The T.O.SPORTS Mailbag - Is The World Baseball Classic All Hype But No Substance?
January 30, 2009
By English Paul…
Hey, its time for another mailbag. Any questions you have, I’ll answer them.
Q: Do you think the World Baseball Classic has any chance of becoming a huge success? I really don’t like tournaments like this, because they just come across as another all star game. Lots of hype, but no substance, especially with the rules they use in the first round.
- Tom, Scarborough
EP: There’s nothing like national pride and the World Baseball classic fit’s the bill. Look at the World Cup. Let’s say you support Newcastle you pretty much know you won’t win the Premiership. However, the World Cup offers another team to support. The passion that naturally comes from following a team on an international level (think the Olympics) adds something special to the occasion. That’s why I think the competition has a chance to become a huge success, but it will take time.
Having said that, the rules need to change. The double-elimination format, new for this tournament, has to go. They should return to the set-up for 2006. Four groups of four teams for the first round, with everyone playing the rest of they’re division once. The winners and the four teams with the next best records would qualify, with a lottery draw deciding who plays who in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. This might also pacify the MLB managers, who are fretting about the extra games their players are competing in. The most any team would play is six.
Q: I’d love to see one of the Winter Classic games played in Canada. However, I read somewhere that this isn’t likely to happen anytime soon. Why?
- Danielle, Brampton
EP: For me, it’s a couple of reasons. First, the NHL is still trying to gain more interest in America. The winter classic is key to this. In the NHL’s mind, the game’s big enough in Canada, who already have their own tradition with Hockey Night in Canada.
Second, the game is televised on NBC, an American network. There would be a major problem with ratings and advertising deals if a Winter Classic game was played in Canada.
Q. Of late, expansion in all of the major sports leagues has been quiet. Is the expansion era over?
- Kyle, Toronto
EP. Not necessarily, but it will be interesting to see which direction is taken in the near future.
For example, the MLB should do something about its current set-up, with 14 teams in the American League and 16 in the National League. They can either move one team over to the AL or add two franchises. Also, it’s no secret the NFL would love to have a team back in Los Angeles again, because of the huge TV market out there.
My personal favourite for a new team, no matter the league, would be Las Vegas. Forget Denver’s high-altitude, you’d have the ultimate home-field advantage in Las Vegas.
The opposition would be beaten before they even stepped onto the field after a night of drunken debauchery. And don’t think the head coaches will be enforcing a curfew the night before a game. We all know Norv Turner will be playing blackjack using the following days game plan for collateral, while Andy Reid props up the bar and George Karl pays for yet another lap-dance. Yep, it’s gonna get messy if it ever happens.
Right, I’ve just seen a missed call from my lawyer. I better go and see what he wants.
Paul Taylor can be contacted on [email protected]
BATLEY COMES TO TORONTO
January 30, 2009
A slow start led to the firing of Glenn Clark. At least that’s what we’re being told. Clark coached, “a crackerjack team,” one that was unpredictable on any given night. And, while he may have been the scapegoat for the Toronto Rock’s slow start, the onus is on incoming head coach Jamie Batley to get this team out of neutral.
Batley comes to Toronto from Peterborough by way of Chicago. In fact, had the Chicago Shamrox not folded in the offseason this kind of opportunity would never have happened.
Just what does Batley bring to the table that Clark didn’t. For one, overall coaching experience. Clark was a player with the Rock during their glory years and made the transition to coach almost immediately after retirement.
Batley was the coach for the Colorado Mammoth for three years, posting a winning record and guiding the team to three consecutive playoff appearances. After leaving Colorado he became the first and only coach of the Chicago Shamrox, they finished a game behind the Rock in their only season.
But aside from the NLL credentials Batley has had success in the summer as well. He guided three Peterborough Laker teams to Mann Cup titles, and four consecutive Mann Cup appearances. He restored lacrosse glory to a city that had not seen a title in nearly 20 years. He brought in some of the games best talents to do so as well. Goalie Pat O’Toole forwards John Grant Jr. and Tracey Kelusky.
The team Batley inherits is also full of familiar faces. Josh Wasson plays his summers in Peterborough. While Cam Woods, Blaine Manning and Jon Harasym play for the Brampton Excelsiors in the summer. The past five Major Series Lacrosse finals have featured Brampton and Peterborough, so there is some familiarity there.
