THE FIRST T.O. SPORTS MAILBAG OF 2009
January 18, 2009
By English Paul…
As we get ready for Championship Sunday in the NFL, it reminded of a comment often made by experts about no one ever remembering the losers. I beg to differ. I think everyone remembers the Buffalo Bills and their four straight Super Bowl losses.
Anyway, I realised the other day that it’s been a while since I did a Mailbag. I thought I should rectify this problem immediately. Without further delay, let’s dive straight in.
Q: As we enter the New Year, what disappointed you most in 2008?
EP: The Argonauts 4-14 season; the Raptors lack-lustre showing in the playoff series loss to Orlando; the Blue Jays yet again failing to live up to pre-season expectations; the NFL regular season game at the Rogers Centre; my first live hockey game experience at the home opener for the Leafs against the Canadians; Brett Favre’s retirement fiasco; Jorge Garbajosa having his contract bought out; Sam Mitchell being fired. I could go on all day.
The main one for me though was the Denver Broncos missing out on the playoffs after screwing up a three game division lead at the end of the regular season. However, that may just be because it’s the freshest one in my mind.
Q: What do you think of Matt Cassel being given the ‘franchise tag’ for New England? Is it warranted? Well, aside from him being ridiculously good looking…….this IS a sports mailbag after all.
EP: How wrong can someone be?! There’s no way Cassel is better looking than Tom Brady! Hold on….no, we’re not doing this! Take your hormones somewhere else.
In all honesty, it’s a good move if the Pat’s franchise Cassel. We all saw what he can do this season. If it wasn’t for all of those injuries, New England would have challenged for the top seed in the AFC.
The rumours are that Brady’s behind schedule recovering from his knee injury. Don’t get me wrong, $14 million (the estimated figure) for Cassel, would be a lot of money, but a necessary evil. The salary cap is expected to be around $123 million next season and Brady’s salary is approximately $15 million. This still leaves $94 million for the rest of the squad.
If Brady looks ready for the 2009 season-opener, then the Patriots can attempt to off-load Cassel. However, this is where the risk factor comes in. If a player’s assigned the franchise tag, other teams can still sign them, but it would cost them two first round draft picks. I can’t see many teams doing this. Overall though, I still think it makes sense to keep hold of Cassel, for now.
Q. What do you think about Matt Sundin resurfacing in Vancouver? Is this his last year?
EP. Ah yes, Matt Sundin, the hockey version of Brett Favre. About the only people more annoying than these two are Charlie and Claire from Lost. (We’re halfway through season three and perhaps a little bit too excited that Desmond keeps having premonitions of Charlie’s impending death.) To be fair, the media is also partly to blame for talking about Sundin and Favre virtually every day during the off-season.
Last season, Sundin rejected the chance to be traded to a contender when it was clear that Toronto wouldn’t make the playoffs. This was because if he was going to win a Stanley Cup with someone, he wanted to be with that team for the entire season.
Also, Sundin originally turned down a two year $20 million deal from Vancouver but then accepted a one year $8.6 million deal ($5 million when pro-rated over the season.) Given that the original offer would have made Sundin the highest paid player in the league, we can safely say that money was not his motivation.
Given all of the above, I think Sundin was edging towards retirement, but wasn’t totally sure. Somewhere along the line he had a change of heart, hence why he signed for the Canucks. Any decision on whether this is his last season or not will be influenced by if he finally wins that elusive championship.
Q. Is Joe Flacco the real deal? Who is this guy?!?!
EP. No doubt about it, Joe Flacco’s had a good season. What he’s done is impressive, becoming the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to start 2-0 in the playoffs. It helps that he’s on a team that’s renowned for relying on their running game and defence to win games. The quarterback’s job on the Baltimore team is to not lose the game; 12 interceptions in 16 regular season games fits’ the bill perfectly.
In fact, consider his two playoff games as further proof. Flacco’s only completed 44 percent of his passes, but has not thrown any interceptions, lost any fumbles or been sacked. Anyone you speak to within the Raven’s organisation talks about his coolness under pressure, no matter how big the game.
I actually think Matt Ryan of Atlanta is better and has more upside, but this is no knock on Flacco. He has a long, successful career ahead of him as long as he doesn’t get injured. It will obviously help if he continues to have an imposing defence to assist him.
