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Home / Archive: 07. May 2009
By Tommy G… The Toronto Blue Jays may be at the top of their division, but their bullpen still has yet to peak.
Tested by teams like the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians, the Jays have had a great start to the season and continue to roll along.
Other teams in their division are beginning to work out their kinks and catch up. Still, the Jays proceed with poise.
Until now, Toronto’s offense and starting pitching has been picking up the slack. But sooner or later, the Jays will need to count on their bullpen a lot more frequently.
Last year, the Jays’ bullpen was the best in the American League, but the batters weren’t producing. It seems that every time the Jays have one thing working, another aspect of their game doesn’t show up.
So far this season, there have only been two bullpen pitchers that have been spectacular. Scott Downs and Jason Frasor both have ERA’s below 0.80 and have yet to blow a game.
In fact, Frasor has been a part of four victories. Between both pitchers, they only have given up three runs (two of which are earned) and zero home runs.
Decent notables would be Bill Murphy, Bryan Bullington, and Jesse Carlson. But their stats are mediocre compared to Downs and Frasor.
Brandon League has already given up as many runs as he did last year in half the innings pitched. Shawn Camp has continued to never really be effective.
Together, they have given up 17 runs and 16 earned in just under 30 innings pitched.
BJ Ryan’s velocity and pitching has been questionable and whether or not his injury has affected him is irrelevant. The bullpen must pull up their socks and go to work harder to substitute for that loss.
If the Jays can get Ricky Romero back healthy, they have a formidable starting rotation along with Roy Halladay and Scott Richmond. However, they can’t be relied upon all the time and their arms should be preserved.
The batters also can’t be taken for granted because cold streaks are inevitable during the season. So the pitching will have to start playing tighter in order to preserve any leads.
The rest of the Jays’ bullpen must improve or I can’t envision Toronto winning their division.
Pure and simple.
It’s a long season and when you have teams like the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay Rays breathing down your neck, it’s going to get really hairy.
Check more at Tommy G.’s blog Changing On The Fly
By Brady Rynyk… On April 16th after a disappointing season, the Minnesota Wild fired Doug Risebrough, the teams only GM in franchise history. In the last few days rumours have circulated that owner Craig Leipold has begun interviewing potential candidates that include, Pittsburgh Penguins Assistant GM Chuck Fletcher and seasoned hockey management veteran Pat Quinn for the vacant position. However during a live pre-game broadcast on Tuesday, TSN’s play-off panel looked for firsthand verification on speculation that their fiery counterpart Peirre McGuire himself had in fact interviewed for the position with Minnesota. Seemingly somewhat caught off guard by panel’s inquisition during the pre-game breakdown, McGuire confirmed that he in fact had met with Leipold to pursue the position with the team, but did not disclose any specific details.
McGuire who is most identified for his work as colour commentator with NBC, columnist for Sports Illustrated, and notably as an analyst with TSN and is recognized as one of the NHL’s most influential broadcasters. With his award winning coverage of the IIHF World Junior championships and in depth sports radio coverage across North America, there is no question that McGuire is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about hockey, he seems to know every player in the league inside an out.
Further reports suggest that Leipold with the aid of former Wild CEO Jac Sperling, now have the heavily opinionated announcer is on their apparent short list of candidates. Michael Russo, a source close to the team from Minneapolis Star-Tribune suggests that McGuire is quickly becoming the front runner for the job and should be a shoe-in for the GM position. But is Pierre McGuire really the ideal candidate for the job, and is he more of risk than a safe bet hire for the Minnesota Wild?
It would appear that the Wild’s owner is looking for the next breakthrough broadcaster turned general manager after the recent successes of Dale Tallon with the Chicago Blackhawks and John Davidson with the St. Louis Blues. But being a know-it-all doesn’t necessarily always translate well into the business realm. Realistically, the potential success of hiring anyone with no recent experience is a gamble, just look at Barry Melrose who was fired as Tampa Bay’s coach after only 16 games this season. Comparatively, the almost revolving door position of an NHL coach has far less impact on the future direction of a struggling franchise, making Minnesota’s selection of a GM that much more crucial to even waiver in the venture of one bad off-season of drafts and trades.