In fact, the Rock picked up some of Batley’s former players, from the Shamrox, in the dispersal draft that followed Chicago’s fold. One was Wasson but the other was Bill McGlone.
Knowing players and having a winning history are the keys that make Batley the right choice for the Rock’s head coach. The question is why wasn’t this done sooner. Clark did not succeed as head coach last year, and with someone with Batley resume. To fire Clark three games into the season is losing those games.
Winter Wonderland
January 30, 2009
Is it cold enough for you yet? Here we are in just another chilling winter in Toronto. And while it may be easy for most of us to just stay inside our warm, cozy houses/apartments, there are a ton of sports that you have to take advantage of while you still can.
With the amount of snow this country has been getting, it’s been a god-sent for Ski and Snowboarding companies. Skiing or Snowboarding are two exhilarating ways of exercising this winter season.
If you haven’t tried either before, you’re not alone. Many ski/snowboard resorts are located north of the city. But if you’re willing to make the trip it’s an experience you won’t forget.
The first thing you want to do is make sure you’re dressed properly. Going down the slopes in the cold weather will make your eyes tear up so bringing sunglasses or goggles help increase visibility. Try to stay away from jeans unless you want to feel soaked afterward.
Whether you choose to ski or snowboard, both require some form of training. Before hitting the slopes take a quick lesson to learn the basics. From my experience, skiing is the easier of the two as the individual is positioned straight ahead rather than on the side. Once the training session is over, start on the bunny hills (beginner hills).
Turns are extremely important in both sports. I used to think the best way to ski was to just ride down a hill straight ahead. Not only is this unsafe, but it is almost impossible to do depending on the steepness of the hill. The key to safe skiing and snowboarding is to effectively turn from side to side in order to maintain a constant speed. A great way to practice turns when you’re not on the slopes is to practice turns on a skating rink. The fundamentals are similar even though the downhill aspect isn’t there.
For the tamer individual, cross-country skiing can be an excellent source of exercise as well. Of course, the process is a lot more arduous as the sport is one of the most difficult in the world. If you want to really take on a challenge, skiing cross-country exercises almost all the muscles in the body. The use of both hands and legs are extremely important because the muscles in those body parts are where all your momentum comes from.
Don’t let the cold keep you from getting out there and doing something new. For more information on skiing and snowboarding, check out www.skicanada.org. Or just check our Sports Directory for a slope near you.
Rookie Review - GRABOVSKI MAKES TOP TEN NHL ROOKIE LIST!
January 30, 2009
by Mark Ritter…
Each season we patiently wait to see which rookies will stand out from the flock, this season is no different. The early favorites to win rookie of the year were Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightening and Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings. Stamkos has had all kinds of trouble adjusting to the NHL game, albeit on a surprisingly average team; Doughty on the other hand has established himself as one of the best rookies in the game and an indispensable piece of the Kings present and future. Let’s take a look at the top ten rookies at this seasons half way mark.
10. Mikhail Grabovski (Right Winger)- The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired this skilled right winger over the summer from the Montreal Canadiens; he has shown glimpses of brilliance, but has been somewhat inconsistent. His 12 goals and 12 assists put him in the middle of the pack point wise, his skill around the net and his skating abilities makes him a key player for the Leafs future.
9. Matt Hunwick (Defenseman)- The Boston Bruins are having a heck of a season, Hunwick ( I know- who the hell is Matt Hunwick???), while not the main piece of the puzzle, has come in and added much needed presence and stability on the Bruins blueline. Hunwick has played in 34 games, netting 3 goals and 12 assists, add to that his impressive plus/minus of +13 and the Bruins have themselves a great player going forward.
8. Derrick Brassard (Center)- The Columbus Blue Jackets have been waiting for a player to come up and take some of the pressure off of Rick Nash, Brassard has answered the call. Brassard has netted 10 goals and added a very respectable 15 assists, he also has a plus/minus rating of +12, proving he is a dependable player at both ends of the ice.
7. Patrick Berglund (Center)- The St. Louis Blues were thinking of making a run at a playoff spot this year, injuries and poor results have made them into frontrunners in the John Tavares sweepstakes. As a result of all the injuries rookie Center Patrick Berglund has been given a chance to shine, so far he hasn’t disappointed. With a rookie leading 14 goals, 16 assists and a plus/minus rating of +14, Berglund has established himself as one of the best rookies of the season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make the top five by the end of the season, Berglund is the real deal.
