsnceWy6XUSfkMHG5kxq3SyjXNyVLWmbWTtsK4XcAfEsH_WOcBHR4f-ORmSVnYgoCHueZf903xU0eXYoC5EIpMeMAteSESNv-RL0iPdWcccJc/s200/griffey-junior.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077115402601328946" border="0" /></a> than what he would be offered in the open market, remember A-rod got $250 million, Griffey could have easily got above $175 Million.<br /><br /><br />His first season in Cincinnati was a continuation of his pace to close in on Hank Aaron’s Homerun record. With the Reds Griffey hit another 40 Homeruns and recorded 118 RBI’s, his 9th season of over 100 RBI’s in his 12th MLB season and that includes his shortened rookie campaign and the MLB strike season. Just absolutely impressive. There is the saying that goes, All good things must come to an end, and beginning in 2001, is when everyone started forgetting about Ken Griffey Jr. as he embarked on consecutive years of injuries that would cut his chances of chasing history. From 2001-2004 Griffey only played in 317 out of a possible 648 games. Over half the games lost from the ages of 32-35 definitely key years for baseball players, just ask Bonds as he didn’t start his big time hitting until he was 32. Griffey returned to form back in 2005 as he earned ‘NL Comeback Player of the Year’ hitting 35 Homeruns with a .301 Batting Average while driving in 92 RBI’s. Many people remembered Griffey <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib22E9FKgvzeqWqpUxpC6GehvIDAdnu2TnRoAa0Ou1FC8jspaiM1UWRijEkK4sqf6G0aVi1NmmYejOSwVuPkPj0nBDmb5BIOGkI4UPkATGi078XbScbViphcnyogzdCUenqnj0E44XIrI/s1600-h/000a501a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib22E9FKgvzeqWqpUxpC6GehvIDAdnu2TnRoAa0Ou1FC8jspaiM1UWRijEkK4sqf6G0aVi1NmmYejOSwVuPkPj0nBDmb5BIOGkI4UPkATGi078XbScbViphcnyogzdCUenqnj0E44XIrI/s200/000a501a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077115776263483714" border="0" /></a>existed after that year but one thing has definitely changed. He may not be as feared as he was but this allows him to be a bigger threat and he can still pop out the homeruns. As I sit and type this Griffey has hit 2 Homeruns and is now only 19 away from making the 600 Hr club. He would be only the 6th man to hit 600 in his career, presuming Sammy Sosa will hit his one as he currently stands at 599 Homeruns. The point to all of this is that Ken Griffey Jr. should be given more credit and despite his ‘disappointing’ years in Cincinnati. He is still a great hitter and whether he stays in Cincinnati next year, or he is traded to another team, preferably an AL team so he can be a DH and continue to play through his early 40’s. You always have to remember that if it wasn’t for Griffey in Seattle, there would not be ‘The House That Griffey Built” and the Seattle Franchise may be somewhere else in the continental United States.Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-81608280861384288322007-03-07T10:43:00.000-05:002007-03-07T10:48:37.800-05:00The Central Will Be Exciting To Watch In '07There is no doubt that the Pirates are going to have to rape and pillage the wins from their divisional opponents if they do not want to finish in the basement again.<br /><br />1.<br />2.<br />3.<br />4.<br />5.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">6. Pittsburgh Pirates</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizarbB7iURdMrdGAymt3zFL28EYCBsAg6cU_xhDCy2EVJWdFvSs9djElejPU1Whsj7xhyzD0COWJvuGYRfEWOtYno1x9US40UabarJjI7Lsh4U2Tu4hZPMJzuipJII7dsoH37Dvgdb9fM/s1600-h/pirateslogo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizarbB7iURdMrdGAymt3zFL28EYCBsAg6cU_xhDCy2EVJWdFvSs9djElejPU1Whsj7xhyzD0COWJvuGYRfEWOtYno1x9US40UabarJjI7Lsh4U2Tu4hZPMJzuipJII7dsoH37Dvgdb9fM/s200/pirateslogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039209720668334738" border="0" /></a><br />Additions<br />RHP Franquelis Osoria<br />RHP Yoslan Herrera<br /><br />Losses<br />3b Joe Randa<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHSG8NwuBhFZVFiCg5yJD11cuBHII7fJdIp9oodOBeATbvPHUXD3F8237Ozj5ZgB_aYy-NQDPwFDdvstwCyJ1onUJWEyhOe2wYeXa0tUcNiEknqVze4vv1UVR6C4Vg2A6DZ1TpAsNFRQ/s1600-h/capt.flmc10303052107.pirates_blue_jays_baseball_flmc103.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHSG8NwuBhFZVFiCg5yJD11cuBHII7fJdIp9oodOBeATbvPHUXD3F8237Ozj5ZgB_aYy-NQDPwFDdvstwCyJ1onUJWEyhOe2wYeXa0tUcNiEknqVze4vv1UVR6C4Vg2A6DZ1TpAsNFRQ/s200/capt.flmc10303052107.pirates_blue_jays_baseball_flmc103.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039209570344479362" border="0" /></a>There are a few bright spots with the rotation. Well the whole team has a few bright spots. The Pirates rotation is undoubtedly young and has all the makings to be a solid five for years to come. The average age for the five projected starters is only 25. Zach Duke looks to lead the rotation past their 2006 67-95 record and continue their second half surge through 2007. Duke has a 10-15 year with 4.47ERA; he is not a bit strike out pitcher, sitting down 1 batter in every 6 outs. But he does have good experience and a good bond with the rest of the home-grown rotation. Ian Snell will be the number 2 man and lead the team with 14-11 record with a 4.74ERA. He is the first Pirates starter to win 14 games since the 1999 season. Snell ha more success at the plate as he sat down 169 batters in 186 Innings of work in 2006. Paul Maholm went a 8-10 last season but the bright side is that in the second half he got over his control issues and was 5-2 in the second half of 2006. The 4 and 5 spots will be a toss up but will most likely be Tom Gorzelanny and Shawn Chacon respectively. Gorzelanny solidified his spot in the rotation in the 11 appearances he made last season. Gorzelanny went 2-5 with a 3.79ERA and knows how to strike out batters, sitting down 64 in 61.2INN of work. The thought is that Chacon will have to fight to keep his spot in the rotation. Chacon had a combined record of 7-6 but had a 2-3 season while playing with the Pirates. His ERA was well over 6 and unless he has a strong spring rookie Lefty Shane Youman will get a chance to show what he can do in Pirate Black.<br /><br />The Bullpen will be closed by Salomon Torres as they sent lefty Mike Gonzalez who went 24-24 in SV opportunities to Atlanta for Adam LaRoche. Torres did save 12 in the final month of the season since Gonzalez was sitting out due to injury. Matt Capps has remarkable control for 23 year old. John Grabow has turned into a good situational lefthander and Josh Sharpless had great promise in 2006. The bullpen is a good mix of young and old and will only improve as the young learn from the rest of the bullpen.<br /><br />The line-up has some good pop and the ability to get runs without hitting long balls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cAQkYqHbkBhawWFuI5AYTbPAE4ZZ4jQgzG6jr3M5xGW53RB2RXfuLy9Hfhkr1Ktwto3IQevtZDS6hHxMIoRrjj4WshaVroeht_xIHvXkzDJD4f5nn0Nr6bAvkZpVq2314L23te0tAWk/s1600-h/capt.flab11702252033.pirates_spring_baseball_flab117.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cAQkYqHbkBhawWFuI5AYTbPAE4ZZ4jQgzG6jr3M5xGW53RB2RXfuLy9Hfhkr1Ktwto3IQevtZDS6hHxMIoRrjj4WshaVroeht_xIHvXkzDJD4f5nn0Nr6bAvkZpVq2314L23te0tAWk/s200/capt.flab11702252033.pirates_spring_baseball_flab117.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039209072128272978" border="0" /></a>. CF Chris Duffy owns the CF and you will find him roaming all over the place. Duffy has limited power as he only hit 2 HR in 2006 but he is a threat on the base path stealing 26 bases. Jack Wilson had a horrible defensive season posting a career high 18 errors. His .273BA matched the type of season he was having only hitting 8HR and having 35RBI in 2006. 3B Freddy Sanchez won the job from Joe Randa last season and then he went on to win the NL Batting title. Castillo took the NL by storm last season driving in 85RBI with only 6HR, oh yeah, batting .344 in the third hole last season. Adam LaRoche was required to give the team more pop from the left side of the plate. LaRoche hit for a .285 average but slugged out 32HR for 90 RBI. The Pirates new ‘Barry Bonds’ is batting in the fifth spot. The kid from Trail, British Columbia will take the field in left. Jason Bay will look to put up more power numbers in 2007 after hitting 35 with 109RBI last season. Bay looks to improve on all batting categories especially lowering his Strikeout total that has grown since his 2004 rookie season. His Walk total has also increased which has shown his growing patience at the plate. Improving his BA will look good on a trading card but if he can walk more and still continue to hit 30-100 and make stellar plays in LF I am certain the Pirates will not mind him striking out occasionally. Xavier Nady who played 1B will likely be moved to RF, his move from the Mets to the Pirates stunned his power numbers for 2006 but the Pirates hope he will regain his swing and hit at least 20 out o<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eo-UqSpb-P3XNoEPVE85PtbXK6ELIrERLDFv9e13Zllni6FKiV0MYCtgwx2h858PQ1dSF-h78V2jZq0Qloufv7IfIBc725C61A8uz08nOrcQItyr88TbDhJgEbH9RDUtg15X2s3cMx4/s1600-h/capt.flab10102251931.pirates_spring_baseball_flab101.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eo-UqSpb-P3XNoEPVE85PtbXK6ELIrERLDFv9e13Zllni6FKiV0MYCtgwx2h858PQ1dSF-h78V2jZq0Qloufv7IfIBc725C61A8uz08nOrcQItyr88TbDhJgEbH9RDUtg15X2s3cMx4/s200/capt.flab10102251931.pirates_spring_baseball_flab101.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039209243926964834" border="0" /></a>f PNC. Ronny Paulino got his chance to start behind the plate and showed that he is ready to become the everyday catcher that the Pirates are looking for. Paulino has to improve defensively as he recorded 9 past balls and 11 errors in 2006, but those are just growing pains for a rookie catcher. Paulino showed that his arm has no problems throwing out 32% of would be base stealers. Bottoming out the order will be 2B Jose Castillo, after a great year in ’05 with his middle partner Jack Wilson, Castillo also lost his numbers and his defensive ability. His errors rose to 18 from his 12 in 2005, and so did his waistline. Castillo carried more weight in 2006, which is what cost him a step. Hopefully he can return to his 2005 defensive form and continue to improve his batting numbers with experience.<br /><br />The Pirates have the stuff to be great down the road, it is a shame the road is a few years away. The young team will mature over time and nothing but experience will help the squad. The Pirates will bottom out one more time this season but will be on the rise and show great promise.Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-15520158500497212622007-03-04T21:55:00.000-05:002007-03-04T22:01:46.828-05:00Dodgers Have The Power To Be The Western ChampsThe team that boasts the most in the Western Division of the National League will be the Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles. The team spent over $98 Million last season and this year looks to be worth a division title.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">1. Los Angeles Dodgers</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">2. Colorado Rockies</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">3. San Diego Padres</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">4. San Francisco Giants</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">5. Arizona Diamondbacks</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BtCMCHyCMroqq6IQ7mvWo9tdHA36Nfnb5iO60cflm4G6uTIQBnG8EjFbqSsislyAx3RhyphenhyphenMuaWBcgIJ5zhEJ87jIp6RmKBwIAZ9Ho07KPac2HklX70Yc1kgkUr-B2hiD8avF-5pVVCLI/s1600-h/Los_Angeles_Dodgers.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BtCMCHyCMroqq6IQ7mvWo9tdHA36Nfnb5iO60cflm4G6uTIQBnG8EjFbqSsislyAx3RhyphenhyphenMuaWBcgIJ5zhEJ87jIp6RmKBwIAZ9Ho07KPac2HklX70Yc1kgkUr-B2hiD8avF-5pVVCLI/s320/Los_Angeles_Dodgers.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038269839959307346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Additions</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />OF Juan Pierre</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />LHP Randy Wolf</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">C Mike Lieberthal</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RHP Jason Schmidt</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />OF Luis Gonzalez</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /><br />Losses</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SS Julio Lugo</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />RHP Franquelia Osoria</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />RHP Greg Maddux</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />OF Kenny Lofton</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />C Toby Hall</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />OF Jayson Worth</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />RHP Eric Gagne</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />OF J.D. Drew</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iTfna6KGrE08ebnZP8GVoNBWekgbeMiW2yqkAbOAltJyemfPPnHivB49BblfTsHyzTeBVhxcQHn2fmW6tC1rfRh1igx7Kw1-vdgKK1sTy1xExReJ5Ap2QJxGnbe-PmW6wHKuXWAJsM4/s1600-h/capt.flbj10803022305.nationals_dodgers_spring_baseball_flbj108.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iTfna6KGrE08ebnZP8GVoNBWekgbeMiW2yqkAbOAltJyemfPPnHivB49BblfTsHyzTeBVhxcQHn2fmW6tC1rfRh1igx7Kw1-vdgKK1sTy1xExReJ5Ap2QJxGnbe-PmW6wHKuXWAJsM4/s200/capt.flbj10803022305.nationals_dodgers_spring_baseball_flbj108.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038269595146171458" border="0" /></a>The rotation has removed a 40 year old and put in his place is a 34-year-old RHP named Jason Schmidt. Schmidt went 11-9 with 3.59ERA in 213.1 INN with the Giants and will benefit from the improved line-up the Dodgers possess without the LF burden of Barry Bonds. Derek Lowe will take his 16-8 record from 2006 and will try to duplicate the number including his 218 innings of work. The hard throwing Brad Penny will look to post another 16 wins in the cause for the NL West Division title. Randy Wolf who is coming off a surgery that cost him a year. The Lefty still has heat in his arm and will be a solid addition to the rotation full of right handers. 22-year-old Chad Billingsley will most likely earn the 5th spot of the rotation after going an impressive 6-3 with 78K in 70.2INN in AA and going 7-4 with a 3.80ERA with 59K in 90 INN with the LA Dodgers last season. The kid has some very good stuff and this rotation will just be dominating with or without the run support. That will be generated from the line-up.<br /><br />The bullpen has changed and features a new closer and a few starters now in relief roles. Takashi Saito took over the closing role from injured Eric Gagne last season and fared very will with 24SV and also posting 6 wins for the Dodger blue. Jonathan Broxton was able to go 4-1 in a setup role and sitting down 97 in only 76.1 innings of work. This 22-year-old will has the tools to be the closer of today for the Dodger blue but with a little maturing he will be another Eric Gagne, hopefully without all the surgeries. Mark Hendrickson, Elmer Dessens and Brett Tomko are the starters who have been sent to the bullpen and they will work wonders in the bullpen setting up for Broxton.