Taking into consideration Pierre McGuire’s apparent past successes, should the colour commentator really be considered the lead candidate for the job in Minnesota. Granted, McGuire was part of two back-to-back Stanley Cups, the actual capacity of his contributions seem more than limited in his role as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Taking into consideration the dominant on-ice roster that consisted of none other than Mario Lemieux in his prime and all-star’s Ron Francis, Tom Barrasso, Bryan Trottier, Joe Mullen, Kevin Stevens, Larry Murphy and Rick Tocchet & Jaromir Jagr, what importance could McGuire really have had.
After leaving Pittsburgh, McGuire’s adequacy within NHL management is really up in the air, and his apparent accomplishments should be characterized as failures. With his only NHL head coaching job in Hartford with the Whalers, McGuire finished with only 23 wins (34%), and was quickly dismissed after only one season. McGuire then seemed to get steadily demoted within the league, ending up as a scout with the then relative expansion Ottawa Senators as a scout. During his time with the team, the Senators drafted 25 players, of which only 5 are currently active in the NHL – certainly not a comforting resume for someone who is essentially about to take control of the operations of a franchise.
There is no question that McGuire is a great judge of talent across the league, the problem is his apparent aptitude of expertise is that it only exists with players who have already made a noticeable impact on their own NHL teams or are risen stars of their respective national teams – hardly someone a franchise would want to help find untapped resources. It’s been close to 16 years since Pierre McGuire has been directly affiliated with any NHL team, and when clear-cut candidates like Quinn and Fletcher, or even Paul Fenton, Doug MacLean and Jay Feaster are available, is Pierre Mcguire really the right approach to take for Craig Leipold and the Wild?
By Jack Porter… According to many hockey media outlets, Jim Balsillie has offered a enormous $212.5 million in an effort to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes. The deal is hinging on the condition that if he does take over the Coyotes he will be able to move them to Ontario.
So with that in mind lets take a look at some names for the prospective franchise.
How about,
- The GTA Commuters
- The Toronto Better Leafs
- The Ontario Gretzkys
- The Toronto Blackberrys
- The Toronto Screw Bettmans
No, but now seriously a look at some real suggestions.
The North Toronto Coyotes
The obvious choice would be just to keep the current name. The North Toronto comes from the rumours that a new team will be placed in a city north of Toronto.
The (North) Toronto Seneca or Mohawk
I have drawn the names Seneca and Mohawk from the original native tribes that lived in the Toronto area before the Europeans settled in North America. This could be a great team name because it draws deep from the roots of Toronto’s history. This name could also been seen as too similar to the Chicago Blackhawks. The “North” could be removed due to the NHL’s history of naming teams in a common city (NY Islanders and NY Rangers).
The Toronto Silver Railers
As a gesture towards fans sitting in sports bars (because all the seats will be taken by corporate sponsers) across Toronto watching the hockey games, the new team could be named in honour of the first bar ever opened in Toronto. The Silver Rail was opened at Yonge and Shuter in 1947. Just imagine the team skating around the ice with a big, silver “S” and “R” on their chests.
The Toronto Yorkers
As known by most residents of Toronto, the city was formerly known as York. A simple choice would be to name Toronto’s new team after it’s old name.
The Toronto Simcoes
Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada John Graves Simcoe is credited as the founder of the city of Toronto (then York). By naming them the Simcoes it would be another way to honour Toronto’s History.
The Hamilton Steel Workers
There is always the option that the team could be moved to Southern Ontario, ideally Hamilton. Hamilton workers would be able to relate to the name and like the the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers it would show the city’s main industry.
The Golden Horseshoe Mustangs
This is in the event that the team is placed somewhere in the Golden Horseshoe area. By naming the team after a region rather then the city, the team could develop a broader fan base. Also by naming the team the “Mustangs” it helps go back to the fact it’s in the Golden Horseshoe but it also stands for a tough, wild and unpredictable animal.
So while we wait for a new team, I want to hear your thoughts on a name. Put your suggestions in the comments section below.
By Mark Ritter… In listening to Bob McCowan’s (He of Sportsnet Prime time Sports fame) thoughts on the Phoenix Coyotes bankruptcy filing, he brought up an interesting dilemma. Instead of filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy- which would net the 29 other teams a grand total of zero dollars- why not go with door #2? There is another option, why not file for chapter 7 bankruptcy? This would allow the Coyotes to be folded and give the 29 other teams two things, first all 29 teams would be able to enter a dispersal draft of the Coyotes players, second the NHL could then look at an expansion franchise to bring the number of franchises back up to 30, this would net the 29 teams upwards of $10-$12 million (USD) a piece, sounds like a good deal to me!