6. Alex Goligoski (Defenseman)- The Pittsburgh Penguins were handcuffed at the beginning of the season with serious injuries to Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney, thankfully, Goligoski has stepped in and has looked great in their absence. Defense is one of the most difficult positions for a rookie to play, Goligoski has shown immediately that he belongs. With 6 goals (4 of which have come on the power play) and 13 assists, Goligoski has established himself as a top 4 D-Man on this team, his plus/minus rating of +7 is nothing to sneeze at either.
5. Bobby Ryan (Right Winger)- The Anaheim Ducks had a quick look at Ryan last season, but not enough for him to lose his rookie status. Ryan has established himself as an essential player for the Ducks, Ryan is currently tied for the League lead in rookie goal scoring with 14 goals, he also has 15 assists and a very respectable plus/minus rating of +11. Ryan is an early favorite to represent Team Canada in the 2010 Olympics, proving that Ryan’s future looks as bright as his present. Ryan is as talented as they come, a definite consideration for rookie of the year.
4. Kris Versteeg (Left Winger)- The Chicago Blackhawks had lofty goals of making the playoffs this season, while Sophomore players Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews have all played major roles in making the Blackhawks not only a playoff team, also contenders, Versteeg has established himself as a valued teammate and huge second line threat. Versteeg has 13 goals and 23 assists for a total of 36 points, he also sports a tidy plus/minus rating of +16. Not only does Versteeg have good hands, he is also a decent physical presence, something the Hawks needed. Versteeg will be a major piece of the Blackhawks future success, perhaps even the rookie of the year???
3. Blake Wheeler (Left Winger)- Now to the top three, the reality is these three all have a shot at the Calder Trophy as the Leagues best rookie, but someone has to be here, so I picked Wheeler…..Do you think the Phoenix Coyotes regret not being able to ink this kid to a deal? You bet your Arse they do! Wheeler has been a monster for the Boston Bruins, he brings it every night, has great hands and is ranked third overall in the League, yes “League”, with a plus/minus rating of +26, the two ahead of him? None other than teammates Marc Savard and Denis Wideman (Ranked #1 and #2 respectively). Oh, did I forget Wheeler’s offensive prowess? Not a chance! Wheeler has 13 goals and 16 assists, more than respectable, ranking him 4th overall amongst rookies. Remember it’s a player’s whole game that matters, not just the points, clearly Wheeler is in a class all his own. Rookie of the year is within his grasp, but the competition is tough…
2. Drew Doughty (Defenseman)- The Los Angeles Kings knew they were getting a special player when they drafted Doughty, what they didn’t know is that he would dominate his position this early. Ok, so “Dominate” might be a little strong, but Doughty has established himself as the best young D-Man to come along in quite sometime, that said, when you are compared to a young Scott Neidermayer (A future Hall of Famer and Stanley Cup Champion) you know you are talented! Doughty has played extremely well this season at arguably the toughest position to learn in the NHL; his skating is beyond reproach and his instincts get better every game. Doughty has shown an ability to learn from his mistakes and displays leadership skills beyond his years. Doughty has netted 3 goals and 11 assists on a team most picked to finish at the bottom of the League. His plus/minus rating of -3 might look bad, but consider that he is on the ice against most teams number one line and you understand why he is definitely deserving of his #2 ranking here. Doughty averages 23:45 of ice time, for a rookie that’s phenomenal. Doughty is making the experts think twice about that Stamkos pick, he’ll make everyone think twice when they vote for rookie of the year too…
1. Steve Mason (Goaltender)- When starting goaltender Pascal LeClaire went down early in the season the Columbus Bluejackets thought their 2008/09 season would be all for not—-Not so fast Columbus! The Bluejackets called up Steve Mason to take LeClaire’s place, Mason hasn’t disappointed them one bit. The fact is, Mason has been the best goaltender in the League for about 6 weeks now. Mason has posted impressive numbers in the nets, his 17-11 record is impressive enough, especially when you consider where this team’s record was at when he first joined them, the fact that he leads the League in Goals Against Average (1.99), is ranked second overall in Save Percentage (9.29) and has a League leading 6 Shut Outs makes him my early favorite to take home the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie. Make no mistake about it, Mason is for real, he has stoned some tough competition with very little in the way of help in front of him. Ask yourself this, do the Bluejackets have a playoff spot if not for Mason? The answer is simple, NO Sir, I don’t think so!