Q. What’s your take on the Darius Miles situation with the Memphis Grizzlies?
EP. There’s a lot of things I don’t like about this situation.
For those of you who don’t know, the Trial Blazers asked for an independent doctor to examine Darius Miles knee injury last year, to decide if he would be able to play again. The doctor decided that the injury was serious enough to be considered career ending, so Portland released him.
However, the NBA rules state that whereas a team can be given salary-cap relief for any career ending injuries to a player, that cap space is terminated if said player then participates in ten games the following season. Miles had played 6 pre-season games for the Boston Celtics and two for the Grizzlies, before they released him.
Now, after resigning for the Grizzlies on a 10-day contract, he’s played twice meaning it will cost Portland $18 million for this season, (and next) putting them over the luxury tax limit.
I actually think the Trail Blazers were gunning for the wrong people, originally threatening to sue any of the other 29 teams who signed and played Miles. Their beef should be with the NBA and the doctor who examined him.
If a team’s told by an independent medical professional that the player’s injury is career ending, what are they meant to do? What’s the point of holding onto a player who ‘apparently’ will never play again? Why should they be penalised for what is basically a doctor misunderestimating a players injury status. (Thank you George Bush.) And why are six meaningless pre-season matches counted towards the ten games needed?!
But the main criminal in this whole ugly episode is whoever gave Miles the option to sign for another team if he was offered a contract!
Q. What do you think about the Jays conserving cash and letting youth fill out the roster?
EP. To be fair, their hand has been forced a bit. Anything the Blue Jays do is affected by the recession, the low exchange rate of the Canadian dollar against its American counterpart and the loss of sponsorship. Combine these things together and it’s no surprise that Toronto’s being careful with how much money they spend.
I find it amusing and at the same time frustrating that people within the organisation have changed they’re mentality. In previous seasons, J.P. Riccardi was saying ‘this is the year we will contend’ whereas now, the approach is ‘2009 will be a tough season, but watch us go in 2010.’ We don’t even have the chance to get excited about the upcoming season anymore. Brilliant.
I’m going to remain positive though. We might actually be well placed to succeed next season. If things go as planned, the recession will be over, freeing up more money, the younger players will have gained some much needed experience and Shaun Marcum should be recovered and back in the starting rotation.
Q: Do you think Ricky Williams really gave up pot? Or did he just find better shit that can’t be detected by the league’s ‘‘drug’’ tests?
EP: Sorry, I can’t help you there. I’m typing this answer at two o’clock in the morning and the best thing I can hope for to help me is a can of Red Bull.
In any event, I don’t think Williams has given up pot for good. He’s just put his ‘recreational habits’ on hold for the time being. Which raises the question, ‘if he originally left the NFL to wander the earth and then came back, does this now mean he is on sabbatical from his sabbatical?’ How does that even work? Hmmm, I think it’s time I put myself and this column to bed.
Until next time.
Paul Taylor can be contacted on [email protected]
Ritters Power Rankings
January 18, 2009
by Mark Ritter… 
It’s been a while since my last installment (I know, that’s what she said, right?), some things have changed, some things remain the same, yes, the New York Islanders still Stink! The Pens are struggling, the Sabres are back in playoff contention, the Ottawa Senators are still lost, our beloved Maple Leafs are treading water and the Detroit Red Wings are making a move. Let’s take a long overdue look at the rankings….
1. Detroit Red Wings- It was just a matter of time before the Red Wings cemented themselves as the class of the NHL. Pavol Datsyuk has established himself as one of the best all-round players in the League and the team is 8-0-1-1 in their past ten.
2. San Jose Sharks- Could just as easily be the Boston Bruins here, but I still believe the Sharks are a killer team. The Sharks had their first regulation time loss this week since February 14th 2008! That’s a heck of a streak, no?
3. Boston Bruins- 8-2-0 in the past ten games, 2nd overall in goals for, 1st overall in goals against, kinda makes you wonder how I can rank Detroit and San Jose 1/2, huh? No matter, the Bruins are awesome, here’s hoping Carey Price stays injured until after the All-Star game, Tim Thomas deserves the start.
4. Calgary Flames- Finally seem to have their “Moxy” back. The Flames are hitting, intimidating and finishing, something they didn’t do early on in the season. The hottest team in the NHL with a record of 9-1-0-0 in the past ten matches.