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtX-jhCK2959dKjfIEg92nFwwyvcc3YFifIw9jb8WEcD92xFKDKz9EFwy87SVx2b3bocOexosEszsHNF7RT-rekisc7sMdNqk4UZh9jp_M7HcnzXClUK21T81w6MoFonyoyFkU7sUs-0/s1600-h/capt.flev10903042159.dodgers_nationals_spring_baseball_flev109.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtX-jhCK2959dKjfIEg92nFwwyvcc3YFifIw9jb8WEcD92xFKDKz9EFwy87SVx2b3bocOexosEszsHNF7RT-rekisc7sMdNqk4UZh9jp_M7HcnzXClUK21T81w6MoFonyoyFkU7sUs-0/s200/capt.flev10903042159.dodgers_nationals_spring_baseball_flev109.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038269401872643122" border="0" /></a>The line-up has improved leaps over last year’s squad. SS Rafael Furcal will still be the lead off batter as he had a good year batting .300 with 15HR and 63RBI while swiping 37 bases. Juan Pierre is a great addition to the line-up, not so much defensively in CF but hitting behind Furcal. Pierre had .292 average in 2006 with the Chicago Cubs and that earned him another 200+ hit year while swiping 58 bases from opponents. Steady Jeff Kent will be in the 3 hole, he had a really bad year as far as his career numbers are concerned. His 14HR and 68RBI are the lowest since 1996 when he hit 11and 55 respectively. Kent is going to be 39 at the start of the season but he can still contribute to the ball club, as well as their newest LF Luis Gonzalez. Gonzo departs the desert and now resides in the LF of Los Angeles. Gonzalez hit 15HR and drove in 73 last season and his numbers will look the same in 2007. His knowledge and leadership will be a greater asset to the team than his arm out in left field. The comeback player of the year, Nomar Garciaparra will be back at 1B and will hope to keep his good fortune going. Nomar hit .303 while driving in 93 runs with 20HR. he is no longer a threat on the base path but he is a smart runner who can go from first to third with the best of them. Wilson Betemit will get a regular spot at 3B, he is not a threat yet but at the age of 26 his good years are still to happen. Andre Ethier will be out in RF and he has as a good arm to<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBjWb4OAKphxYYGN_0tetQaq5brXklxXVJZWa5y9OPthd_sZFeZSL0DQmZgk22Bw57Stw2oFcqeiwiIDv9DuashRxo8Uyav5NDZLbRzPqKFCfXAtXj0F_rjiskIrzDyGb6Lnw94ZyB5g/s1600-h/fullj.getty-73447754rs006_los_angeles_d_5_09_39_pm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBjWb4OAKphxYYGN_0tetQaq5brXklxXVJZWa5y9OPthd_sZFeZSL0DQmZgk22Bw57Stw2oFcqeiwiIDv9DuashRxo8Uyav5NDZLbRzPqKFCfXAtXj0F_rjiskIrzDyGb6Lnw94ZyB5g/s200/fullj.getty-73447754rs006_los_angeles_d_5_09_39_pm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038268993850749986" border="0" /></a> match his bat. In 25G in AAA he hit .349 with only 1HR and 11RBI, but in 25G with LAD he hit .308 with 11HR 55RBI and 20 doubles and 7 triples. The kid can will be someone to watch this season. Russel Martin has worked his way through the system and has earned the starting catcher spot for the Dodgers. Martin will even learn more about catching from his backup C Mike Lieberthal. Martin will see about 120 games this season, preserving the young starter for years to come. In 121 games last season with the LAD he hit .282 with 117H, 26 doubles, 10HR and 65RBI. Oh yeah, Martin also stole 10 bases in the 2006 campaign. A far improvement from his AAA power numbers that saw him belt out 0HR and only 9RBI. Martin has to at least repeat the success he had at the plate this year, if he wants to continue sitting behind the plate.<br /><br /><br />The Dodgers are undoubtedly the team to beat this year in the NL West. And anything short of all the starters falling off the face of the planet will not stop them from winning the NL West crown. They have invested money and they will now invest time in a balanced squad with above average bats and a great rotation with a bullpen to back them up.Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-51130567017103840542007-03-04T19:55:00.000-05:002007-03-04T20:02:39.250-05:00Runner Ups In The WestIn a surprise to most people I actually have faith in the Colorado Rockies. There is something about this franchise that is going to get them farther this year, and have a serious year that should have some new career highs and even more surprises. If everyone is healthy and the coach does not become a complete bonehead then this team will be fighting for first in September.<br /><br />1.<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">2. Colorado Rockies</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">3. San Diego Padres</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">4. San Francisco Giants</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">5. Arizona Diamondbacks</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExeLHmogEOgwW0rKxPhrlfNMuTkuu3VTYXw96xAkcP0945zCCPN3TKbH2p8cA-6k3riCjMkHjSozmR0dghLMsOhV45E8hByjBwgDFzEb-KlMLRZ3COaJuDb8phuY1nOYyyW93WMcuiYU/s1600-h/rockies.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExeLHmogEOgwW0rKxPhrlfNMuTkuu3VTYXw96xAkcP0945zCCPN3TKbH2p8cA-6k3riCjMkHjSozmR0dghLMsOhV45E8hByjBwgDFzEb-KlMLRZ3COaJuDb8phuY1nOYyyW93WMcuiYU/s320/rockies.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038237979891905506" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Additions</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RHP Latroy Hawkins</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">OF Willy Taveras</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />RHP Jason Hirsh</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />RHP Taylor Buchholz</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /><br />Losses</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />RHP Jason Jennings</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />RHP Miguel Ascenio</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />2B Jason Smith</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />RHP Jose Mesa</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />LHP Justin Hampton</span><br /><br /><br />The rotation took a bit of a hit when the Rockies sent Jason Jennings to Hou<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW16IPpcsBSO5Q24zT7MhsWAP9PlzDWeWUa8SHJQTQ8Fs0tOuRzOdM-qcnE6Y8s63f_BOaoqPVKwKVHF-3EgWStMV_W9X_BQ5VhkbP81hyU_XSZEEboQ1L1N_vQvNVP0nqonuYG-LHUQ/s1600-h/capt.azea10203020025.white_sox_rockies_spring_baseball_azea102.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW16IPpcsBSO5Q24zT7MhsWAP9PlzDWeWUa8SHJQTQ8Fs0tOuRzOdM-qcnE6Y8s63f_BOaoqPVKwKVHF-3EgWStMV_W9X_BQ5VhkbP81hyU_XSZEEboQ1L1N_vQvNVP0nqonuYG-LHUQ/s200/capt.azea10203020025.white_sox_rockies_spring_baseball_azea102.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038238254769812466" border="0" /></a>ston for Jason Hirsh and Willy Taveras. This year it looks as though Jeff Francis will become the ace of this franchise and although he is not the most dominating ace in the NL or even the NL West he will still improve all of his numbers this year and improve on 2006’s 13-11 record and his 4.16ERA. Francis was just one inning short of pitching 200 last season and will more than likely be around 210 as he will be able to stay and inning or 2 longer in most games this season. Aaron cook will follow behind Francis and look to have more wins this season and at least finish with a .500 mark. Cook is a workhorse posting 212.2 Innings last season and like Francis will have to lower his 4.23ERA from 2006. Jason Hirsh who comes over from the Houston Astros trade looks like this 25 year old needs some big improvement. Hirsh had a rough stint in the big leagues last year garnering a 3-4 record with a 6.04ERA with Houston. So why did the Rockies send Jennings for Hirsh? In Roundrock, the AAA affiliate of the Houston Astros, Hirsh pitched to a 13-2 record with a 2.10ERA with 118K in 137.1 Innings. This is why he was brought up and although all his numbers inflated he still has all the tools to be a big time pitcher in the MLB. Veteran Josh Fogg and Byung-Hyun Kim will end the rotation and look to provide the Rockies with at least 20 wins in the final two spots. Last year these two hit 19 wins with an average ERA of over 5.50, this club may not be able to have low ERA’s but it can definitely win them by any means necessary, even if the stats do not favour statisticians.<br /><br />The addition of Latroy Hawkins gives a solid setup man for Brian Fuentes. Hawkins is looking to rebound after posting a 4.48ERA last season while Fuentes is looking to improve on what was a good year for his club. Fuentes had 30 SV with a 3.44ERA in 06, Fuentes also posted 73K in his 65.1 innings of work with the Rockies. The rest of the bullpen has a lot of men who know how to record K’s and as soon as the bullpen matures a bit more it will be one of the best in the NL. Ramon Ramirez and Manny Corpas are two young guns that are able to go out and be the situational one or two batter pitcher, with a high probability of sitting a few of them down. Ramirez sat down 61 batters in 67.2 innings last season while Corpas took his success from AA and was able to show that he can hang with the big boys. Corpas was 2-1 with a 0.98ERA with 19SV striking out 35 in 36.2INN, while with the big club Corpas had a 3.62ERA and striking out 27 in 32.1INN.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPuozPGG-GcX3zmYmE75w1m_jcpn2oPFSHn7LtJ3EpGRo8ZBTkEqWH_wOlY6kwpJvLknMCg7O6vkOsHvzCMNkbOI6i5A5mOtnv8DTtP3nz7W-QEGkxEKR-gduHgBt5eQzYrelMwDPfiY/s1600-h/capt.azmg10703010032.rockies_white_sox_spring_baseball_azmg107.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPuozPGG-GcX3zmYmE75w1m_jcpn2oPFSHn7LtJ3EpGRo8ZBTkEqWH_wOlY6kwpJvLknMCg7O6vkOsHvzCMNkbOI6i5A5mOtnv8DTtP3nz7W-QEGkxEKR-gduHgBt5eQzYrelMwDPfiY/s200/capt.azmg10703010032.rockies_white_sox_spring_baseball_azmg107.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038238538237654018" border="0" /></a>The line-up is one of the reasons that this team will steal some games not only from divisional opponents but also from the rest of the NL. This homegrown crop has matured a lot and has made people think about what this future can be like in the next 5-7 years. Willy Taveras will likely lead off and he will look to improve on his .278BA but will be a valuable asset in the field running down balls in CF as well as looking for another 30+SB this season. Matsui should follow providing that he stays with the big club, and can be consistent with his bat other than just his glove. Playing in 32G with the Rockies Matsui was able to bat .345 and drive in 19 while taking 8SB; the 3-4-5-6 spot in the line-up will be threatening and should provide at least 110HR between the four players. Garret Atkins, Matt Holliday, Todd Helton and Brad Hawpe will be the offensive muscle. Atkins hit .329 with 29HR and leading the Rockies with 120RBI and 48 doubles. Holliday batted a .326 with a team leading 34HR and driving in<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI30yr5mcG6gdbv0xnx5o9QmRIM_-HGImgxbF-iB6IjBBFq_1zALXYYvtz7hlv15PxASni_s7-e3BbiziT5b6a9x6KTlQiTZ38OMNzjTzrNhN7t56HkxANVojR6kfZJAVLTxSeA3SfD8/s1600-h/fullj.getty-73438484lb011_colorado_rock_9_08_16_pm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI30yr5mcG6gdbv0xnx5o9QmRIM_-HGImgxbF-iB6IjBBFq_1zALXYYvtz7hlv15PxASni_s7-e3BbiziT5b6a9x6KTlQiTZ38OMNzjTzrNhN7t56HkxANVojR6kfZJAVLTxSeA3SfD8/s200/fullj.getty-73438484lb011_colorado_rock_9_08_16_pm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038238765870920722" border="0" /></a> 114RBI with 45 doubles. Todd Helton looks to rebound after his un-Helton like season where he only belted 15HR, only the second time in his Career he has not hit 20HR. Helton still batted .302, another low since his 97 debut. Helton was still able to record 81RBI so he has not lost all of the pop from his bat. Even though Helton turns 33 at the start of the season he is not done yet. 27 year old Brad Hawpe will look to improve his numbers and put together a consistent year in his third full season with the Colorado Rockies. Hawpe sent 22 balls out of the park while driving in 84RBI and having a .293 average. Hawpe has the potential and the power to be a 30-100 guy in MLB and has years to learn. Troy Tulowitzki and Chris Ianetta will be at the bottom of the line-up as both look to keep a full time job in the big leagues and provide some help before getting to the pitchers.<br /><br />This team will surprise and if you want to call it bandwagon jumping than call it bandwagon jumping. There is a lot of potential and great veterans to help teach the young kids how to stay focused. A lot of guys are not in their ‘prime’ yet and will grow with the experience. I have no problem saying that the rockies will lose the battle of the west again, but will be pretty darn close finishing second.Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-40515744702434428222007-03-03T12:02:00.000-05:002007-03-03T12:09:16.489-05:00Back To Back To Third PlaceDont you hate when work gets in the way of Baseball. So here is the late edition and look for 2nd and 1st place finishers in the NL West tomorrow.<br /><br />1.<br />2.<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">3. San Diego Padres</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">4. San Francisco Giants</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">5. Arizona Diamondbacks</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybKZ0mckYAGiV97hSoKIh2HPIOSczzsvVZBrraQWtBDLS-nvGgWqG7bContJJWrHLokIUJLNValr-T_ym44t4YrCbYHe5LFubZdZhucqLHMhpSBfqvm5sYJto9YB0XsnbOQQco1irqDg/s1600-h/SanDiegoPadres.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybKZ0mckYAGiV97hSoKIh2HPIOSczzsvVZBrraQWtBDLS-nvGgWqG7bContJJWrHLokIUJLNValr-T_ym44t4YrCbYHe5LFubZdZhucqLHMhpSBfqvm5sYJto9YB0XsnbOQQco1irqDg/s320/SanDiegoPadres.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037745673560568786" border="0" /></a><br />This franchise has a good young staff and a good line-up, which also features the best closer ever in MLB history. So why will the Padres finish in third? Take a look at the reasoning.<br /><br />The rotation was bolstered with the addition of the 41 year old,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUcCWEFwxD0eCOHEGWRTDA_c7yO0Zb10n6IIDAZ3oSYfp8hvhBHesIiwMCtp2bnHASzJH73cuIZGgjwJh9aypJR1vYshCYUSQLBvzrNKYMuWg1oGRMrPlYviRFBnfXjjmQEy3u7Y2IYk/s1600-h/capt.azet10503012329.padres_mariners_baseball_azet105.