There you have it, my top rookies in the first half of the season. Got your own list? Disagree with my list? Want to share your thoughts? Feel free to put your comments and top ten list in the comment section.
Until next time,
Peace!
Extinction of the Raptors Season
January 30, 2009
The Raptors currently sit in the cellar of the Atlantic division behind the New York Knicks, and with the season half over, Toronto is one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. For a team that only one year ago seemed to be on the rise with expectations of being a threat in the East, the Raps are on the verge of hitting rock bottom and even after firing last years coach of the year, Sam Mitchell, the team that once showed the promise of possible greatness has not been able to propel themselves from their gargantuan downward spiral.
In the off season it was thought the Colangelo era was finally about to come into its own and mirror the successes of his past stint with the Phoenix Suns. After the blockbuster trade which saw the departure of TJ Ford and the team’s 1st round draft pick, Georgetown big-man Roy Hibbert for The Indiana Pacers Jermaine O’Neal to add a much needed boost in the front court, this was going to be the Raptors year. In theory the deal would have helped alleviate double team coverage from superstar Chris Bosh and take some of the pressure off former No. 1 draft pick Andrea Bargnani. But often times things look much better on paper then they do when actually put into application, as the Raptors dreams of franchise greatness has not quite come into fruition. There was an assumption after the summer’s trade, the team was getting a seven time all-star in O’Neal, but in reality that dominant player no longer exists. O’Neal has clearly lost a jump in his step and is clearly not the on-court threat he once was. Instead the only thing the injury prone player has showed fans are his bad left knee and inflated $44 million contract (which he will receive over the course of two seasons). Recently there has been speculation that O’Neal has become trade bait for Miami Heats Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks. But is “The Matrix” really the answer to the Raptors mounting problems?
The teams record is a clear indication that one player might not be the answer. Toronto only has 6 back-to-back wins all season, and has only won three-in-row once. Poor offensive execution, defensive lapses and turnovers have been clear indications that there is more than one piece missing from the puzzle.
It has recently been proven the secret to success in the NBA is depth in the starting rotation and strong contributions from an active bench (unless you have LeBron James). Just look at the rosters for the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, LA Lakers and even the Detroit Pistons who all have depth across their 15 man teams.
After a 7 game losing streak, the teams longest of the season, The Raptors mediocre rotation has proven they cannot overcome even the slightest of injuries to the team’s roster. Apart from The Raptors only real assets, all-star Chris Bosh along with the rising talents of Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani the team is left with virtually nothing!
The Raptors roster is full of bench players like Kris Humpries, Joey Graham and Jamario Moon who are expected to contribute both offensively and defensively without the talent or ability to do so. To make matters worse, actual bench players like Anthony Parker and Jason Kapono have been thrust into starting line-up under the distorted illusion that they can put up big numbers to support Bosh.
This is clearly a team that is on trouble and in need of cleaning house. The only problem is that apart from the teams apparent “Big-Three” (Bosh, Calderon and Bargnani) and possibly Jason Kapono, Toronto does not have anyone to trade that other teams around the league would actually want.
Much like Vince Carter, the Raptors seem to have a history of letting quality players walk for virtually nothing. Over the years the teams has given up on all-stars like Chauncey Billups, Marcus Camby and Tracy MacGrady, and recently has parted with the talents of the runner up for rookie of the year in Charlie Villenueva, the always reliable Morris Petterson and Jorge Garajosa.
Unless the Raptors can repeat their 2006-07 turnaround performance, their season is over. And with the summer of 2010 around the bend, the team will have to look for a legendary draft this off-season and GM Bryan Colangelo to act like a magician and pull a miraculous trade out of his ass. The only likely alternative is that Chris Bosh will walk, the weathered Jermaine O’Neal will be off the books and the team can completely start all over AGAIN.
Matty is not a coaster!