Keep in mind that nothing has been decided, but if it does turn out that the Coyotes do file for chapter 7 bankruptcy here is how the dispersal draft might play out.
First we will need to decide on a draft order. To be fair, I would think that the NHL would opt to go with this years entry draft order, that would mean the New York Islanders would draft first overall, the Tampa Bay Lightening would draft second, the Colorado Avalanche would draft third, and so on. Here’s how I feel the draft would work out-
1. New York Islanders- Need everything, but rather than a veteran should look at a younger player, the Islanders draft Right Winger Peter Mueller (13-23-36 pts).
2. Tampa Bay Lightening- Could use a veteran forward here, but in the long run they would be smart to look at their goaltending, the Bolts draft goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov (26W- 31L-6OT- 2.98 GAA-3 SO, .908 Save %), besides, Bryzgalov has a decent trade value, perhaps they flip him if their current goaltender Mike Smith works out.
3. Colorado Avalanche- Definitely in a re-build mode, should look for a young prospect here, the Av’s draft 19 year old Right Winger Mikkael Boedker (11-17-28 pts).
4. Atlanta Thrashers- Have a penchant for European players, the Thrashers go with Center Martin Hanzal (11-20-31 pts).
5. Los Angeles Kings- Deep in young talent, perhaps the Kings seek a more veteran presence here, the Kings take 32 year old Left Winger Shane Doan (31-42-73 pts).
6. Toronto Maple Leafs- Burke likes “Energy” players, he’ll get a fireballer in Right Winger Scottie Upshall (15-19-34 pts), a perfect fit.
7. Dallas Stars- Dallas does not have to re-invent the wheel, they are close to landing a playoff spot, therefore I see the Stars going for a veteran, selecting Center Matthew Lombardi (14-32-46 pts).
8. Ottawa Senators- Need some help on the back-end, the Sens go for Defenseman Keith Yandle (4-26-30 pts).
9. Edmonton Oilers- Have a very young core of players from which to build from, they take a risk and select undersized Center Kyle Turris (8-12-20 pts).
10. Nashville Predators- Need some depth on forward and defense, in the end the Preds select Defenseman Zbynek Michalek (6-21-27 pts).
11. Minnesota Wild- In dire need of a scoring forward, the Wild select Center Joakim Lindstrom (9-11-20 pts).
12. Buffalo Sabres- Looking for depth, the Sabres go with Left Winger Nigel Dawes (10-11-21 pts).
13. Anaheim Ducks- Always looking for speed, the Ducks go with Right Winger Enver Lisin (13-8-21 pts).
14. Columbus Blue Jackets- On the right track, could use a solid D-Man with Veteran presence, the Blue Jackets select Ed Jovanovski (9-27-36 pts).
15. St. Louis Blues- Could use a backup goalie to play behind Chris Mason, the Blues select Goaltender Al Montoya (3-W-1L-1SO 2.08GAA-.925 save %).
16. Florida Panthers- Need more offense, the Panthers select Right Winger Petr Prucha (6-13-19 pts).
17. Montreal Canadiens- Could lose a couple of forwards in the off-season, the Canadiens select veteran Steven Reinprecht (14-27-41 pts).
18. New York Rangers- The Rangers go for the young Russian and select Right Winger Viktor Tikhonov (8-8-16 pts).
19. Carolina Hurricanes- Slim Pickings left on the Coyotes roster, the ‘Canes select Steady veteran D-Man Kurt Sauer (1-6-7 pts).
20. Calgary Flames- Everybody else takes a pass, but not before Calgary selects veteran D-Man Dmitri Kalinin (2-15-17 pts).
Let’s face it, there is not much left, most of the other teams will take a pass or take a shot in the dark at a guy like Center Kevin Porter or Right Winger Steven Goertzen.
As a Toronto Maple Leaf fan, nothing would make me happier than to see a little pressure put on the Leafs by adding another team to Southern Ontario. Besides, if the Leafs can pick up a player like Scottie Upshall in the process, perhaps the addition of the Coyotes would be worth it?
Until next time,
Peace!
At a media conference at the Liberty Grand in downtown Toronto yesterday morning, Toronto Argonauts co-owners, David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski, welcomed back Bob Nicholson as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Club. With over 25 years of experience in professional sports, there are few executives whose career success parallels that of Toronto’s own Bob Nicholson. Nicholson served as President of the Toronto Argonauts during one of the club’s most prolific periods (1995-99) with back-to-back Grey Cup wins in 1996 and 1997. Nicholson will assume his post effective immediately.
