Browse >
Home / Archive: 22. May 2009
By Adam Greuel… Three games, three losses and I am pretty sure that I just heard thousands of people break there ankles in a rush to jump off the bandwagon.
This was definitely not a pretty series for the Toronto Blue Jays as they lost all three games by scores of 2-1, 8-3, and 5-1. Both the pitching and hitting were inconsistent for the first time all year and Toronto finally has there first three game losing streak of the season.
Probably the worst thing about this is the large amount of people who will now announce the Jays as the flukes they supposedly are. I”m sorry to burst their bubble, but its just three games.
The Jays were in a large hole right from the get-go tonight as starting pitcher Robert Ray had trouble finding the plate early on and gave up a three-run home run to Canadian outfielder Jason Bay.
The Red Sox would get single runs in both the third and fifth innings as well, ending Rays night with that last one.
It was not a good start for Ray, as he managed to pitch just four and one-third innings, giving up five runs (four earned), on six hits, one walk, while striking out just four batters.
Meanwhile, Red Sox starter Jon Lester had one of his best starts of the season, giving up just one run on a Aaron Hill single. He lasted six and one-third innings, giving up eight hits, walking two, and striking out just four batters.
Both bullpens were perfect the rest of the way. The Jays bullpen was the only positive of the series for them, as they managed to hold the Red Sox without a run in all three games.
All I can say is that hopefully Roy Halladay can get us the win tomorrow in Atlanta so we can put this awful series behind us.
Up Next: Roy Halladay (8-1) looks to win his MLB leading ninth game against Kenshin Kawakami (2-5) and the Atlanta Braves.
By Mike Allder… “Here’s a shot…Henderson made a wild stab for it and fell. Here’s another shot right in front…they score! Henderson has scored for Canada! Henderson, right in front of the net!” Foster Hewitt, September 28, 1972
The highlight is as vivid today as it was that sunny afternoon.
Sure it was only eight games but it was the most important eight games ever played in Canadian hockey history.
It has almost been four decades since “The Goal” by Paul Henderson sent Canada into a delirious state of euphoria—yet to this day, Henderson is still not inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Why?
Canada as a nation immortalized Paul by minting a silver coin and having a postage stamp commemorating that historic goal on the twenty fifth anniversary in 1997. Whoop dee do.
Frankly, it is sad.
A true immortalization from Canada the world’s greatest hockey country would be to have Paul honoured in the place where all great hockey players along with great hockey moments are frozen in time, defrosted back to life with a simple visit to the museum of hockey—the Hockey Hall of Fame.
True, the Hockey Hall of Fame was created to acknowledge hockey’s greatest players, a place where the greats could forever sit perched above the not so great, the goods, and the downright lousy players. The place the superstars forever could be placed upon their rightful and well deserved pedestals forever appreciated never to be forgotten.
Paul Henderson would not be classed as a great player—but he was not a lousy player either. Paul was a good player, a speedy right winger who played a dozen years in the NHL, scoring over twenty goals in seven seasons and playing in two All-Star games. Including a stint of five seasons in the WHA, Paul ended his pro career with 1,067 games played and a total of 760 points—hardly Hall of Fame numbers in any hockey fans book.
But—and it is a big but.
Consider if Paul had not been the sharpest shooter during that ‘72 series, scoring on an astounding twenty-five percent of his shots on Russian goalie Vladislav Tretiak (who just so happens to be inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame). Paul scored seven goals on a total of twenty eight shots—and the last three goals were all game winners, all clutch goals. When Team Canada needed three wins, Paul delivered.
Consider what might of been had Team Canada not come away from the Luzhniki Sports Palace victorious. I could not imagine how we has a nation would have dealt with losing to the Big Bad Russians. After all, so much was expected, so much was demanded—and thanks to Paul Henderson scoring with thirty-four seconds left in the final Game Eight, so much was delivered.
Thank you, Mr Henderson. Whew, that was close.
As I glance at my framed Team Canada ’72 picture on my den wall, I count a total of fourteen players who played in that series have been inducted into The Hockey Hall of Fame. (Fifteen players if you count Bobby Orr, who did not play due to injury.) Harry Sinden, who coached the team, was inducted in the builders category.
Disgraced hockey czar Alan Eagleson was head of the NHLPA at the time. He was the most instrumental in the birth of the Summit Series, but resigned his post in 1998 after the Hall of Fame had threatened to expel him. He had also been inducted in the builders category.