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUcCWEFwxD0eCOHEGWRTDA_c7yO0Zb10n6IIDAZ3oSYfp8hvhBHesIiwMCtp2bnHASzJH73cuIZGgjwJh9aypJR1vYshCYUSQLBvzrNKYMuWg1oGRMrPlYviRFBnfXjjmQEy3u7Y2IYk/s200/capt.azet10503012329.padres_mariners_baseball_azet105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037745115214820258" border="0" /></a> 4-time Cy Young winner Greg Maddux. Maddux rebounded in the second half of 2006 and created a service for him and at $10 Million the Padres are hoping that he still has something left in the tank. Ahead of Maddux will be the young duo of Jake Peavy and Chris Young. These two young guns are 25 and 28 respectively and just about finished maturing. Peavy had a dismal year finishing 11-14 with a 4.09 ERA. Peavy was still able to rake up 215K’s in 202.1 innings but when Peavy was hit, Peavy was hit hard. This year his ERA will come down and should go back to at least a .550 pitcher while racking up over 200K’s again. Chris Young who almost threw a No Hitter twice last year is odds-on favourite to get the franchise’s first No-No. After finishing 11-5 expect almost a duplicate year while Young probably pulls down his ERA from 2006’s 3.46 mark and raises his K total to about 180. These two are the future of the franchise and will only get better under the tutelage of Greg Maddux. The fourth and fifth spot will be occupied by Clay Hensley and David Wells, probably not in that order, but will be solid none the less. Hensley’s first full season netted him a 3.71 ERA that earned him a 11-12 record. The rotation looks promising with the age and wisdom mixed in with the youth and high K totals.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldUYAoUP2fmbXEu-OB2thtnxgCAGec1H3zDZ_sNeMe31Ljz1_oHQXc1zBRrkfZKT7fBM4Lpw_hUXCLo6E0WlAPA53rR9t6YEzCrvdVvZ9R8FMYbyoFm-6U_wYuuUo4jE8EQRmY9fsLRk/s1600-h/capt.azet11303020023.mariners_padres_baseball_azet113.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldUYAoUP2fmbXEu-OB2thtnxgCAGec1H3zDZ_sNeMe31Ljz1_oHQXc1zBRrkfZKT7fBM4Lpw_hUXCLo6E0WlAPA53rR9t6YEzCrvdVvZ9R8FMYbyoFm-6U_wYuuUo4jE8EQRmY9fsLRk/s200/capt.azet11303020023.mariners_padres_baseball_azet113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037745291308479410" border="0" /></a><br />The Bullpen is owned by the most Savingest Closer in the Big League’s who recorded NL Leading 46 SV in 2006. Hoffman is 39 this season and will be as dominate with his changeup and perfect location fastball. Scott Linebrink who is mentioned in every trade rumour is still around as the Padres hope he can replace Hoffman as the closer. Meredith has a deceiving side arm delivery and will be a good reliever. The Padres also picked up Heath Bell and Royce Ring in the off-season. Royce Ring was not very good with the Mets posting a 2.13 ERA in 11 games, but a new location and a new style of play could see those numbers shrink.<br /><br /><br />The big move that the Padres made to their everyday line-up is adding hometown product Marcus Giles after the Atlanta Braves let him walk free. Marcus Giles will most likely be hitting second in front of his brother Brian Giles who has seen the pop in his bat fading, but makes up for it by drawing a lot of walks. Leading off for the Padres and replacing Dave Roberts who now serves in a S.F. Giants uniform is Terrmel Sledge. The Left Fielder is expected to pick up his bat and hit for some power as that was the only thing Dave Roberts was not able to do within Petco Park. Adrian Gonzalez who surprised a lot of people<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfBp9bOdPnOizoHh2cbZosUCEUGqcV2NC39p4-A6YYqe9IL_wBRtJep11lFVGjuQMBcBzAreT-LTyBVloM6GJ_6TittRI3GKd_cHbfUoYeGXHOriwpQgdj1e0mbhztHU5k0rgsE6zMqc/s1600-h/capt.azet10902182110.padres_spring_baseball_azet109.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfBp9bOdPnOizoHh2cbZosUCEUGqcV2NC39p4-A6YYqe9IL_wBRtJep11lFVGjuQMBcBzAreT-LTyBVloM6GJ_6TittRI3GKd_cHbfUoYeGXHOriwpQgdj1e0mbhztHU5k0rgsE6zMqc/s200/capt.azet10902182110.padres_spring_baseball_azet109.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037745493171942338" border="0" /></a> with his power will be cleanup as his 24 HR lead the team and his 82 RBI was one short of the team league. Expect the 24 year old to improve his numbers to at least 25-90, as usual he will have a little slump but do not be surprised if he makes even 30 balls soar over the fence. Mike Cameron is the only real Gold Glover taking the field and his bat is staying steady but at the age of 34 expect some drop off. Expect young Josh Bard and Kevin Kouzmanoff to make their mark this year and be starters for years to come. Injury Prone Khalil Greene will be at the bottom of this line-up and it is basically what you see is what you get. If Greene can stay healthy he could be up for a Gold Glove, but the SS position at NL is a little tougher these days.<br /><br />The Padres have all the making of a team to win their third NL West title but with the other four teams in the division beefing up it will be unlikely as they will be in the dreaded hunt for second place in the division. Maddux will pay off for Peavy who will rebound and also teach Chris Young a few things about pitching with your head, not just your arm. The young guns will mature both in the Pen and in the Field but this year will be tough for the Padres and will just miss out on second place in 2007.Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-38358837174076928432007-03-01T22:06:00.000-05:002007-03-03T12:08:35.618-05:00Runner Up To The Worst In The West<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" >Day number 2 and the NL West team that will finish fourth this year is…<br /><br />The San Francisco Giants<br /><br />1.<br />2.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" >3.<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">4. San Francisco Giants</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">5. Arizona Diamondbacks</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8KF5pYMpsWq6nqLKs_fwixw9TGtNQimEK3OKpOYclU3fXPLvmlKhOW40k80pnAcjQlKOXwTIZDzyWBhzFxM35itENgrPJMbwt6ltUIa3Tm9pxBKx_DAFj56Ih2hGAxFQomUyMsEqSLk/s1600-h/San_Francisco_Giants.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8KF5pYMpsWq6nqLKs_fwixw9TGtNQimEK3OKpOYclU3fXPLvmlKhOW40k80pnAcjQlKOXwTIZDzyWBhzFxM35itENgrPJMbwt6ltUIa3Tm9pxBKx_DAFj56Ih2hGAxFQomUyMsEqSLk/s200/San_Francisco_Giants.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037158989617869666" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" >Now this division has gotten a little tougher on paper. And that is the thing it is all on paper, the product on the field will be completely different but the result should be the same. I want to really say the Giants will finish 5th but they will probably edge out the D-Backs by 1 or 1.5 games. After finishing 76-85 in 2006 what have the Giants done in the off-season?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Additions</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">OF Dave Roberts</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">1B Rich Aurilia</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">C Bengie Molina</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">1B Ryan Klesko</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LHP Barry Zito</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Losses</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >OF Moises Alou<br />LHP Mike Stanton<br />RHP Jason Schmidt<br />1B Shea Hillenbrand<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5k_I3xGexv7Lvm5-F-QNCG280kaPsFkaIKisg3zoiC37deR99DZr2KSSYqBI7ptPxIsukG62mexcNflP-DLaZ5k_3XcRAeFKUnhvuRibR7l1DLVpBXR__DeUGRGY_EyfCIwvG2CUKNU/s1600-h/fullj.getty-73447758sd001_san_francisco_6_22_54_pm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5k_I3xGexv7Lvm5-F-QNCG280kaPsFkaIKisg3zoiC37deR99DZr2KSSYqBI7ptPxIsukG62mexcNflP-DLaZ5k_3XcRAeFKUnhvuRibR7l1DLVpBXR__DeUGRGY_EyfCIwvG2CUKNU/s200/fullj.getty-73447758sd001_san_francisco_6_22_54_pm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037159328920286066" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" >The Giants make a major rotation move and send off Jason Schmidt into the</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" > fading Golden Gate Sunset and welcome</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" > in, all the way from Oakland, Barry Zito. There is a difference between these two pitchers, not many but here they are. The ace of the Giants staff switched size, as Zito is a lefty while Schmidt is a righty. Zito is 6 years older and will leave San Fran at the age of 35 providing he is not moved. Oh yea there is one more glaring difference; Zito has a CY Young award. Other than that these two pitchers are exactly the same, 200+ inning guys, double-digit winners who are expected to win every time they take the rubber. But I guess the advantage also goes to Zito</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" > because he has not missed a start in 6 years of MLB service. The only impressive thing about Zito in the bay is that he is making a boatload that he can sail away off into the sunset. Matt Cain is the staff ace of the future and I would not be surprised if he matches Zito pitch for pitch and win for win this year. It is like looking at Roy Halladay 5 years ago when Halladay has no one else around him. Cain is just a powerful pitcher relying on more breaks and higher velocity for all of his pitchers. But the man turns 23 this year and has a lot of learning to do. Cain will be impressive. Matt Morris looks to rebound after going 10-15 in his first campaign in San Fran. It really looks like Morris was hurting because he did not have the bats around him like he had in St. Louis. His stuff is still desirable but he has to be smarter as there is not much defence outside the infield. Noah Lowry is another young stud for the Giants that should impress for years to come. Lowry went to camp 10lbs more muscle, dropped fat, and deems himself to be 1</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" >00% better than before. If he can stay of the DL he will eat up innings and make a good showing for his future.<br /><br />The Bullpen for the Giants has a glaring hole. It is called the bullpen. There are some pitchers who are suited for roles on the team. The club still does not have a closer. Armando Benetiz is still called the closer but his 17 SV and 8 blown SV in 2006 is not enough to keep his position. When they Giants snagged him for the 2005 season they expected to get the guy who can give them 35+ or close to the 41 he gave in Florida in 2004. In two years with the Giants Benitez has made 36 SV and blown 14. Not good enough. Brian Wilson could take over the closer position with his overpowering slider and 4-seam fastball. The 25-year-old right-hander was knocked around in his 30 appearances but still put up</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" > 23K in 30INN of work. Another year another lesson learned. No matter who closes for the Giants, Kevin Corriea has positioned himself into the setup role and should be solid this year.<br /><br />So long analysis short. The rotation and bullpen will get better with age with the likes of Matt Cain, Noah Lowry, Kevin Correia and Brad Hennessey. But nothing new that stands out other than the pay check Zito receives. The big reason why the Giants will be 4th is the line-up that will take the field.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaChI3HC4UiSPy93Dwcen9Ax0z1wyV8GT26eQRbcqGON6xL8WO40VaihtJnPgYSrMQPIpunnHCg75b02EiW-rG3LHP-RSHKK9U33MH24AivyfejMM6T39JSf4nXT4Cq4ZPNLqoKNeySdw/s1600-h/capt.azer11502252151.giants_roberts_spring_baseball_azer115.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaChI3HC4UiSPy93Dwcen9Ax0z1wyV8GT26eQRbcqGON6xL8WO40VaihtJnPgYSrMQPIpunnHCg75b02EiW-rG3LHP-RSHKK9U33MH24AivyfejMM6T39JSf4nXT4Cq4ZPNLqoKNeySdw/s200/capt.azer11502252151.giants_roberts_spring_baseball_azer115.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037159578028389250" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" >Leading off will be Dave Roberts who had a good year in San Diego .293AVG 13 triples and 49 Stolen bags. This will be good for the Giants as running was never a strong suit for the team. In RF Randy Winn has been moved to make room for Roberts and Winn is nothing special because I do not see him bouncing back. In LF the one and only, Barry Bonds returns to suck in the outfield. He is old. He is slow. Has no arm. But he is still a threat with the bat. However in 2006 Bonds was intentionally walked 12 times in April and only once in September. But Barry Bonds needs only 22 more homeruns until he retires; I mean pass Hank Aaron as all time homer run leader. So best of luck to Barry Bonds hitting the homerun that gets him the record and to Bud Selig doing nothing when the shot is hit out of the park. The infield is stable and above average when referring to the defence. Omar Vizquel has 11 Gold Gloves and will most likely receive his 12th at the age of 40 this season. Durham had a career year with 26 HR and 93 RBI but do not look for a repeat from this 35 year old. Pedro Feliz will stand at third base when he isn’t in a Giant slump at the plate. He did have a club high 98 RBI but his .281 OBP has to improve for this club to do anything in the West Division. This leaves Rich Aurilia and Ryan Klesko switching at first base. Aurilia did hit .300 with 23HR and 70 RBI in 122 games last season. Both Klesko and Aurilia are 35 and declining with age, so whoever starts at 1B is no threat to any team. This leaves Bengie Molina behind the plate, and after the defensive year he had in Toronto in 2006 he better keep up his bat otherwise he will be replaced byt Eliezer Alfonso</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" > who took over the duty last year while hitting 12 Home Runs and driving in 39 after his promotions from AA Connecticut.<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5u1npV_FtC7PcSq8BdyFW8WLaz_Fmjb1v-3kT4JefqsifKwKwj1z9BPCs11cENapMOYU2vokl9o9Vd2nO-SfBe7t9hfcdtzm3sTBwIRadb7_1xI4mxM-iBMpFLGgBmFixeN5MOhWdzhQ/s1600-h/031_5091~San-Francisco-Giants-Barry-Bonds-Posters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5u1npV_FtC7PcSq8BdyFW8WLaz_Fmjb1v-3kT4JefqsifKwKwj1z9BPCs11cENapMOYU2vokl9o9Vd2nO-SfBe7t9hfcdtzm3sTBwIRadb7_1xI4mxM-iBMpFLGgBmFixeN5MOhWdzhQ/s200/031_5091~San-Francisco-Giants-Barry-Bonds-Posters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037159762711982994" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" >The Giants will get lucky and win some games that they should not win. Barry bonds will</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" > likely hit the 22 HR he needs and he will retire. Zito will probably flop and be a .500 pitcher first time out in the NL and the rookie Matt Cain will look like the Ace of the staff. It will be a tossup between D-Backs and Giants for the basement but the Giants will edge them out for 4th in the West.<br /><br /></span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-82985606656002500162007-02-28T21:04:00.000-05:002007-02-28T21:12:24.587-05:00The Countdown Begins In The West<span style="font-size:85%;">The first pitch in the 2007 MLB season will be thrown in 31 days. There are 30 Major League Teams and there is an analysis for each team. The only question is where to begin? How about the National League West Division. After careful consideration of scheduling, roster updates and roster development here are my predictions for the division, starting with fifth position.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">1.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">2.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">3.