January 30, 2009
I have a laminated Matt Leinart rookie card. I didn’t pay to have it laminated; it came that way as a bonus item in a pack of NFL football cards. On many occasions my boyfriend has placed his beer on top of the card mistaking it for a coaster. This leads us to have the same exchange each time:
Me: Matty is not a coaster!
Him: Jeez, sorry. It’s just Matt Leinart.
Me: I don’t blow my nose with your Leafs towel!
Keeping the laminated card out in the open is a bit weird and a 27 year old woman having football cards in the first place is even weirder but I feel that when the card was made Leinart was the it quarterback (and um he is like sooooo dreamy). He may be the only professional athlete I esteem without taking his quarterback rating or athletic abilities into consideration. Let’s face it, he’s a pretty face but he spent the 2008 NFL season on the bench with the clipboard and a headset watching as Kurt Warner lead his team, the Arizona Cardinals to their first Super Bowl…ever.
Figuratively Matt Leinart has become the Arizona Cardinals coaster. Touted as a top prospect in the 2006 NFL draft this former Heisman Trophy winner now backs up the thirty-seven year old Warner.
This is the same Matt Leinart who had his #11 jersey retired at USC upon his graduation. This is the same guy who took the Trojans to two national championships. Sure, it’s the same guy who was photographed sharing a beer bong with that dude who used to be married to Jessica Simpson and a bunch of underage co-eds but people change. After the incident Leinart wised up and grew up. He was promised the starting job only to have it stripped from him before the start of the ’08 season. A move that stunted his development but allowed Old Man River sorry, Kurt Warner to lead the Cardiac Cards to Super Bowl 43. At USC Leinart was 37-2 as a starter. Now Matt is the guy behind the guy. The guy who has to be ready at all times but knows he may not get to complete any passes to star receiver Larry Fitzgerald this year.
When Leinart finally gets to take the snaps he will be under a microscope, especially if Warner stomps all over the Steelers in Tampa Bay February 1st. He’ll suffer the plight of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers played decently, decently enough that had Brett Favre retired properly like he was supposed to, Rodgers would’ve silenced his critics.
For now Leinart must be patient as let the rest of the Cardinals put their beers on top of him and try very hard not to blow his nose on their Leafs towels.
The Raycrap Report : We Meet Again…
January 30, 2009
Dear Andrew Raycroft,
I must admit, I love that picture. It’s actually my new desktop background. It looks like you’ve been shot. If only I could be so lucky.
I kid, I kid. Calm down. I hate you, but that doesn’t mean I wish a drive-by shooting upon you. I’m not a psycho, man.
So, tonight, we finally meet again. I won’t lie; I’ve had this game circled on my calendar for some time.
As of this morning, I’m not sure if you’ll actually be between the pipes tonight. It would be a shame if you’re on the bench, but I wouldn’t be surprised. You don’t exactly come across as the most motivated cat, and that’s one of your biggest problems. If I were you, I’d be on my knees begging to play tonight. I’d be desperate to prove to Leafs management, and prove to fans just like me, that you are not an epic failure of a goalie.
You know, Andrew, I don’t hate many former Leafs. In fact, you’re probably the only one. And I’ve often wondered why.
I think, deep down, it goes back to the end of the 2006/2007 season. You were pulled from the final, most important, game of the regular season, and the Leafs ended up missing the playoffs. Yet you had the nerve to tell everyone you were happy with your season. Happy with your 2.99 GAA and .894 save percentage.
I’ve never forgiven you for that. I likely never will.
You’re a Belleville, Ontario boy, and were playing goal for the mother fucking Toronto Maple Leafs. You were living the dream. You should have taken it more seriously. You should have wanted it more. You should have been pissed off about missing the post-season.
You know, I feel a great sense of irony as I write this, because Vesa Toskala has turned into the goaltending equivalent of a dirty slut; he’s turned into you. His numbers, frightening as they are, are actually worse than yours from 06/07. He looks apathetic in the crease, and every bad goal that goes past him is, well, just another bad goal that goes past him. It pains me how much he reminds me of you.
I’ve lost a lot of faith in Vesa this season. I don’t think he’s the goalie I thought he was. But tonight isn’t about Vesa. It’s about you. The Leafs can lose every game the rest of the way out, but I’ll be happy as long as they win - as long as they beat you - tonight.
It’s not even about revenge. It’s about giving a damn. You never did. You bastard.