5. Washington Capitals- Spanked the Pittsburgh Penguins the other night, have a record of 7-3-0-0- in their past ten and Alexander Ovechkin is hot leading the League in goals scored.
6. Montreal Canadiens- Les Canadiens are back, at 8-2-0-0 in the past ten match-ups and with rumors swirling around about Vincent Lecavalier coming to town, things are looking good in Montreal.
7. Chicago Blackhawks- Still Rock’in out with their Hawks out, Chicago has rediscovered the passion for hockey and it shows in the passion these players compete with every night. Only 5-4-1-0 in the past ten, still a tough team to beat.
8. New York Rangers- Man, this team just won’t go away. The Rangers are 5-3-1-1- in the past ten, they are consistently mediocre, yet somehow seem to make the top ten every week. Good on ya Rangers!
9. Philadelphia Flyers- 4-4-0-2 in the past ten games, still struggling at times in the nets, but they have enough talent to get them back on track. Look for Philly to put their noses into some of the early trade rumors, they are a deep organization that can put together great packages for teams looking to unload talent.
10. New Jersey Devils- I liked the Shanahan move, but, as in the case of Mats Sundin, don’t expect him to play a significant part in the next 3-4 weeks. I expect Shanny to fill a small roll on the second power play unit and see about 12-15 minutes a game. That said, his leadership qualities will be appreciated.
11. Phoenix Coyotes- Holding their own, which is a testament to their character, especially amongst all those financial concerns. Blew out Vancouver last night 4-1, looked good doing it too! Wayne Gretzky has done a decent job keeping this team focused, perhaps I was wrong about his coaching abilities. Then again, ask yourself this, if Gretzky was fired, would you want him coaching your team?
12. Buffalo Sabres- I hate this team, hate the city, have nothing good to say about anything Buffalo, they beat the lowly Dallas Stars last night, they are lucky to be above .500.
13. Anaheim Ducks- When is this team going to go on a run? 4-4-1-1 in the past ten games, this team is better than that, but just aren’t playing with passion. They need a shake up and soon.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets- Lost to New Jersey last night, but this team is playing with passion and some great goaltending too. Steve Mason gets my vote as rookie of the year, he is the franchise, it’s not Nash’s team anymore. I know I ranked them ahead of the Penguino’s and Minnesota Wild, but this team is playing better than either of those teams, thus they get the better ranking this week.
15. Vancouver Canucks- Mats Sundin has done little thus far, but he will, Sundin is an All-Star talent, he’s just six months behind everyone right now. Roberto Luongo is back, so look for the Canucks to play with more confidence in the coming weeks.
16. Minnesota Wild- 5-4-0-1 in the past ten, but not exactly scaring anyone in the League right now., second overall in goals against, mediocre offense is killing this team.
17. Florida Panthers- 5-3-0-2 in the past ten, this team has come out of nowhere and now sits just one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 8th and final playoff spot.
18. Pittsburgh Penguins- This team needs a shake up, could Pat Quinn be the one to do it? Look, there is way too much talent on this roster to be 3-7-0-0 in the past ten games, a trade will do little to change the makeup of the team, a coaching change would be dynamic. Make the move, you won’t regret it…
19. Dallas Stars- Have played way better since Sean Avery left. Their slow start is a killer, but they still have an outside chance at the playoffs. Stay tuned…
20. Carolina Hurricanes- Seem to be playing better with Paul Maurice behind the bench, still, when you lose to the struggling Maple Leafs you know your team needs work.
21. Colorado Avalanche- Still don’t think this team is going anywhere with the goalies they have. A rebuild is not out of the question, but most of the struggles can be attributed to the many injuries they have endured.
22. Edmonton Oilers- A big disappointment when you factor in all the pre-season props this team received. 5-5-0-0 in the past ten matches, mediocre is what you get with the Oilers.
23. Tampa Bay Lightening- I cannot believe this team does so little with so much talent. Financial woes, Vincent Lecavalier rumors, possible in-fighting and a lack of direction are all contributing factors to the failures of this team. That said, they are 5-4-0-1 in the past ten, not bad all things considered. A big move may make a ton of sense for this club, look for Lecavalier to be gone, look for others to follow, the Lightening are about to go “All-in” on the John Tavares sweepstakes.