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">4.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">5.</span> Arizona Diamondbacks</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2pEtCYseAsHakrq2TT9NGZsTYWc-61XHqPNgnukfJ78hQ3m9aZJ8qIQsD1-o4lrveZXGM6tXwd72dVSUsruPFhQIHV3qRexv8RGnD-kYlPB0TkE6M3I_CbSPjb0diRYJOvjDbZZfK_s/s1600-h/560px-ARI_6dlxgmecbzj3i8f3h483.PNG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2pEtCYseAsHakrq2TT9NGZsTYWc-61XHqPNgnukfJ78hQ3m9aZJ8qIQsD1-o4lrveZXGM6tXwd72dVSUsruPFhQIHV3qRexv8RGnD-kYlPB0TkE6M3I_CbSPjb0diRYJOvjDbZZfK_s/s200/560px-ARI_6dlxgmecbzj3i8f3h483.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036771469442064546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><br />Major Roster Changes<br /><br />Additions<br />LHP Doug Davis<br />LHP Dana Eveland<br />OF David Krynzel<br />LHP Randy Johnson<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Losses</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2B Damion Easley</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">C Johnny Estrada</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RHP Claudio Vargas</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RHP Greg Aquino</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2B Craig Counsell</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">OF Luis Gonzalez</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RHP Miguel Batista</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RHP Luis Vizcaino</span><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo3byuUqDnQoIZj4O1aJrgefe0T2f9aPPYxQ-PrdpBFauOyH_MeA4mUr7Ar5aGiY4fbZuLkjGJPP6fyB9ch6U6FSNVq9HOYkC1U7hoClTmC8GysG_ZeGIoUW73ptmSvdT5tgX0SbZJAc/s1600-h/arizona.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo3byuUqDnQoIZj4O1aJrgefe0T2f9aPPYxQ-PrdpBFauOyH_MeA4mUr7Ar5aGiY4fbZuLkjGJPP6fyB9ch6U6FSNVq9HOYkC1U7hoClTmC8GysG_ZeGIoUW73ptmSvdT5tgX0SbZJAc/s200/arizona.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036771559636377778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The team was not the greatest in 2006 after finishing 76-86; the Diamondbacks are well removed from their 2002 playoff season. The team is also cleaning up the mess of back loaded contracts from their early years that has restricted their future. The Diamondbacks have rebounded since their 2004 51-win season and has built a decent foundation for staying competitive in the coming years. Their rotation is not a threat but there is good potential for a win whenever they step out on the diamond. The Rotation is expected to be anchored by 2006 Cy Young winning Sinkerball pitcher Brandon Webb. Randy Johnson returns to the desert after two un-Johnson like years with the New York Yankee’s.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> Although he is 43, Johnson should rebound and get his ERA back down while pitching out of Chase field. Livan Hernandez is a workhorse who will put up 200+ innings and trot out to the mound at least 30 times in the cause. Doug Davis is expected in the fourth hole and will also give 200+ innings but is only a .500 pitcher at best, as last year gave him his 3 consecutive .500 seasons. The fifth spot is up for grabs and it will be used for teaching their youngsters the game.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />The Bullpen is nothing to think about. Jose Valverde is dominant in the closer role providing he is on. When he is off there is no telling what you will receive. The only other footnote in the bullpen is former Toronto Blue Jay Brandon Lyon. Lyon is best suited for a setup role as he has 4 pitches to keep them guessing until Jose Valverde can shut down the 9th.<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTEh0sS4sZetYmIAU9_8Hd_uA1Ir-pBdZRfg5Wj3KrEfK3tdNT1GDZ8AqPJlpUjMU8oyK5rXcVKtoXr_F8er538eeHpTCBGbHrEmohasOc1HRzHg1elsCymkt4HZut9YYr86AsYW8Yyc/s1600-h/hudson_84601.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTEh0sS4sZetYmIAU9_8Hd_uA1Ir-pBdZRfg5Wj3KrEfK3tdNT1GDZ8AqPJlpUjMU8oyK5rXcVKtoXr_F8er538eeHpTCBGbHrEmohasOc1HRzHg1elsCymkt4HZut9YYr86AsYW8Yyc/s200/hudson_84601.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036771667010560194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The infield has changed a bit losing Counsell, Easley, and Estrada. Chris Snyder who turns</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> 26 will be entrusted with</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> calling the game to this veteran rotation. Snyder also can contribute offensively as he drove in 32 in his 61 games he played. The corners will be manned by Chad Tracy and Conor Jackson who have risen through the D-Backs ranks and will improve their offensive numbers en route to being a threatening duo for years to come. The middle has one change as steady Orlando Hudson will still man second base and suck in every ball right of 2B and left of 1B. Hudson’s offensive production was his best last year scoring career highs in hits, runs, doubles, triples, homers, RBI’s, stolen bases and walks. It seems that O-Dawg is offensively meant for the NL. Stephen Drew will be his running mate at SS and has a terrific range and an arm to make the tough Derek Jeter throws.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />The outfield is decent considering they were able to move Luis Gonzalez who although put fans in the stands didn’t do much else to support his club in LF. Eric Byrnes has been moved from CF to left field to fill in the hole. Youngsters Chris Young and Carlos Quentin will be the CF and RF respectively. In Young’s stint in Arizona land, he had 10 RBI’s in 30 games while batting a .243. Quentin did a little better with 9 HR and 32 RBI’s in 57 games. Both are better defensively but their bats should develop with their age.<br /><br />Overall the team looks to be improved but in respect to the other NL West teams, their acquisitions are minor league at best and considering the upped pitching in their division, and some better bats coming over, the Diamondbacks will have a tough haul in the division this year. Johnson will have to prove that he still has what it takes to win despite putting up 17 wins with a loaded offence in New York. Hernandez although 32, is not primed to breakout anymore. The young team will get a great look at what the competition is like in the NL West and look for Young to catch up to his defence with some improved power numbers this year. Orlando Hudson will chase down every ball but it may not be enough as they will still sit in the basement this year. Good thing the ownership group is in year 3 of a 4-year growth plan that should see them return to some glory like they had in 2001.<br /><br /></span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-20720903970644409292007-02-27T10:16:00.000-05:002007-02-27T10:29:13.969-05:00Retro Activity<span style="font-size:85%;">The trade deadline is such a fickle event. There are deals that are made that make you gasp. There are deals that make you say hmmm. Then there are deals that you turn to someone and go, how come our team didn’t get this person.<br /><br />The last one is primarily for Toronto Maple Leaf fans.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFhzBLE0ztwcAHKLFqX9CzVp4Y_gpqakgLoRWAGMgGx5dDeytOakw7nQ_V__URTsiccMZ75xhe2HG8irOxI-0FDHyMEvj2W4y7viiJICCTnU2oAvz-WMxgUOhNnWf_kgtHpBp3PlXhJ4/s1600-h/predators.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFhzBLE0ztwcAHKLFqX9CzVp4Y_gpqakgLoRWAGMgGx5dDeytOakw7nQ_V__URTsiccMZ75xhe2HG8irOxI-0FDHyMEvj2W4y7viiJICCTnU2oAvz-WMxgUOhNnWf_kgtHpBp3PlXhJ4/s200/predators.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036235346187148706" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Lets start back with the Peter Forsberg trade on February 10th. Nashville received an aging, injury prone,</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> power-forward, with great vision and the softest hands in the game. Although he may be on the decline in terms of skills, when he is healthy he is still one of the most feared players in the game. The Philadelphia flyers received Scottie Upshall, a blue chip prospect currently playing for the Guelph Storm in the OHL and a pair of 2007 draft picks, a 1st and 3rd round pick. Did the Flyers win in this trade? Oh yea, as much as it pains me to devalue Peter Forsberg, Scottie Upshall has a better fit in Philadelphia because he is able to use his size more, a well as having younger parts who can play with the grit that Upshall has. Ryan Parent, although he is still in Guelph he appears to be a solid 1st line defenseman. Compare </span><span style="font-size:85%;">him to</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> Dion Phaneuf if you want to but this guy will not get you more than 5 goals a year, but he will send more players to the injury ward and create a lot of headaches for opposi</span><span style="font-size:85%;">ng players. The Flyers also draft extremely well as previously stated about a month ago. The first round pick will be around the 26th spot, but the Flyers scouting staff has done an excellent job in the past decade.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlG6oNpZLCHCjF6MfKAbyuMLvv1G5zz03oYqPCARqnIwU54lQSZQfdQeoEwimbn9cRlgBpZbR_9zEdSX1LTwEVCB456xYX7_mG7WXjbpiranTndhMgxkxeQE8_Ksep7L7Id9MGXXgtCM/s1600-h/carolina_hurricanes_2000.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlG6oNpZLCHCjF6MfKAbyuMLvv1G5zz03oYqPCARqnIwU54lQSZQfdQeoEwimbn9cRlgBpZbR_9zEdSX1LTwEVCB456xYX7_mG7WXjbpiranTndhMgxkxeQE8_Ksep7L7Id9MGXXgtCM/s200/carolina_hurricanes_2000.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036234993999830418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Here is one for the Leaf fans, Anson Carter going to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 5th round pick. Ferguson cannot complain about not having draft pick to deal, nor can you use the excuse that there is not enough cap room. At this point in the season it doesn’t cost much for a rental player like Carter to make the playoffs. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Poor Leafs, losing again.<br /><br /><br />After sending away Peter Forsberg to get ‘younger’ although less skilled. The Flyers make another move that sees them pick up a Former Canadian World Junior Gold Medallist in Braydon Coburn. All they had to give up is Alexi Zhitnik. A pretty good deal I think. Trade a 35-year-old defenseman for a 22-year-old defenseman. You may not remember Coburn that much from the World Juniors, especially in 2004, when the blue line was filled with guys named Phaneuf, Webber, Seabrook, Dixon… Definitely a good crop of Defenseman. Flyers have talent but why can they not get it done on the ice.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfKgTX1qpZnpKgG1zVLJm8uMvxn-Jf4_DVhga1OwGSL3a_lxuYkFgnvA6909DoaPlc5ks-DyTRAe3_Wc8QOMlpz8LIttI_4DhkOevYVajswTCaaaKAcYkr_1zlzrYKagriIxMGS9q8zE/s1600-h/Duckslogo.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfKgTX1qpZnpKgG1zVLJm8uMvxn-Jf4_DVhga1OwGSL3a_lxuYkFgnvA6909DoaPlc5ks-DyTRAe3_Wc8QOMlpz8LIttI_4DhkOevYVajswTCaaaKAcYkr_1zlzrYKagriIxMGS9q8zE/s200/Duckslogo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036234843675975042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Go Ducks Go, Go Ducks Go. What a team they are, and what a deal they struck. Tampa Bay Lightening receive D Shane O’Brien and a 2007 3rd round pick, for one of the greatest goalies out off the London Knights, Gerald Coleman and a 2007 1st round pick. Ok it may not be great players, or even players who have proved themselves. Coleman is a stand up goalie with great rebound control, really a lot like Bryzgalov. With the right people on the ice with him Coleman will steal the show for the Ducks when the other goalies go down.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuqlAKorMi9k5Zu0sd3imKEA9v6xoZ0AaU6SWTB7bExwOysdGM8ZgnUAiHLbIhYdAoQoo2c6s-J7F3TfI16XEmJmyZGp7TTdmUTsWNcwGByX8XIO6Leu4y3Ewx3RJJ6FGMoM_LXDAH6w/s1600-h/225px-Vancouver_Canucks.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuqlAKorMi9k5Zu0sd3imKEA9v6xoZ0AaU6SWTB7bExwOysdGM8ZgnUAiHLbIhYdAoQoo2c6s-J7F3TfI16XEmJmyZGp7TTdmUTsWNcwGByX8XIO6Leu4y3Ewx3RJJ6FGMoM_LXDAH6w/s200/225px-Vancouver_Canucks.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036234603157806450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The other great deal made before the deadline was by GM Dave Nonis of the</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> Vancouver Canucks who acquired 2 good players by placing Ryan Kesler on Long Term Injured Reserve. Canucks reacquire D Brent Sopel who excelled along side Bryan Allen and Mattias Ohlund back in the day. He may have more miles on him but still solid along side an offensive defenseman. Canucks also receive C Bryan Smolinski, which adds to the lack of depth in the centre position. Not to mentioin the grit that Smolinski has, you never know whom Smolinski can ignite and finish with great numbers in the final 15 games or so. Oh what did they have to give up, only a 2007 2nd round pick, and a 2008 2nd and 4th round pick. Not bad when you consider that they want the cup, or at least a western finals appearance NOW.<br /><br /><br />Trade deadline is a mere hours away, but my focus is on MLB, we are just 32 days away till the season begins and I will be reporting on each one right up until the opening pitch.<br /><br /></span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-80468722535942058142007-01-27T22:35:00.000-05:002007-01-27T22:38:14.780-05:00Hard Day's Night<span style="font-size:85%;">A long time off with nothing to actually say about sports. Sure there was the NHL All-Star game but that is not a big deal anymore. Did anyone actually watch that thing? There is no NFL news of note as it is Indianapolis vs. Chicago in the Super Bowl. The game is still a week away and the biggest news is a Peyton Manning X-Ray being negative. Sure it is news because it would be a wonderful story for Peyton to get that monkey off his back and then all of a sudden be unable to play in the Super Bowl. The Toronto FC isn’t doing much all though their coach Mo Johnson has reported on the FAN590 that there will be two Captains in the upcoming season. One being Canadian and the other being a European that has not been officially signed to the team, the suspense is killing me, almost like The Simpson’s, who shot Mr. Burns murder mystery. The Blue Jays dove into the free agency pool by signing Tomo Ohka. This may be one of the smarted free agency signings because it gives veteran presence to the 4th or 5th spot. Ohka has the potential to be a 10 win pitcher and out of the back of the rotation can only help the jays catapult to another 2nd place moral victory. This leads me to the Toronto Raptors who have reached th</span><span style="font-size:85%;">e .500 mark last night by defeating the Boston Celtics 96-90. As if the city of Toronto needs to celebrate more mediocrity,</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> isn’t there enough of that with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Chris Bosh named starting All-Star. Good. Raptors going 4-1 on their home swing. Good. Raptors leading the Atlantic division. Good. Making a splash in the playoffs? Maybe not so much. But at least they have a very good shot at making the playoffs, but I will give the team credit if they can just go 5 or 6 games over the .500 mark for the remainder of the schedule, I am sure that will make Bryan Colangelo and MLSE very happy. So why write and post if you seem to have nothing to say. Well as I type the Toronto Rock who have been the most victorious franchise in Toronto over the last 8 years, maybe not by winning percentage but 5 Championships in 8 years is very impressive. Is currently losing 10-9 to the Philadelphia Wings with under 30 seconds left in the game. Toronto starts 0-3 in the year 2007. The team is definitely not the same as previous years, but it is no time to worry as they started 0-4 last year only to finish 8-8. Not to worry here folks, as soon as April starts and the leafs are on the golf course, the Raptors are forgotten because no one notices the NBA playoffs, and Halladay throws his first strike of the season the balance of the universe will be restored. So ¾ of a page and nothing of note. There are two things that are of interest in the NHL right now believe it or not.