And my offer from weeks ago still stands: if you finish the season with better numbers than Toskala, that’s it, I’m done, I’ll never speak ill of you again.
You know, there haven’t been a lot of games to get up for so far in this difficult and trying season, but tonight’s one of them. I’ll be rooting for my Leafs like it’s a playoff game tonight.
Here’s hoping you’re in the crease, and that the red goal light behind you shatters from overuse. Good luck. May the shitty goalie who least resembles a slut with an open five-hole win.
Go to hell, eyebleaf
Takin’ a T/O With BT: Are We Starting To ‘See’ Steven Stamkos?
January 29, 2009
There were posters, there were bumper stickers, there were tube-tops and t-shirts, there were ads everywhere you could think of; There was even a website.
All of this was devoted to a man who, not only hadn’t played in a single NHL game yet, but was yet to sign his first NHL contract.
That is the life of a first overall draft pick in today’s NHL. That is what had become of Steve Stamkos.
Like any first overall draft pick and any team picking first overall, it was two very different tales and very different attitudes.
The Tampa Bay Lightning had fallen fast and fallen hard since the lockout. In 2003/04 the were Stanley Cup Champions for the first time, just twelve years after they entered the league. To put that in perspective only the Edmonton Oilers (Five years), Philadelphia Flyers (Seven years), and New York Islanders (eight years) had done it faster since the 1967 expansion.
Sidenote: For the purposes of that last stat we looked at franchises who didn’t relocate prior to winning the cup. Edmonton could be argued either way seeing as their first season in the NHL was 1979/80 but they had been an established franchise prior to that season in the WHA.
The Dallas Stars won a cup six seasons after moving from Minnesota while the Colorado Avalanche won during their first season in Denver. Calgary also won nine years after moving from Atlanta.
The season following the lockout (2005/06) the Lightning lost their division crown, finishing second in the Southeast Division to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Lightning also lost their opportunity to defend their crown early on, being dispatched by the Ottawa Senators in five games, and being outscored 23-13.
The following year the Lightning couldn’t capitalize on an off-year from the ‘Canes as Atlanta swept in and took the crown away from Tampa. While the Lightning did well to win two games against the stingy Devils, driven by the strong goaltending of Martin Brodeur, it was another early exit for the Lightning.
While many were disappointed with the Lightning’s post-lockout showing, few considered it grounds for the team to fall apart come 2007/08. The team had shortcomings (Second-most goals allowed amonst the top twelve teams in the East in 06/07) but many expected the Lightning to have a shot—especially under the leadership of Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards, and Martin St. Louis.
That wasn’t the case though.
By the end of 2007/08 the Lightning had put forth their worst season since 2001/02 with 71 points. The team barely had their head above water on home ice and seemed to hit a brick wall when they went on the road.
Amidst a year that saw the Lightning allow the second-most goals in the league (267) the house-cleaning had started mid-season. Brad Richards and Johan Holmqvist were sent packing in hopes that Mike Smith could be the goalie of the future, Jeff Halpern could offer some leadership through the tough times, and Jussi Jokinen could spark the offense.
Some hoped that the Lightning would turn into the next installment of the 2007/08 Philadelphia Flyers—the team that had gone from worst to first, rags to riches, and rotten to ritzy in just a few months.
The acquisition of Steve Stamkos cemented that hope for many.
Going into the draft there questions abound has to who the Lightning—after winning the NHL’s Draft Lottery—would select. The crop of quality young defensemen was overflowing with Drew Doughty, Luke Schenn, Zach Bogosian, Tyler Myers, and Alex Pietrangelo causing quite a stir, but some wondered if the spot amongst the ‘Big Three’ vacated by the Brad Richards trade had opened the door for a forward.
The aformentioned ‘Seen Stamkos’ campaign put all that to rest before the Lightning even took to the podium though, sending the ‘Bay into a frenzy over the much-hyped forward from the OHL.
The anticipation for Stamkos was buoyed by the success of recent First Overall choices: Patrick Kane was the OHL’s Rookie of the Year and runner-up for MVP (to John Tavares) award in 2006/07 and led the league in scoring with 145 points, one year later he won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie; the year before that it was the highly touted Erik Johnson of the St Louis Blues who amassed 33 points in 69 games in his first season, also in 2007/08.
The two years preceding those two? Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.