Commented Sokolowski and Cynamon, “We are thrilled to welcome back Bob Nicholson as our new President and CEO. Not only does Bob represent our future, he is an important link to our past. We are confident he is the right man for the job and believe he is a perfect fit for the organizational culture we have built. His business acumen and experience in the sports industry will build on the success our team has enjoyed and take us to the next level.”
Nicholson remarked, “I am thrilled to be back with a franchise that has been a passion of mine since my early teen years. David and Howard saved this franchise in 2003 and it is their passion and strength of ownership that made this opportunity so attractive, and the chance to build for the future a reality. It has been wonderful to watch the League get stronger over the past ten years since I was President of the Argos and see the public focus shift from business issues to the great product on the field. I understand the challenges in the southern Ontario marketplace but those challenges are what excite and motivate me. As Toronto’s football team, we must consistently demonstrate integrity and a commitment to excellence and the community we serve. I look forward to working with the Club’s great staff to make 2009 a successful year and create a plan for 2010 and beyond. “
In an 18 year career with the Toronto Blue Jays (1982-99), Nicholson’s winning touch saw the Jays set professional sports records in four consecutive years (1990-1993) with average attendance in excess of 4 million and two World Series championships. He also directed the Major League Baseball All Star Game and festival in Toronto (1991). Other notable achievements include Nicholson’s role as Chief Financial Officer of the Montreal Expos (2002-07), working with MLB to sell the franchise and relocate it to Washington, D.C., ultimately finalizing the sale of the Washington Nationals and the new stadium in July 2006 for $450 million to the Lerner family. Most recently, Nicholson served as President of his own Wizard Sports Group, a sports and entertainment consulting practice he founded in 2000. The company helped manage the 2009 World Baseball Classicworldwide ticket sales strategy and execution and the Toronto tournament.
At the media conference, Nicholson named Michael “Pinball” Clemons Vice-Chair of the Toronto Argonauts. After a Hall of Fame playing career, Clemons enjoyed a successful coaching career, leading the team to a Grey Cup win in 2004. At the end of 2007, Clemons transitioned to the executive office, becoming the Club’s CEO. In his new role, Clemons will report to Nicholson as his special advisor, handling a range of duties including providing input and assistance with key sales and corporate partner programs, significant community initiatives, and brand and media relations.
Clemons commented, “This is a great day for our organization. But first let me share my excitement about my new role with the Club that will afford me the opportunity to not only grow in business but also cultivate my passion for community. More importantly, I’d like to welcome back a proverbial giant in the sports industry. Bob is one of the greatest people and most committed Argo fans I’ve ever been around. While noone can argue with his resume, it is the resulting impact left on the people he leads that is the real win for us. As a result, we became more resolute, prudent, mature, passionate and a much better team today than we were yesterday.”
media release by Beth Waldman
By Derek Harmsworth… Admittedly, I don’t really like Jim Balsillie. Perhaps it’s his aggression in pursuit of an NHL team that has made him seem somewhat egomaniacal.
And no, I am not one of those Ontario people who doesn’t want a team treading on Maple Leafs territory. In fact, I welcome it. Competition breeds productivity. The reasons one may abstain towards Balsillie is a little obvious though.
After all, everyone has seen the image of Balsillie flashing his BlackBerry at a television camera, his phone background featuring a logo of the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team he thought surely he would be buying within days.
It didn’t happen.
Then of course there was the time he sold season ticket deposits for the Hamilton Predators on Ticketmaster. Again, only one problem.
It wasn’t his team.
So needless to say, there were more than enough eyes rolling when it was announced the other night that the Canadian millionaire had placed a bid to buy the beleaguered Phoenix Coyotes.
And while his first two attempts to get NHL franchises, and relocate them to Southern Ontario have failed, there is reason to believe that the third time may in fact be the charm.
So long as it’s done properly. And by properly I mean the Gary Bettman standard.
Bettman is a the equivalent of a guy who enters the pool in the summer slowly. He’ll put his feet in first. Then, after some time, he will be in up to his waist getting used to the water.
Balsillie on the other hand, is the guy who barely gets his shirt off before running full tilt and diving into the water in cannon-ball fashion.
Yeah, they’re a little different.
Still, they should finally work out their differences. The timing of another franchise in Canada couldn’t be better.
Now, Bettman and Balsillie are a little more successful than I will likely ever be in my lifetime. Still, I feel the need to offer them some advice.