<br /><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Bs1zxoCU2YSUhXxIA50wdXdF1SgaERaxc1cm2anu9I-g-5UZxVAwE83OIVY07czgWhHjjznHduEGqn-GZOZ_giAFy_vF7RVq_ZRpLNWkDG5eC6-y_6i5DzY4oXZoIWkZA2K0QEOitt8/s1600-h/5085458_240X300.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Bs1zxoCU2YSUhXxIA50wdXdF1SgaERaxc1cm2anu9I-g-5UZxVAwE83OIVY07czgWhHjjznHduEGqn-GZOZ_giAFy_vF7RVq_ZRpLNWkDG5eC6-y_6i5DzY4oXZoIWkZA2K0QEOitt8/s200/5085458_240X300.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024920231311816082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Living Legend and 3 time Stanley Cup champ Martin Brodeur posted his 30th win of this season, extending his record</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> to 11 straight seasons with 30+ wins. Very Impressive. And he did it in… well maybe not so dramatic fashion but he also posted his league leading 9th shutout, and his 89th of his career. Now defence wins championships and Brodeur has proven that. Has anyone taken a look at his G.A.A? His G.A.A. is 1.97 and he is leading the league in that category as well. But Devils play the trap and he doesn’t face many shots. Oh yeah, now I remember he is also leading the league in SA, ahead of Roberto Luongo. Who faces more shots than Roberto Luongo. Whether or not the Devils and Brodeur win another Stanley Cup his numbers will never falter and he will keep owning the NHL. Rock on Brodeur. Rock on indeed.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3jNQjktXu3wKGyZuhOpBfOQiSZC1ssE_KEE6cWM5mExoI1b3gxc6qzyxeqLUE9AhbUICFwDuMrLeOClKAPWKEJUckeGWZazxfino1-bMM5prtXUtyMhJNu73bvXRase70m_kmZIQ_lo/s1600-h/forsberg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3jNQjktXu3wKGyZuhOpBfOQiSZC1ssE_KEE6cWM5mExoI1b3gxc6qzyxeqLUE9AhbUICFwDuMrLeOClKAPWKEJUckeGWZazxfino1-bMM5prtXUtyMhJNu73bvXRase70m_kmZIQ_lo/s200/forsberg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024920493304821154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The other story is Peter Forsberg. This man is my idol. Many scoff and laugh when this is said out loud but it is true. He may be past his prime due to all his injuries: Spleen removal, concussions, shoulder surgery, back surgery, ankle surgery, foot surgery etc but this man, when healthy, is still one of the best players in the game. As the trade deadline approaches there is serious talk about the Forsberg sweepstakes. What will Philadelphia be able to get in return? With their season, if they haven’t called it off yet, they should definitely pull the plug and do a good yard sale and sell off everyone. The key strength to the Philadelphia Flyers has always been their drafting strength. No matter what position they have had in the draft they have made quality picks that have provided strong offence and defence and a great building block for success. Do you need proof of this? Well if you said no, too bad I think everyone needs to know about their great drafting abilities, lets just start with their top prospects that of course have or will make a huge impact in the NHL.<br /><br />2005- Steve Downie (Kitchener OHL), Josh Beaulieu (London OHL)<br />2003- Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Colin Fraser (Norfolk AHL)<br />2002- Joni Pitkanen<br />2001- Jeff Woywitka (Peoria AHL)<br />2000- Justin Williams (Carolina NHL), Roman Cechmanek (Hamburg DEL)<br />1998- Simon Gagne<br />1997- Todd Fedoruk<br /><br />That is a pretty good list, and it may be scoffed at but the franchise has done a great job of drafting and should get all the pics they can for some of their older players that are just dead weight and dead money. And that unfortunately includes Peter Forsberg. Here is hoping that he ends up back in Colorado and the crisp clean mountain air provides him with the fountain of youth to be the number 1 player in the NHL again… unfortunately it probably wont happen but he will get to retire in the proper jersey. </span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-27809612498508484752007-01-13T02:17:00.000-05:002007-01-13T02:19:22.328-05:00Fallin' Leafs, Fallin' Leafs, Fallin' Leafs on the Ground<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApZN2DJG7XAr4zWP-uDIhYc3w3Bp2I02_wvWoTYMmEVjgNtGeOyLhOXUHqk6Y-mgCDu6Yi1689JS0eNwf_SR7r4aXS0yoOjttCaSdMcSxmT6nGWfllL8qkxfOiYTFRwDocNyzcMEY7EU/s1600-h/s010744a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApZN2DJG7XAr4zWP-uDIhYc3w3Bp2I02_wvWoTYMmEVjgNtGeOyLhOXUHqk6Y-mgCDu6Yi1689JS0eNwf_SR7r4aXS0yoOjttCaSdMcSxmT6nGWfllL8qkxfOiYTFRwDocNyzcMEY7EU/s320/s010744a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5019411031390063026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">What a week for sports news. Former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder David Beckham is coming to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy. Beckham will receive a 5 year $250 Million dollar contract. Now with him coming over the LA Galaxy will be making this money up fast in ticket and merchandise sales but wow, move over A-Rod, here comes another overrated player not deserving of all this money. This move has pushed ticket sales in Toronto over the top just to see England’s Former Captain, and the Toronto F.C. team of course.<br /><br />Barry Bonds apparently failed an amphetamine drug test taken during the 2006 season. Not quite the positive steroids result the whole entire world outside of the San Francisco area wants but it is a small start. Although I am wondering how this information was leaked because first time offenders who fail amphetamine tests do not have the names or results revealed. Yet, after so many months someone leaks the information and now he is in damage control. You have to feel for the guy, don’t you?<br /><br />Some talks that the Rory Fitzpatrick all-star saga being fixed has surfaced and has had conspiracy theorists thinking up ways to bring down NHL officials and expose the fix. What fix, it was assumed that he would make it in. Hell, even I stopped voting for Rory.<br /><br />But then again the Home Town team the Toronto Maple Leafs are in trouble again…it is such an occurring theme, to turn on the Radio dial and listen to ‘Maple Leaf Fans’ bitch and complain about Sundin, Raycroft, Young Kids, Maurice etc with no viable solution or even an idea on how to fix it. Oh it is simple to say trade for a better goalie but how are you going to do that? Whom are you going to give up? Who are you going to get? How does it affect the cap? Remember the salary cap is why the players were locked out and fought so hard to keep out of the league.<br /><br />As it is known I am not a Leafs fan but being in the great and I do mean great area of the City of Toronto. You turn on the television and there is something new about the Leafs. So lets take a quick look at what Jack Jock would do to ‘help’ the Leafs. I do put ‘help’ in quotations because to a Maple Leafs fan this plan may suck.<br /><br />THE PLAN<br /><br />First of all lets leave the front office staff alone. Sure JFJ is not doing a good job but he will not get axed as he is doing what they want of him. Make a lot of money for MLSE and make a semi competitive hockey club. So put a check next to that point.<br /><br />Paul Maurice will stay as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Just like Pat Quinn a year ago, he is just a victim of JFJ’s plan and would also want to get rid of a few players that are on the team but has no real control over who he coaches.<br /><br />Lets start at the back end of the Rink. So who should be the starting goaltender? Former Calder Trophy winner Andrew Raycroft? Or NHL veteran journeyman J.S. Aubin. Well I do not see a clear-cut winner; at this point in the season they could have been better with old Ed Belfour in net. Of course by getting rid of him they are able to have both Raycroft and Aubin for two-thirds of Belfour’s contract. Instead of playing their ‘number one’ goaltender Andrew Raycroft a good rotation based on 2-3 games of play will still get the leafs the results they desire. And that is simply being mediocre enough to make the playoffs and make a few million on at least 2 home dates in the playoffs. But take a look at the free agent market for goaltenders, not much out there. How about a trade? Well they got rid of Mikael Tellqvist, and no team at this point in the year will look at trading a number one goaltender. Unless the price is absolutely right. But right now the best bet would be to just alternate and give Aubin an actual chance to get on a roll.<br /><br />The blue line is a complete mess. There are injuries all over the place, but not with the front four for the Maple Leafs. There is Thomas Kaberle, Bryan McCabe, Hal Gill and Pavel Kubina. Now Thomas Kaberle’s problem has always been that he never shot enough. A great defenseman who can go end to end, dance around all 5 opposing players and then pass the puck off for a failed scoring attempt leading to a 3 on 1 breakout for the opposing club. Hal Gill is tall and lanky and can get his stick into a lot of places that can give the Leafs a penalty. Yet for the longest time he still leads the team in plus/minus, I suppose the counter argument is that he cant get a minus when he is in the penalty box. The thing is, that if the Leafs let up a power play goal, the 4 Leafs on the ice will not get a minus either. Kubina has had injury trouble but is now back and really not that bad and is fitting into Maurice’s system. The big problem on the blue line is number 24 Bryan McCabe. Yes look at what he did on the power play in the previous year. But look at what he did in the second half of 2006; he had like 5 points in 41 games. He was completely useless on the power play as everyone figured that if they keep a man high McCabe would not get the pass. Well they were right, and his scoring decreased substantially. Add a stupid over priced contract with a no trade clause and this is the problem that is on the leafs blueline. The answer for this blueline is to trade McCabe, get him to waive his ‘no trade clause’ ask him where he wants to be traded to, even if you can only get picks for him, should be able to get at least 2 2nd round picks. Keep the other three and pair them with healthy kids from the Marlies, let them get the experience they need so that in the 2007-2008 season they will be prime time ready and have had their learning curve.<br /><br />Now the big problem is the forwards. Lets see who are the true Maple Leafs forwards??? There is Mats Sundin, there is… oh I guess that is it. Contrary to popular belief that the Leafs only have Mats Sundin there are some other talent on this club that have just been under utilized and mismanaged. Kyle Wellwood, Matt Stajan, Alex Steen, Chad Kilger, Bates Battaglia, Darcy Tucker, even Alex Ponikarovsky. I did not mention the likes of Jeff O’Neill for a reason. Trade him. Get a 4th round pick. Get rid of him. Line management is a must and so far their isn’t much success. Steen has been put with Sundin and good things happen. Wellwood with Sundin and good things happen. Ponikarovsky with Sundin and good things happen. But what about the rest of the team? There isn’t anything that can be done unless Sundin is in the middle. That is something right there. The long and short of this team is that they need to get rid of bodies and just ‘tank’ the rest of the season. They need to let their kids play and learn for the future.<br /><br />Possible Trades: With Michael Peca out indefinitely they desperately need a new 2nd-3rd line centre. Here is a list of players that could see new homes and teams would actually want them.<br /><br />Bryan McCabe<br />Jeff O’Neill<br />Darcy Tucker<br />Matt Stajan<br />Nik Antropov<br /><br />Now What is out there with just these minimal players. Well combined there is about…<br />2 1st round picks<br />3 2nd round picks<br />7 3rd round picks and<br />3-4 conditional picks<br /><br />What players are out there that could be a good move to at least add a lil depth so it looks like the Leafs are not going to tank the season.<br /><br />Matt Pettinger (WSH)<br />Jamal Mayers (STL)<br />Mike Richards (PHI)<br />Jeff Carter (PHI)<br />Mike York (PHI)<br />Scottie Upshall (NSH)<br /><br /><br />I think you are getting the point. There is no need for these superstars to come here. I am a firm believer that these ‘average’ players for some teams will become superstars in a different environment. And making the avg. age of the team younger can also help morale as everyone will know how to use an iPod. These 2nd and 3rd line players, the grit from these players is what is missing from the Leafs line up. But this is one man’s opinion and maybe I just like those players listed. But tell me if any of them are on the decline. I don’t think you can.<br /></span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-14297460973386542692007-01-09T23:02:00.000-05:002007-01-09T23:05:02.453-05:00So Long Big Mac<span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1Ne1DJ5TnoUXXhI0_dpehIH0ZKeldleh7qujxFYE_x-vlwoasPxvpjTE-cvJbYjiDMZqecV9fcj5LpGqKUaEiz0w4ubRBqcrLa0hBniUxREUls5aKXVEPCZJ2MwhTPmP_Ir-2rBH7aQ/s1600-h/SI-McGwire.