24. Nashville Predators- Goaltender Pekka Rinne has been great, it’s the rest of the team that has been bad. Ex-Leaf Steve Sullivan returned this week, good luck to you Stevie, welcome back little man….
25. Los Angeles Kings- Maybe the best of the worst team in the league, the future looks bright, the present, not so good.
26. Ottawa Senators- Lot’s of trouble brewing here (See my article on this site), but showing some signs of life.
27. St. Louis Blues- 4-6-0-0 in the past ten match-ups, not good, and it ain’t about to get better anytime soon.
28. Toronto Maple Leafs- despite a win against their former Coach Paul Maurice, all is not well with this club. It’s all good though, the more they lose the better off this club will be in three years. Bring on the losses!
29. Atlanta Thrashers- Gave Ilya Kovalchuk, and called the franchise “Ilya’s team”, how embarrassed do you think Kovalchuk is about the Thrashers being “His team”???
30. New York Islanders- Expansion teams would destroy this club on most nights, the Islanders are horrible, so is the future of this franchise. Think they regret not taking Luke Schenn???
Until next time,
Peace!
Toronto Raptors Midseason Review: Part One
January 18, 2009
by Brett Fulmore…
For all intents and purposes, Chris Bosh has done his part this season. He started out the campaign in dominant fashion, even finding himself perched near the top of the MVP totem pole after the first few weeks of the year.
But shortly after announcing that he was, in fact, gunning for the award, CB4 came back down to earth and the Dinos began their slide towards the cellar.
Besides that one slip-up, however, Bosh has been the Raptors’ best player so far this season, not too mention the team’s most consistent performer, and it’s not even close in either category. He still has his shortcomings—mainly a reliance on his jumper at times and struggles on the defensive end—but there’s no questioning Bosh’s place among the elite power forwards of the league. Now he just needs some more help.
Grade: A
If Jamario Moon is your starting small forward, you are not a good team.
I haven’t figured out if starting Moon is what officially takes you to bad team status, or it’s the other way around and only the most terrible of squads would even consider it.
It’s kind of like the chicken and the egg argument, but believe me when I say, If Jamario Moon is your starting small forward, you are not a good team.
Moon has actually played better since a putrid start by getting back to some of the things that let him stick around last year in the first place (rebounding, hustle plays, blocking shots), but watching him hoist three-pointers with 16 seconds left on the shot clock is starting to give me an ulcer.
Hey Jamario, there’s a reason that there’s no one within 10 feet of you when you are jacking up those shots—they know you won’t make it. Seriously, next time you are watching a Raps game, check out what Moon’s man will do who when he rises up for a three.
He runs directly to the front of the rim with an “I can’t believe he shot another one” look on his face.
I believe there’s a place in the league for guys like Moon, but not in the starting lineup of a team who has serious playoff aspirations.
Grade: C
Jake Voshkul
A late addition the Raps, Voshkul is already closing in on Primoz Brezec’s record for “Most over-excited towel waves by a heavy-footed white center who never leaves the bench” award. He’s only been on the team for two weeks!
In all seriousness, Voshkul is one of the only Raptors who seems to give a crap on a night to night basis, which is equally depressing and exciting, since it’s a tell-tale sign that we’ll end up with more ping pong balls than your Aunt Mertle’s bingo game.
Grade: B
Jose Calderon
One point that we heard a lot of in this past summer’s “Ford versus Calderon” debate was that Jose would end up being a much more durable player because of T.J’s constant battle with injuries.
As we approach the midway point of the season, Calderon has missed nearly a quarter of the Raptor’s games with a sore hamstring, and has actually played in less contests than Ford has in Indiana.
I understand we’re looking at a small sample size, but it’s worth mentioning.
Is Calderon built to log 40 minutes per game?
His defensive deficiencies were definitely exposed as his playing time grew, as I can’t count how many times I’ve seen Calderon’s man end up at the rim for an uncontested layup while Jose wanders around the upper concourse of the arena.
His gifts on the offensive end have been well-documented, with his 8.5 assists per game ranking him fourth in the association, but there are way too many nights when Calderon’s contribution on one end is completely washed out by his performance on the opposite side of the court.
Grade: C+
Jermaine O’Neal
For me, Jermaine O’Neal has been the biggest disappointment at the midway point of the year.