To Jim. Mr. Balsillie. Please, for the love of the game, shut up and follow the standard practice.
What Gary Bettman deems appropriate diligence in the long, arduous process of securing an NHL franchise may seem ridiculous. But just be patient Jim, and jump through the hoops. At least until you get the team, then you’re free to do as you wish.
And you, Mr. Bettman. For the love of the National Hockey League, get this deal done.
I understand it was under your watch that the Winnipeg Jets moved and became the Phoenix Coyotes. Surely, moving the Coyotes back to Canada may be seen as admitting a mistake.
So do it. Admit you made a mistake.
You see, a lot of people don’t like you Mr. Bettman. And really, even if you did this move, a lot of people still wouldn’t like you. But I think you can earn some ilk by standing up in front of all the fans and media around the world, and admit you were wrong about the expansion to Phoenix.
Don’t cop out. Don’t blame it on the economy. Stand up, be a man, and admit your mistake. It takes a big man to admit you made a mistake, especially one that has cost millions and set the league and team themselves back years.
Now, I am not a business expect. But even someone such as I can see what sort of market the NHL would have on their hands with a move to Southern Ontario.
In today’s recession, this is the closest thing the NHL will come to a sure thing.
Despite the failing economy, there wasn’t a building in Canada that wasn’t sold out at any time during this hockey season. A team in Southern Ontario (let’s just call it Hamilton) basically guarantees the NHL 41 games with a sell out crowd of around 20 thousand.
And you want to talk marketability? Since the post-lockout NHL, there has been an onus placed on marketing the game. In a market such as this, the marketing possibilities are endless.
And how would you spell marketability in this hockey crazy area?
T-U-R-R-I-S
B-O-E-D-K-E-R
M-U-E-L-L-E-R
T-I-K-H-O-N-O-V
Aside from Shane Doan, the latest version of Captain Canada, you have four young stars who scream to be marketed. Advertisements, endorsements. It could all be yours NHL, if you make this move.
And I would be remiss if I left out the biggest piece of marketing the Coyotes have in their arsenal.
Wayne friggin’ Gretzky.
Having “The Great One” coaching so close to his hometown would allow more regular appearances of Walter, everyone’s favourite hockey dad, and would also allow Wayne to make a ton of popular appearances in the Southern Ontario area.
The bottom line is, Gary Bettman needs to check his ego at the door. Jim Balsillie, needs to check his ego at the door.
The two of them, whether they like it or not, need each other.
Whether you like Jim Balsillie or not, it’s hard to dispute that he is a healthy owner, who has more than enough backing to keep up a successful hockey team, both on and off the ice.
Part of the biggest reason the NHL expanded to these non-hockey states is because Gary Bettman feels this game of hockey is so great, everyone should get the chance to see it.
And you know what? He is dead right.
This is the greatest game on earth. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and their is skill on display that can’t be trumped. I am a firm believer that if you take a non-hockey fan to a live game just once, you have made a fan for life. Clearly Gary Bettman feels the same.
But don’t sweat it Gary. Just because the team would be moving to a new market, a hockey crazy one in Southern Ontario, doesn’t mean your dream of creating new hockey fans has to die.
There will be plenty of new fans who will get the thrill of seeing the NHL for the first time in it’s new Southern Ontario home.
A family of five who wants to go to a game, but won’t spend $800 on one night out for a game in Toronto, will be able to check out the new team, at a lower price.
It’s hockey. It’s Canada. And it’s a market that isn’t a gamble. It’s a sure thing.
Unfortunately the process towards getting the team in it’s rightful spot, doesn’t seem so sure.
By Martin Avery… While Alex Ovechkin got a goal and an assist and Sidney Crosby got two assists, it was Evgeni Malkin who upstaged these two high-profile superstars for a change in game three.
After Ovechkin and Crosby each got hat-tricks in game two, it was finally Malkin’s turn to shine, logging one goal and leading the Pittsburgh Penguins for long periods throughout the game against the Washington Capitals.
Malkin gave the Penguins the lead at the 15-minute mark of the third period. It looked like the game-winner until Ovechkin set up a goal that sent the teams into overtime.
Crosby won the final faceoff in the first overtime period, and Mark Eaton got the puck to Kris Letang, who got his first playoff goal. It was not beautiful but it was huge.
The Capitals won the first two games at home and now the Penguins have won their first game at home. The Penguins had almost twice as many shots on net as the Caps.
Malkin was named the No. 1 star of the game.
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