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1Ne1DJ5TnoUXXhI0_dpehIH0ZKeldleh7qujxFYE_x-vlwoasPxvpjTE-cvJbYjiDMZqecV9fcj5LpGqKUaEiz0w4ubRBqcrLa0hBniUxREUls5aKXVEPCZJ2MwhTPmP_Ir-2rBH7aQ/s320/SI-McGwire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5018247877790157522" border="0" /></a><br />Maybe it doesn’t mean much. Maybe it will only take 365 more days till it happens, but right now Mark is not joining his first ballot mates, Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn. Both those men are well deserving although there is some good debates about whether Ripken should actually be in the hall of fame. When you think about it, other than his amazing streak. Which truly is amazing and will probably never be broken, although in sports, records are made to be broken. When you think about some of members in the hall of fame, think of the fear that some of them possessed when your home team faced them. Did Cal Ripken have that effect? The answer is no, the 19 time All-Star, former Rookie of the Year, 2 time Gold Glover, 3000+ Hit Machine with over 430 Home runs really didn’t strike fear in your home ball club. I wonder why? In any even Tony Gwynn had the same effect; only he was a big man. But he never had the power numbers to go along with the big man image. The man never hit more than 17 in a season, over 3100 hits, amazing batting average at .338 and he only struck out 434 times in 9,288 at bats. Want to do the math? No? Well, I will, that is striking out once every 21 at bats, that is about once every 6 games on average. Add to this he was an 8 time NL batting champion that ties him with Honus Wagner for the League record. 5 gold gloves as a Right Fielder and a 15-time all-star. The man was a beast that could drop down a bunt. Who else could do that? These are impressive numbers in a sport that is controlled by numbers. Jack Morris great pitcher but his ERA was above 4.00 most years. 3.77 was his lowest in 18 years. He is short of 300 wins so it doesn’t guarantee him a spot but he does have 7 more years of eligibility if I am not mistaken. And never say never with baseball writers. Back to the main point, Mark McGwire. Now what exactly has he done? Well other than the obvious of breaking Roger Maris’ single season Home Run mark of 61, and eventually went on to hit 70 in that year. Career marks are not that impressive other than one big power number and the ratios and averages that come from the one category. 6187 at bats and only 1626 hits, this translates to a .263 career batting average. So since he wasn’t really hitting the ball for hits he was clearly striking out as he has only 30 less Strikeouts than he did hits. That is almost 4 time more than the likes of Tony Gwynn. See this is the perfect example of how baseball is all about numbers. So out of his 1600+ hits there were 583 home runs. Impressive. Very. 7th on the all time list. And if my man KGJ Ken Griffey Junior himself can last one or two more seasons and hit at least 20, he will surpass McGwire. And back to the main point. His numbers are impressive in one area and very lacklustre in the rest. Also there is the whole issue about steroid use. Whether he did or not well lets just wait till he has a press conference next year to help his hall of fame balloting. But are you not suppose to just judge the man on his on field performance only. At the time when McGwire had the bottle of Andro in his locker there was a big uproar about it. and I remember calling him a cheat and that it was disgraceful. Now a little older I realise that personally I didn’t like what he did but he did follow the rules. Whether it was a supplement, whether it was steroids, what ever it is there was no rule saying he could not have it. and rightfully so for one year he is going to be snubbed. And maybe for the next 5-7 years baseball writers will snub him. Eventually Big Mack will be in the hall and whether you agree or disagree with whatever he did. Both He and Sammy Sosa made us believe in the spirit of the American Pastime. At least until this steroid scandal came out.<br /></span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-23839673869188336842007-01-07T21:11:00.000-05:002007-01-07T21:13:42.240-05:00Sunday Special<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4b-BVFPOSgLgXk3N1NwUsLadiNHZZmL3osuEVBoRyi9ybEOLRcOluJhSeEplSPUJ3C2XkpUSJ7BYF65fLIhQyK_bVimO7VJ6TLbqD-pkmJ_tisavTGXiNqg1y_fGzx62J9ATILfhsWFQ/s1600-h/img9914291.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4b-BVFPOSgLgXk3N1NwUsLadiNHZZmL3osuEVBoRyi9ybEOLRcOluJhSeEplSPUJ3C2XkpUSJ7BYF65fLIhQyK_bVimO7VJ6TLbqD-pkmJ_tisavTGXiNqg1y_fGzx62J9ATILfhsWFQ/s320/img9914291.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017476956930329282" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:78%;" >Two more NFL Wildcard games took place tonight and with no real surprises to speak of.<br />Philadelphia just finished off the Giants with a game ending field goal, in a game that was fairly back and forth with hi and lows for both squadrons. The J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets! L-O-S-T Lost! Lost! Lost! to the New England Patriots. Say what you will about the build up and the ‘hatred’ or ‘disgust’ that Belicheck has with Mangini, but it all comes down to the W and Belicheck again gets it done. Yea, I suppose that some of the credit could be given to Tom Brady and the Pat’s Defence that iced the game in the final 5 minutes with a pick off of Chad Pennington for a TD. Yesterday’s contest had the Colts slowly but surely beat the KC Chiefs. Then of course there was Tony Romo’s blunder that cost the Cowboys their playoffs. The funny thing is that he was the placeholder at the beginning of the year before he took Drew Bledsoe’s job. It wasn’t Romo’s first time as the placeholder but now there is a report that a different ball was used, which was a reason that the ball slipped out of his hands and resulted in the botched field goal attempt.<br /><br />Now no need to analyze or think about any of this. The better teams won and move on. That and I have not been paying much attention to NFL this season and am a lil lost in some storylines and statistics. The only thing is that next week’s match ups will be ones to watch. In the AFC, the divisional games have the San Diego Chargers taking on the New England Patriots, and the Baltimore Ravens will take on the Indianapolis Colts. The NFC picture has the top seeded Chicago Bears taking on the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints are home to the Philadelphia Eagles. Good games and if I pick em now there will be San Diego taking on the Indianapolis Colts for the AFC crown and Chicago and New Orleans will meet for the NFC crown.<br /><br />So as a true Canadian there was NHL hockey on TSN featuring the New Jersey Devils and the Montreal Canadiens. Martin Brodeur facing off against the Montreal Canadiens sounds about right. The new NHL was suppose to get rid of the trap and make it harder for those teams to win games by 1 goal. It is also meant to expose weaknesses in a goalies skill set. Have you looked down Martin Brodeur’s career statistics? Lets take a quick look 1993 Calder Trophy, 1996-7,2002-3 Jennings Trophy winner for fewest GAA and 2 Vezina Trophy’s. and 3 Stanley Cups. Now for personal stats, 5 years of 40+ wins, 470 Wins 86 Shutouts 2.20 GAA. Pretty impressive.<br /><br />Brodeur is 34 and has about 6 years left to earn 80 odd games to be the winningest goalie of all time. And about 20 shutouts to be the all time shutout leader. No matter what happens in his career, you cannot deny that he belongs in the Hall of Fame. The one question is that does he deserve to be called the greatest goaltender in Hockey history. Since Brodeur started his career with the New Jersey Devils in 1993 the Devils have played the trap system, think about Patrick Roy and the Canadiens, they never played the trap and were always in a run and gun offence which would either work beautifully or it would leave Roy hi and dry. Now there are many highlights of Brodeur’s career but if you think about how he won all the games is he really deserving. Or did he just play a system that allowed him such success as long as the Devils got the first goal of the game or got a lead. No matter what I still believe he is a great goalie and his only real losses in life comes from his divorce settlement. But that is life. 2 Vezina’s 3 Cups, and will soon be number 1 on the all time wins list. Mover over Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur is claiming your spotlight. Now wouldn’t it be great if he owned and coached a QMJHL team and coached head to head against Roy. Hey it could happen.<br /></span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-55150960570689725332007-01-06T17:01:00.000-05:002007-01-06T17:03:56.597-05:00Holiday Pride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKcv0O9vjCz0sk9q5mK9qPyy8bLn4_P746bnFa5HMo8k59T2zOEz0gRKgatxiEcqjVeqNfY0whHFwVEh0jLOWW8Q3-wC4KOC7Vm9cphplVtm2AHZjyv33VFPO3EK0WQLCH1QwyVzzSTY/s1600-h/AR__7638.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKcv0O9vjCz0sk9q5mK9qPyy8bLn4_P746bnFa5HMo8k59T2zOEz0gRKgatxiEcqjVeqNfY0whHFwVEh0jLOWW8Q3-wC4KOC7Vm9cphplVtm2AHZjyv33VFPO3EK0WQLCH1QwyVzzSTY/s400/AR__7638.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017041515965991602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:85%;" > The holidays are officially over and man is there a lot to talk about. It probably was not the best idea to start this blog during the x-mas break. Things like this tend to happen, but fear not I am back with a vengeance and I think this picture tells the whole story.<br /><br />Team Canada Wins the Under 20 World Junior Championships for the 3rd Straight year. This feat would be amazing under normal circumstances if Team Canada has not made history winning 5 gold medals in the mid 90’s. Now not taking away anything from this team or the previous two medals but is it too early to say they can make 4 or even make it to tie for 5? Well the bottom line is this, what an effort by Team Canada. They opened up the tournament with a shaky win against Sweden. And it was shaky the defence stank and it featured 4 star returning players from last years gold medal team. Their next match against the USA was better but there were still weaknesses that were evident. At least Staal and Parent learned all about the big European ice and learned how to use it effectively. A 6-3 win is a 6-3 win, especially over the American squad that is heavily favoured to at least take home a bronze medal. The next game features the Germans and the Canadians in a battle for top spot in Group A. Not much to be said about this as they pull out a 3-1 victory and they then move on to meaningless game against Slovakia, where Carey Price posts a shutout in a game that was really b</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:85%;" >ad and boring to watch. Onward and upward to the semi-finals where another meeting with the American squad is needed and this one is at least interesting as many side stories develop. Steve Downie and Erik Johnson are the targets and each play pretty important roles and take some penalties as expected. The Americans strike early and then play a good trap against the Canadians. Canada breaks through and it is a tie game that has a mediocre overtime with the USA getting the best chances in OT. Off to the first shootout of the tournament and Jonathan Toews shows just how good he really is by scoring 3 shootout goals to help the Canadians win and move to the Gold medal game. Toews will undoubtedly be making the Chicago Blackhawk’s next year and join former Team Canada World Junior medallists winners Brent Seabrook, Cam Barker, David Bolland, Mike Blunden and Dan Bertram and fellow American Jack Skille who picked up a Bronze this year. You think Chicago will be a strong force in a few years??? I give them 2 before Detroit loses top spot in the Central. But Maybe Columbus will move up a bit as well. I would love to talk about the Gold Medal game where Canada looked to be in trouble with a 4 goal lead but I haven’t gotten around to watching anything but the highlights and analysis yet so what else is there to really say about the gold medal game except see you for 08 in Czech Republic.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MUde4lPIUCCSP8Smxeq54bdeK2I_TDWWjL5v1Ocjj8l87_CxGKb7i3AsEfcmZkF_e6CK3my2EwIwLEOjDoE7lKchtzGamotfZ2n1Mh4jfFeWrPcx5uHHY0XVvnf1fx1m5qgXjJ89Bn4/s1600-h/y_76886.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MUde4lPIUCCSP8Smxeq54bdeK2I_TDWWjL5v1Ocjj8l87_CxGKb7i3AsEfcmZkF_e6CK3my2EwIwLEOjDoE7lKchtzGamotfZ2n1Mh4jfFeWrPcx5uHHY0XVvnf1fx1m5qgXjJ89Bn4/s320/y_76886.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017041202433378978" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:85%;" >So I touched on the NHL briefly with Chicago and Detroit and that brings me to this guy. Stevie Y. or Steve Yzerman. Can</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:85%;" > this guy be any more Canadian? Grows up in Nepean, Ontario and is another great Canadian boy to come out of the Peterborough Petes from th</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:85%;" >e OHL. Plays 22 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, captains them for 20 Years and his statistics speak for itself. In the argument of who the best Canadian Hockey Player is in the top 5 if not in the top three, Steve Yzerman has to be mentioned. Wayne is number one on most everyone’s list, then even Bobby Orr or Mario Lemieux places number 2, but how can you ignore this man and what he has accomplished. 692 Goals and 1,755 points in 1514 games. Not to mention that if the Red Wings made it passed the first round Stevie Y racked up the points galore. Having 70 goals and 185 points in 196 playoff games. Now if you are thinking how does all this make him Canadian, well beside the fact he is an amazing hockey player. This is the reason why he is Canadian. If you watched the ceremony did any one noticed how he talked. After 23 years of giving interviews he was the same old Yzerman. I am paraphrasing of course but his speech went something like this. “I am honoured but I am not this great player, I played with great players, I am just a man who went and played. All my teammates deserve the credit for this not me. And I apologize for this taking so long, I apologize to the Red Wings and the Ducks and hope that this wont ruin the game.”<br /><br />All his career he never stood on that podium and said I am the man on this team, I am the reason we are here, I have lead us to victory and will do it again and again. His leadership was quiet and he spoke on the ice with his Sherwood stick then to an Easton synergy and amazed us with the puck and his ability to find the holes, to make the passes, to make those shots that we will remember. So that is the ultimate question. Just like with Mario and Bobby and even the Great one Himself what is the one defining moment that you will always think of when you hear the name Steve Yzerman? For me that is easy. Double Overtime against St. Louis. Too bad for Curtis Joseph and co. but that was a blast that you have to see to believe. </span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-81043911667308837952006-12-26T20:43:00.000-05:002006-12-27T08:07:15.887-05:00Canada Just Good Enough Today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiOmL1HeXSFn_h23JHD9BAvw56qgDnLyLZqskWaLkxb8BD2vl4vkvpJgPfSi44PJt58EQoaDY26smFpdaBbnMFQBsAr_qX1Rs9FpYXSBDLCYb7-tNrJhEr1isj7mnJsJ4ZFdyGMXsSFA/s1600-h/4th_66218.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiOmL1HeXSFn_h23JHD9BAvw56qgDnLyLZqskWaLkxb8BD2vl4vkvpJgPfSi44PJt58EQoaDY26smFpdaBbnMFQBsAr_qX1Rs9FpYXSBDLCYb7-tNrJhEr1isj7mnJsJ4ZFdyGMXsSFA/s320/4th_66218.