Needless to say, an OHL kid who was picked first overall following up a 58-goal, 100-point season? Failure wasn’t an option.
The Lightning did all they could from then on to stock the cupboard for Stamkos as well. Gary Roberts and Mark Recchi were brought in for their veteran presence and no-doubt Roberts’ stringent workout routine.
Adam Hall, Brandon Bochenski, and the suddenly-scoring Radim Vrbata were brought in to round out the roster as well, while Dan Boyle’s hefty contract, Brad Lukowich, Filip Kuba, and Alexandre Picard were shed from the roster.
As the curtain rose on the Lightning’s season and Stamkos’ career in the Czech Repulic against the New York Rangers, many expected a show that they waited for.
And waited…
And waited….
As was well-documented, Steven struggled early and often in the early stages of this season: His first point didn’t come until his eighth game, he only had four points in his first seventeen games, his ice-time was wavering back and forth under Head Coach Barry Melrose, and the 6′0, 170 lbs kid from Markham was simply getting dominated at every stop.
It was because of that though, that Head Coach Barry Melrose refused to increase Stamkos’ ice time, stating that he “wasn’t going to give a guy ice time just because he’s the number one pick”.
Many feel that it was because of that attitude that led to Melrose’s dismissal.
Following Melrose’s November 14th firing, the idea was things were going to get better and for a while, they did. Stamkos had three points in Rich Tocchet’s first three games behind the Lightning bench, but his ice-time was still floundering, sometimes lower than what Melrose had set for him.
Whatever it was, the streaks continued though: a three-game pointless streak here, a five-game pointless streak there, all of that provoked people to start whispering the ‘B’ word when Stamkos would come up in conversation.
Bust.
How exactly a kid becomes a “bust” in his first year I’ll never know—especially when some players are given four or five years to develop in the AHL and never turn into the promised player, but no one ever says that about them.
With everyone drooling over the NHL’s next biggest flop, Rich Tocchet did something bold:
He instituted a plan for Steven Stamkos.
Go figure. A plan to develop a number one overall pick. How novel.
Following that five-game pointless streak, Stamkos was benched for one game to gather his wits.
In his return? He got an assist in a 3-1 win over Drew Doughty and the Los Angeles Kings. The next game, a goal against the San Jose Sharks, followed by an assist in his next against the Philadelphia Flyers.
A game off and three games later, Steven Stamkos has finally started to produce with five points in his last six games and a plus-five rating.
Now that’s a little more like it.
As the Lightning begin the last few months of the season, the schedule’s getting a little heavier—starting tonight (January 29th) the Lightning have three sets of back-to-back games in the next month—and the games are going to get more meaningful as the Lightning look for a way to keep them out of the Eastern Conference basement for a second straight year.
But with the performance of Steven Stamkos steadily improving, one has to wonder if we’ve ’seen the real Stamkos yet’.
Maybe we have, and maybe we haven’t.
Just don’t count the kid out yet.
Inter Milan: Problems and Solutions
January 29, 2009
Inter Milan are lying first in the Serie A table, six points ahead of Juventus and eight points away from Milan. The Nerazzurri have made it to the knocking stage of the UEFA Champions League and face Manchester United in the second round.
However, Jose Mourinho has still not managed to improve Inter’s performances or results compared to last term. Yes, last season, Juve were not as good as they are this season, and Milan had a terrible record last year.
But Inter have not convinced at all so far. Mourinho brought Mancini from Roma and Ricardo Quaresma from Porto in order to play 4-3-3, a formation that worked perfectly well in the Portuguese manager’s reign as Chelsea manager.
The formation did not work out well, and Mourinho had to shift his tactics to a diamond 4-4-2 formation, a tactic that won him the double (Portuguese league and Champions League) at Porto.
However, Inter have not been able to perform up to the desired standard. They have won most of their games in the second half after awful displays.
Problems
1. The defense has been terrible, but the back four is not to blame. The midfield has been terrible in the absence of Patrick Vieira with Sulley Muntari unable to provide adequate cover for him and failing to live up to his hefty €16m price tag.
Until this day, Inter have conceded 15 goals in 21 matches.
2. The team does not seem to have a clear identity and strategy; Mourinho’s approach has not been successful in creating his own version of a convincing football side. The players seem lost, their passing is terrible, their positioning is random, and they do not seem to be following any clear instructions.