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5013016537680069138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Team Canada opens up the 2007 World Juniors Championship with win against Team Sweden. Canada won 2-0 with goals by Luc Bourdon and Brad Merchand. A solid 31 save effort by the Tri-City American Carey Price for the shutout. Now you can go to any site to see all those results but what most of the sites will not say is that Canada was horrible. Their last two dominating performances at the 2005 and 2006 World Juniors were on the small North American ice. The difference between the North American ice and the European ice is evident in the first period of the game. The dominating pair of Guelph Storm defender Ryan Parent and Sudbury Wolves main attraction Marc Staal looked like 16 years old skating around in circles and making bad passes which resulted in a few chances for team Sweden. Even Kristopher Letang and Luc Bourdon another returning defence pair had a shaky start in their first game on the big ice. It took the Canadian D line a good 2 periods before they were able to get their footing and realize that a normal 40-foot pass is now a 65-foot pass that can be picked off and turned into a scoring chance. They can only go up from here and it looks like that it will be smaller mistakes being made by anyone on Canada’s back end. </span> <span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><br />At times it looked like the big problem with Team Canada was their special teams: they couldn’t cycle the puck, they couldn’t keep the puck in the zone, the passes were missing the tape, and a few stick handlers, honourable mention to Sam Ganger, kept making one or two extra moves that made sure the puck was lost. </span> <span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><br />This isn’t taking anything away from Team Sweden of course, but that was not the same team who was competitive in the exhibition game against Canada. The team was flat, and had few highlights, specific players making awesome moves, even having Carey Price moving all along the crease not knowing where the Swedish player was behind him. In a short tournament every game is critical as Team USA and Team Finland are now placed under the gun. And Sweden was highly regarded in this years tournament as having a good shot to gain a medal. Sweden had a hiccup this game and this will probably not happen through out the rest of the tournament, but the fact of the matter remains that Canada was not good, but just good enough to beat Sweden. The Power Play needs a lot of work, and the Penalty Kill has to remain solid. And even the Gold medal can be yours, if the Price is right. </span> <span style="font-family:courier new;">Canada vs. USA 1:30 EST on TSN</span> <span style="font-family:courier new;"> </span></span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-1669141680901685032006-12-23T13:31:00.000-05:002006-12-23T13:36:37.394-05:00Weekend Potluck<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf9a_ZOUm2qX5MBcaAVtA6nro7_tI8V55J8lDTRPSEihETbvgr7P-DRCg-V83b7yF4OUkrQFgP4pRxMp4LrlR7m2YYSWxCWYBcJDCIjmMqL2T2fhsFJvgOvtJaqGApGJ_SXQSlLAk_Qc/s1600-h/tx.rory.sign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf9a_ZOUm2qX5MBcaAVtA6nro7_tI8V55J8lDTRPSEihETbvgr7P-DRCg-V83b7yF4OUkrQFgP4pRxMp4LrlR7m2YYSWxCWYBcJDCIjmMqL2T2fhsFJvgOvtJaqGApGJ_SXQSlLAk_Qc/s320/tx.rory.sign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011792158468096482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Game for this </span></span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">All-Star</span><br /><br />The whole Rory Fitzpatrick situation is very one sided. You are either for the fans voting process or you are against it. Isn’t the saying, there is no such thing as bad publicity. Right now the NHL needs all the publicity they can get. A fan group of Rory Fitzpatrick creates a website with the intention of sending Rory to the All-Star game in Dallas. As of last night Rory</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> is</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> 2nd in all star balloting right behind Scott Neidermayer in Western Conference defensemen, the top 2 vote getters are starters for the All-Star game. This is what All-Star games are all about. Has anyone watched or cared about the game itself, or is everyone to busy talking about the skills competition. Who am I kidding no one talks about the All-Star game or the NHL. If NHL steps in and removes Rory Fitzpatrick from actually getting into the All-Star game then what is the point of letting the fans vote. 400,000+ fans want to see this man in the All-Star game. That could be 400,000+ less viewers of the NHL. Fitzpatrick when selected should say, ‘thank you everyone who voted. I appreciate it but I will not take part as a starter, but I will play if the Western Coach selects me to be apart of the All-Star game.’ That would be the politically correct thing to do. But how l</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">ikely is it that he will have another chance at playing and competing in the All-Star game? Most likely ne</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">ver, and he should take this chance to show why he has 27 points in 231 games.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">MLS Deserves respect</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJSksU872G3yZ4R8vDTJjUg_9Y0sudEqFYhq4KrB7mTakygHWbBzXSQfXH4iTTTK30RNKXAiBjheHakoSsy3DB8kp7ZRF0RIVmIz2nJ47WywV0IY70NvORJl6L78r1Gck9Pe0v_h3uPE/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJSksU872G3yZ4R8vDTJjUg_9Y0sudEqFYhq4KrB7mTakygHWbBzXSQfXH4iTTTK30RNKXAiBjheHakoSsy3DB8kp7ZRF0RIVmIz2nJ47WywV0IY70NvORJl6L78r1Gck9Pe0v_h3uPE/s320/images.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011792313086919154" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Being Canadian and privileged enough to play hockey. It is a given that </span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> a</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">m not a soccer fan. I watch roughly 3-4 matches every 2</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> years. Particularly Ukraine or Germany in the World Cup and in Euro Cup competition. Other than that I co</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">uld care less that soccer exists. Although women playing soccer is hot to watch. The great, and I do mean great city of Toronto (Swirsk needs a better tag) now has an</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> MLS team rightfully call</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">ed Toronto FC. Recently someone informed me that I was wrong and that FC stands for Football Club. I had a laugh and realized that makes more sense. The Team is owned and operated by MLSE the same people who own the Maple Leafs and Raptors. Initially</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> how can that be, MLSE is about pinching and choking the life out of a penny, why would they invest in an MLS league team when the whole league has lost $350 million since its inception over 10 years ago. To much surprise MLSE puts up the money for a state of the art ‘soccer only’ stadium that will seat 20-25,000 people. Not to forget that it will be hosting the 2007 world junior soccer competition. Toronto FC is busy signing Canadian players to promote the sport at home, they have traded for some ‘hooligan’ type players with good work ethic and the ability to score, basically the Chad Kilger’s of soccer. If this brand of football was any good you could say like Peter Forseberg but I think you get the comparison. The team also had a recent ‘open’ tryout to find ‘diamonds in the rough’. There is no shame in doing this, it just cost a everyone $110 to participate and some kids who came for a tryout flew in from Brazil and other countries in South America. A little bit of a cash cow, but training camp is coming up soon and I am actually excited about this. I have paid attention to the likes of Freddy Adu and the DC United who are like the Montreal Canadians and the New York Yankees of their league. Having a team in Toronto is economically viable for this league that has only lost money. And the fanfare they are creating even out of the very casual soccer fan may be enough to get out and purchase a ticket or two when the Real Salt Lake comes to town and it </span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">is the Freddy Adu show. Here's to having more than one team break even this year, and how about actually turning a profit. MLS could use the break.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Blackhawk’s soaring under Savard</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB49usfdDb3OtlyGnbJnoFG3hjvAFP_UCN9trpLbGbjda0KEri7xerLXIUkEZ-AOYm-QbpoeQxvkOBG4XzHxkjyuxamnGSUcvjZp6D4EKnE7f7Fxmym75RcRXIef7Aez8Pa7S9Dgu9VNM/s1600-h/1597.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB49usfdDb3OtlyGnbJnoFG3hjvAFP_UCN9trpLbGbjda0KEri7xerLXIUkEZ-AOYm-QbpoeQxvkOBG4XzHxkjyuxamnGSUcvjZp6D4EKnE7f7Fxmym75RcRXIef7Aez8Pa7S9Dgu9VNM/s320/1597.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011792660979270146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I actually got home last night to watch the</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> second and the third period of the Leafs</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> and Blackhawk’s game. I am not a Leafs fan anymore, nor am I a Blackhawk’s fan. I am a fan of Brent Seabrook, and having Martin Havlat i</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">n fantasy hockey. After learning that Michael Peca went down with what appeared to be an accidental knee on knee collision with Blackhawk def</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">enseman Jim Vandermeer, it seemed to signal a defeat for the blue and white even though they were up 1-0 via a power play goal from John Pohl. There is something said about losing a player during the game, I swear the leafs have not won a game in 3 years when a player goes down during a game, especially a Peca, Sundin, Kaberle type of player. Of course that stat will be proven wrong I will even look it up myself. The Leafs do not have this intensity around them the makes them win one for their fallen comrade. Maybe not seeing the Blackhawk’s that often hurt them as well. The Blackhawk’s were by definition a wimpy team. This season and especially under Denis Savard have they seemed to beef up and start throwing their weight around. The Hawks hit the bottom and started running and now no one can derail their momentum. It is about the same as the Blue Jackets now under Ken Hitchcock. A boss bench that has a storied career in Chicago, who never coached a day in the NHL has taken the team on a 7-3-1 run and has a recorded a point in all but one game. 17 points out a possible 22, those are Anaheim Duck like numbers. Oh yea does anyone still want to call them a fluke with the Twin Towers on defence, a fourth line that looks and plays like a second line and a goalie who is phenomenal. Oh and an underrated coach leading the way.</span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-52186049571570008422006-12-21T20:45:00.000-05:002006-12-21T20:49:23.283-05:00Lemieux Moving Crosby and the Pens?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65luLwUDA0MEbbYIaQfkMxzZJZYB9tsLvvozUmEv-J_B29DS0z2YkiIYPOWjjhQxcYK0pquZP_M9YThRvxt6Pt3_21FwQxg__S7hm7k1hi2RozIYdKiGZaPpH96Vy7kne1xuoZjFCmKI/s1600-h/2005---Sidney-Crosby-Mario-Lemieux-Draft-Day-Photograph-C12056008.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65luLwUDA0MEbbYIaQfkMxzZJZYB9tsLvvozUmEv-J_B29DS0z2YkiIYPOWjjhQxcYK0pquZP_M9YThRvxt6Pt3_21FwQxg__S7hm7k1hi2RozIYdKiGZaPpH96Vy7kne1xuoZjFCmKI/s320/2005---Sidney-Crosby-Mario-Lemieux-Draft-Day-Photograph-C12056008.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011161343736431058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:85%;" >After the Isle of Capri was unsuccessful in their bid to obtain the states gaming license, the Pittsburgh Penguins received another lump of coal in their stocking. Mario Lemieux majority owner of the Penguins had a press conference stating,<br /><br />“…It is time to take control of our own destiny. Accordingly, starting Thursday, the team is off the market, and we will begin to explore relocation options in cities outside Pennsylvania. After seven years of trying to work out a new arena deal exclusively in Pittsburgh, we need to take into consideration the long-term viability of the team and begin discussions with other cities that may be interested in NHL teams.”<br /><br />Let the tears begin to flow Pittsburgh. After hearing days of rhetoric from Bill Daley, Gary Bettman's right hand man, Former perspective buyer Jim Balsillie, and even from Super Mario himself. The ownership group is going to go the same route that Jim Balsillie wanted to go, and that even the NHL themselves were going to allow Balsillie to go.<br /><br />More importantly is why did Mario Lemieux wait so long to 1) sell the team he didn’t want, 2) work with the city to get a new arena, and 3) decide when relocation becomes their best option.<br /><br />Since Mario took over the team in 1999, he has not accomplished his number one objective. Get a New Arena. Yes, he did pull the team out of bankruptcy but would he have done this if the Penguins organization didn’t owe him approx $57 Million? Odds are is that Lemieux would not put up his own money just to pull the team out of bankruptcy. Mario Lemieux ended up losing far more money then actually gaining what was owed to him.<br /><br />According to many sources there are 5 cities in America who will welcome an NHL franchise with open arms. Why would some of these markets want a hockey team is beyond me. Can anyone actually picture a team in Okalahoma City? Sure they are sharing a basketball team and it is doing marginally well, but a hockey team?<br /><br />The 4 other cities that would take the Pittsburgh Penguins are Las Vegas, Kansas City, Houston and Seattle. If you are done laughing about the prospect of a hockey team in Okalahoma City, then is there actually seriousness about NHL doing well in Kansas City or Las Vegas. That I know of, Kansas City has a facility all set up for an NHL hockey club with seating for approximately 18,200 ‘fans’ and has been calling Gary Bettman and the NHL for serious consideration. Putting the Penguins in Las Vegas would give the bookies another sport in which they could take your money. After having one franchise fail in the desert (Phoenix Coyotes), even with a brand new facility, is there a need to have another dying franchise in the desert?<br /><br />Placing the Pens in a market like Houston and Seattle are not horrible choices. Houston seems like a far-fetched place considering that the NHL and the sport of hockey is purely a regional sport, not a national one. Since the Dallas Stars moved from Minnesota they have been successful and with their string of playoff runs are favourites in the city home to the Cowboys and the Mavericks. Just based on their success gives the city of Houston a good chance of being the place the Pens should relocate to. Seattle really seems like the city of choice. The man behind the Seattle bid is former co-head of Microsoft Paul Allen. Sure he sold of 68 million shares of the company and made a boat load of money, but the guy still owes 138 million shares. Now this is a perfect alternative to Jim Balsillie for owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Seattle should be the biggest frontrunner in getting the Penguins because of their location alone. Allen can easily build a 19,000 seat multipurpose arena, he can throw in the Sonics to maximize revenues even. Seattle is no more than 4 hours from Vancouver. If the NHL owners do not want Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin to be in Canada, this is the next best thing. There are at least 6 WHL junior teams within a few hours of Seattle, including the Seattle Thunderbirds. Having Crosby much closer to a huge Canadian hockey market like Vancouver will attract all these fans that will buy the season tickets or buy ticket packages even pay top dollar for single tickets. This area of the United States is a booming hockey location just like the Maryland area. There will be financially stable owners pushing for team success, they can team with the Sonics in one arena for a faster Return on investment, they would still own the rights to Malkin and Crosby for another 5 years starting in 2007, and there is a large deposit of fans wanting professional hockey.<br /><br />The only thing left to do is pick a name… how about the Seattle ColbEagles. Have some good ol' Stephen Colbert support can only help things, ie: Saginaw Spirit of the OHL<br /></span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-62452153389926166172006-12-20T19:03:00.000-05:002006-12-20T19:06:31.565-05:00Penguins Should Head North<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0opvy9BKr67JpQkmaDZFbBpUn7G6lk15tMnsgvPV4DksVQk4pNurVRPwNeDLBlT87Rzz4Ri-cVKKrxNWdoOctmQetQXrWWuu_GEInpV1DbZcA6pdm_9929WDTe4d97vEaXXgTDs15Hk/s1600-h/AABP038~Pittsburgh-Penguins-Team-Logo-Photofile-Posters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0opvy9BKr67JpQkmaDZFbBpUn7G6lk15tMnsgvPV4DksVQk4pNurVRPwNeDLBlT87Rzz4Ri-cVKKrxNWdoOctmQetQXrWWuu_GEInpV1DbZcA6pdm_9929WDTe4d97vEaXXgTDs15Hk/s320/AABP038~Pittsburgh-Penguins-Team-Logo-Photofile-Posters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5010764591837495746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:78%;" >The NHL is a funny entity and a complete mess amongst the 4 major professional leagues in the North America today. Sure they took a year of to provide the owners with cost certainty in an effort to actually have some interest in owning and partaking in NHL management. The year off comes at the time when arguably the best hockey player since Wayne Gretzky is able to join the NHL elite. Sidney Crosby is thrown into a team draft to determine who will get the #1 draft choice and Crosby’s services for the next 7 years. To no ones surprise he winds up in Pittsburgh along side the former savior of the city, Mario Lemuix. Could Crosby really ask for a better teacher and mentor other than being drafted by Phoenix and sent under the tutelage of ‘The Great One’ himself?<br /><br />The Pittsburgh Gaming Control Board has almost certainly sealed the fate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. To some surprise the PGCB gave the gaming license to PITG Gaming Majestic Star instead of the heavily favoured Isle of Capri who were hand in hand with the Pittsburgh Penguins to not only keep the team in the city, but were also going to take the entire bill for a new arena in Pittsburgh. The city and the team desperately need this new arena.<br /><br />Is this really a surprise? Is anyone in USA surprised that it was not a given that the IoC did not receive the nod for a gaming license even though they were going to purchase a new arena. Does anyone in the USA know that Pittsburgh has a NHL team? Is there anyone in the USA who knows what the NHL is?<br /><br />This is clearly sarcasm but the ratings in the U.S. of A. show that Americans do not know, nor care that the NHL is back and becoming fan friendly. Granted no one in the US gets the Versus network or knows what channel it is on even if they have the packaged channel.<br /><br />Now think about this. If a gaming license in the city of Winnipeg was up for grabs, and an applicant would create a new arena in hopes of getting a NEW NHL franchise back in this hockey-starved market. Every one in Canada would be petitioning for that company to get awarded the license. Don’t think it wouldn’t happen either. Canadians need 3 things. Hockey. Beer. and Women. There is never enough of the first two and it is rare to get the girl when those are your first two passions in life.<br /><br />Pittsburgh is a great sports market in America, providing that it is an American past time. The Pirates and the Steelers were all able to get brand new stadiums, almost without hesitation. They are beautiful facilities, not that I know first hand. But the depictions of the stadium and the ballpark in Madden and MVP Baseball are beautiful. One day I will make it there to watch Jason Bay hit a dinger. This just shows you where Hockey is in a great sports market like Pittsburgh. The Penguins have won 2 championships in the last 15 years. The Pirates have maybe made the playoffs once in 15 years. I am sure some one will correct me if I am wrong. Yet people will flock to a pirates game and let the Penguins rot.<br /><br />Pittsburgh does not deserve the penguins. Crosby and Malkin should be in a bigger market deserving of these two stars. Even if the team was moved to Kansas City or Las Vegas, yes they are smaller markets, but with a team relocation, do you understand how much marketing will be done to promote the new team? Perfect time to market the two biggest assets in the NHL.<br /><br />But alas, this is why I just write it all down, and have no real authority to even have an opinion worth listening to. But Bottom line move the franchise, if not to a starved market like Canada, then to another strange market like the desert. The hockey may not be the best, but you have 2 aces in the hole, and that is a start to a full house. (Poker Pun).</span><span style="font-size:78%;"> <span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-74146210538529164382006-12-19T13:15:00.000-05:002006-12-19T13:56:22.971-05:00Flag Waving In Cincinnati?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcyBgt-FfTrY4P9qF9mQdvHDleCo5fX82wbbeHD1KfgFgpSxcDaPHUNvMrLG5GP4Fg5x4DrztQbRSZ-s9iqHSj40AS0JPiGM3xkX4z6gx-ISLiIzwJx1l3bCm9xjPbZJATkpUsoAv-I8/s1600-h/img9879005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcyBgt-FfTrY4P9qF9mQdvHDleCo5fX82wbbeHD1KfgFgpSxcDaPHUNvMrLG5GP4Fg5x4DrztQbRSZ-s9iqHSj40AS0JPiGM3xkX4z6gx-ISLiIzwJx1l3bCm9xjPbZJATkpUsoAv-I8/s320/img9879005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5010306739733807538" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Cincinnati Bengals visiting the Indianapolis Colts had all the makings for a great MNF game this year. Maybe one of the best MNF games of the year. The Bengals come into the RCA dome winning their last 4 games, two of them being against Baltimore and New Orleans. Only 33 points allowed in those 4 games, defense looks up to par and looks to be setting up for a good playoff run. The Colts on the other hand, drop 3 of their last 4 losing to the Cowboys (How bout them Cowboys!), Titans and the Jaguars. Is Monday night the best time for Manning to wake up and light up on one of the biggest stages in Professional Football? Without a doubt.<br /><br />Manning throws for 4TD's, 3 to his #1 target Marvin Harrison, and the other TD to his equally favourite receiver Reggie Wayne. Game Over!<br /><br />Where was the Bengals defense? Was having a rookie Corner Back covering Harrison the best decision? Well he has to learn sometime to play in the league. The Bengals switch and throw Deltha O'Neal on to Harrison but it didn't change anything. The secondary just couldn't do anything to stop Peyton and the Colts. Shame really. Now the defensive line was not bad, infact they were solid holding Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes to just over 100Yds.<br /><br />Yes Addai went down with a high ankle injury, and he did have a 35+ yard run but 100Yds for two backs is not bad.<br />The bottom line is that the Defense was ok at best, and the offense just could not find anything against the Colts secondary, nor could Palmer get away from Dwight Freeney.<br /><br />Freeney has 5.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles this season through 14 games. Freeney had 3 sacks and 3 forced fumbles last night against the Bengals alone. Genetic Freak? I think so. Was there not a warning to the Bengals let alone the NFL saying 'do not wake the sleeping beast.' I think he is awake now and ready to take on the rest of the AFC and on to SBXLI.<br /><br />The Bengals are left facing Denver and Pittsburgh. Palmer and the Bengals definitely need 1 win but they have all the tools to win both games. The hardest of these games is against Denver as they are in the mile high city. Both teams are 8-6 and trying to hold onto a wild card spot in the AFC. If Cincinnati loses both of these games they become 8-8 and the mathematicians have their field day deciding who gets the wild card spots in the AFC.<br /><br />There was a quesiton mark with Palmer at the beginning of the season with him coming off his knee surgery. But what happened to Chad Johnson and Houshmenzadeh? Not as dominate as they were a season ago. And there is a hole in the defense that is noticeable to the upper tier quarterbacks in the NFL.<br /><br />Is it time to panic in Bengals land? Are they back to being the Bungals? Just look at them as being the New England Patriots. Always around and always ready to fight in the games they need to win.<br /></span></span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132286909411309243.post-65033758234683680872006-12-18T18:31:00.000-05:002006-12-18T19:37:20.793-05:00V-Dub Signing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyK1-tg-BsD1rvSOneQj4LILqHUaseD9R60pFiEY8OBG_PitelX-ViqDuOaMcXiCMgebSjjHlYASB5uJJ9WXGKtl6aQw2ONjauLr4U5GYwTugcyXn4B4xa66q1kph0TLxWhUqb9dIXMI/s1600-h/Jays_Wells_Baseball.sff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyK1-tg-BsD1rvSOneQj4LILqHUaseD9R60pFiEY8OBG_PitelX-ViqDuOaMcXiCMgebSjjHlYASB5uJJ9WXGKtl6aQw2ONjauLr4U5GYwTugcyXn4B4xa66q1kph0TLxWhUqb9dIXMI/s320/Jays_Wells_Baseball.sff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5010018513068507538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Welcome to the Inaugural Blog...</span><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Why not have a blog? Everyone else has one, and why should Jack Jock be any different? Jack Jock has the privilege to put his thoughts on a website just like Joe Schmuck from Lower Left Ankle, Saskatchewan. So on with the blog...</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Vernon Wells officially signs</span></span></span></span><span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> his contract today, making him the 6th richest man in Major League Baseball today... even though his new contract does not take effect until the 2008 season, and V-Dub makes his fortune beginning in 2010. SO let the hate mail begin funneling through.... Why hate mail, because everyone will claim that no man is worth this amount of money. Not to mention that the Jays STILL need a 3rd or a 4th spot starter (Depending on your thoughts of Gustavo Chacin). Interesting thought. V-Dubs, best season is undoubtedly 2003, he hit .317 with 33HR, and 117RBI. In his 5 years being with the big club in Toronto, he has a .287AVG, 28HR and 97RBI, not to mention that he is also a great doubles hitter. 200 of 933 career hits are two baggers alone. If your wondering Lyle Overbay is still the two bagger machine of the Blue Jays (Interesting choice of words).<br /><br />If the Blue Jays did not resign this man then what were they going to do? Did they increase their 2007 payroll by signing V-Dub? No. Were they able to back load the contract so they have flexibility? Yes. Did the Jays get the pitcher they needed? No. Are they a better team by signing Wells? Maybe. Was this signing necessary? Yes.<span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />For years I have been saying press the eject button on the J.P. Riccardi era in Toronto. But I have to applaud him for this signing. He was able to get accomplished what needed to be done not only for the team to win, but to keep the fans happy.<br />How many games would you attend this year if Vernon Wells was not in the lineup? or would you only attend when the Texas Rangers came to town with signs reading "THANK YOU VERNON!" The more fans that come out to the games, the more 'spirit' that the fans display, the more money that is given back to Ted Rogers, the more money the Blue Jays will have to put back into the payroll. Don't think that it will not happen. Rogers lost Millions last year in what was the best gate receipts total since the 1998 season. Despite losing this money, Rogers increases the payroll. We do not know to what amount. but by the signings already taken place, it is between $8-15 Million. Pretty good raise for a 2nd place team.<br /><br />The one thing about this is that I think this is the first MLB player that I can respect. Vernon said it himself, He went to the Jays with this $ figure. The Lee deal was inked, Soriano said goodbye to the Nationals, and yet V-Dubs figure did not go up. He is loyal. He gave the Blue Jays the benefit of the doubt. And the Blue Jays said 'Thank you, here is your contract."<br /><br />The Jays still need a pitcher and they have some 'wiggle' room, as J.P. likes to say, to accomplish this feat. You never know if Josh Towers will bounce back and have a 11-10 season, or if Taubenheim, Janssen, or Marcum will break through and have a 8-12 or a 10-10 (wishful thinking) season. If Towers and an extra would have been able to reach that this year, can you say Wild Card? But thems the breaks. And you can only look forward, not backwards. upwards not downwards, and always twirling twirling twirling towards freedom... somehow that doesn't fully apply.<br /><br />The bottom line of the Wells signing is this, there is a greater chance for a winning team, a winning city, and Fans who love to go to the Rogers Centre to watch V-Dub, Doc, Ryan, Burnett, Overbay, Glaus, Rios and the host of others. And the more winning can lead to more players waiving a No-Trade clause to come to Toronto, or attract the next big Free-Agent to this great city. That itself is worth the price tag of Vernon Wells.<br /><br /></span> </span></span></span></span></span>Jack Jockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378178203995699108noreply@blogger.com2