The whole team seems lost when Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not playing at his best, and the instructions are apparently “pass the ball to Ibra.”
3. There is no creativity whatsoever in midfield. The two strikers are playing in front of Dejan Stankovic, who is well past his peak. Luis Figo is 35, and Mancini has been a huge disappointment since he moved to the club from Roma in the summer.
4. The constant rotation policy that Mourinho has unwillingly adopted shows that the Portuguese tactician is yet to determine his best starting 11.
Solutions
1. Inter’s approach on the pitch should be more patient, and their passing should be better if they are to keep their momentum during matches. The best way to defend is by having quality possession on the ball.
2. Mourinho should look for solutions other than Ibrahimovic. The squad is good and should give the manager some alternatives, so he can change the set of his team around and add width with wingers at his disposal.
3. The transfer market can be a solution. The team needs creativity; a quality attacking midfielder is needed. Werder Bremen’s Diego can fill the void perfectly should Mourinho look to buy this month.
4. Mourinho should look to give confidence to his best 11. A starting line-up that does well in training with players that play well in matches should be given the nod on regular basis in order for them to adapt to the system altogether.
UFC 94: BJ Penn Vs GSP: Highway 58 Revisited
January 29, 2009
My Francophone countryman-Canadian Georges St. Pierre-will defend his UFC welterweight championship title this weekend against the UFC lightweight champion B.J.Penn at UFC 94.
This Mixed Martial Arts super-fight, which will be held at the luxurious MGM Grand Garden Arena is a rematch of the 170-pound bout won by the famous resident of Montreal, Quebec via split decision at UFC 58 in March 2006.
St.Pierre (17-2) is a two-time welterweight champion who regained his title at UFC 83 when he stopped Matt Serra, and avenged the previous loss between the two.
BJ Penn (14-4-1), who currently holds the 155-pound crown, is a former welterweight title-holder in his own right. The recent - war of words - between these two elite champions has drawn a fine line in the sand, and BJ Penn has defiantly crossed it.
Ladies and Gentlemen, and hardcore fight fans, please don’t make the mistake of thinking that this will be your garden variety MMA bout, because let me assure you, this fight has the potential to be anything but.
This is a rematch for redemption for BJ Penn but for George’s St. Pierre it means so much more. GSP sees this rematch as an opportunity to elevate his career to legendary status.
When asked about GSP’S heart Penn stated that ” only a little bitch would turn to the side and tap the canvas, and when he fought Matt Serra the first time I was there and I saw it, Georges is a quitter , he tapped out from strikes.”
BJ Penn put an end to the taping of the the hit TV show UFC primetime because he felt that the shows portrayal of him as a - rich spoiled punk - who was too lazy to train may have been inaccurate.
GSP is taking Penn’s words personally, he says he considers it an insult of the highest order for Penn to call him a quitter, “BJ Penn calls me a quitter, I’m not the one who has had everything handed to me, I don’t have a rich family, I have struggled all my life to be where I am today.”
Whether GSP tapped or quit against Serra in their first match-in my opinion-will have no bearing on the out come of this fight.
The original GSP/Penn fight proved to any and everyone out there including myself, that GSP has incredible intestinal fortitude; he was thumbed in the eye and fought like a lion for two whole rounds with only partial sight.
Howard Grant is GSP’s boxing coach; he is the Freddie Roach of Canadian boxing trainers, he took his brother Otis grant all the way to a World Middleweight title and a light heavyweight title fight against Roy Jones Junior.
If Howard Grant decides to instruct Georges to stand and deliver with BJ it could be curtains for the young french Canadian Champion, in my opinion BJ Penns boxing skills are far superior to Georges St. Pierre.
My final thought is this; if GSP employs the same game plan as last time-and I believe he will-then we are looking at one hell of a five round war. I’m picking Penn to win by by TKO (strikes) but there are a number of different ways this could end.
GSP likes to beat his opponents at their own game eg; decorated wrestler Josh Koscheck who was kept on his back throughout the fight, and Frank Trigg who was owned, schooled, and dominated by Georges at UFC 54.
Frank Trigg lost by a rear naked choke in the opening round and the humiliating defeat would be Trigg’s final appearance in the UFC.
“Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.” Bruce Lee
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