So the Hockey Hall of Fame had sixteen total inductees from Team Canada ‘72, but now only fifteen plaques appear in the Great Hall. I am proposing that Paul Henderson be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and bring the total inductees from Team Canada ‘72 back to sixteen honoured members.
Team Canada ‘72 was one of the greatest moments in the history of Canada, let alone the history of hockey. It is a shame that the one player who if not for his timely, clutch goals, Team Canada ‘72 would of been long forgotten decades ago. I mean does anyone ever talk about Team Canada and the Summit Series ‘74?
It is now the time for Paul Garnet Henderson to have his rightful place amongst hockey’s greatest all-time heroes. It is now time for Paul Garnet Henderson to be inducted into The Hockey Hall of Fame.
My Hall includes Paul.
By Brian Oswald… 
Affliction’s third event, featuring a main event of Fedor Emelianeko vs Josh Barnett and taking place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, on Aug. 1, should be officially announced within days, according to MMA FanHouse.
Though neither Emelianenko or Barnett has signed official bout agreements, they have both verbally accepted the matchup, according to their source.
Earlier this week, Affliction President Tom Atencio told FanHouse he would not be able to confirm any details until contracts were officially signed.For most MMA fans, seeing will be believing when it comes to this long anticipated heavyweight match between the two long time friends. If this match does in fact go down, it would be the perfect match for the struggling Affliction to go down with.
By Jeremy Visser… Well, well, well — looks like it might not be as easy as I thought for LeBron. Cleveland, which lost just twice at home this season (including once without James, Mo Williams and Big Z), dropped the opener of the East Finals to Orlando the other night, 107-106.
This one started just like I’d figured — The LeBron Show led by 14 after a quarter and 15 at the half before letting Superman and company creep back in the third. So what, LeBron was just playing with them, right? Apparently not — Hidayet Turkoglu showed his inner Rod Strickland, dropping second half dimes left and right and Rashard Lewis’ late dagger was enough to seal the win for the Magic. Looks like I may be in tight to win the bet I made that LeBron would win in less than six games.
Anyway, the line on King James: 49 points on 20-of-30 from the field, six rebounds, eight assists, two steals and three blocks. LeBron, however, took the free out free throw, missing four from the stripe in the fourth quarter, including one in the last two minutes.
MORE OF JEREMY VISSER AT That’s what I’m saying, guy…
By Sean Paddison… A puppet, a giant, and a man on a mission makes for an interesting test of wills.
THE PUPPET - GARY BETTMAN
It’s easy for people to target Mr Bettman and say he’s the cause of all the evil behind the “apparent” NHL blockade of another franchise in Canada. If we look at his role in the NHL it really is clear however that he is merely a puppet for the rest of the NHL brass.
There is probably no brass more powerful in the league than those “brilliant minds” at the headquarters of The Toronto Maple Leafs. Considering that they are a revenue generating machine for NHL and an original six team and also in what some might call the the hockey centre of the universe for the NHL, they carry tons of weight.
So if you see or hear Gary Bettman hard lining about this and that, remember he’s paid to voice the concerns of the existing owners as a group.
THE GIANT - THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS EMPIRE
Big money, big city, big egos, deep pockets, and greedy investors with big mouths. Welcome to Maple Leafs Sport & Entertainment Ltd.
It has been clear for a long time that the Leafs loath the idea of a team anywhere close to the GTA. To be honest, if you were a corporation who had millions of dollars worth of customer loyalty in the cities of Hamilton and KW you would want to protect those interests too.
Perhaps the problem is not MLS but, more so, the decision that was made years ago allowing the Rangers, Islanders and Devils to be allowed to be so close together.
Also it is possible that the addition of the Ottawa Senators not so many years ago slammed the profit margins of MLS more than they had anticipated, thus leaving a very bad taste in their mouths.
This might explain their reluctance to allow another team anywhere close to their market, not to mention during an economic recession. If you think the Leafs are going to budge from their position THINK AGAIN. Balsillie has a mammoth mountain to climb to convince the MLS that their pockets won’t be hit because the fact is THEY WILL BE.
MAN ON A MISSION - JIM BALSILLIE
To be honest, I must first clarify the use of little pigs was just a hook and not made in any way to reflect on Jim Balsillie. I mean, come on let’s face it, how can anybody not respect this man’s tenacity?
What Canadian born hockey player who ended up with billions in their bank account wouldn’t want to buy themselves an NHL hockey franchise? If there ever was a more suitable “David” to take down Goliath, I don’t think I can think of one.
Personally, I think if Jim can’t pull off buying the Coyotes and bringing them here, then his next step should be to go after the ultimate prize…THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS and give them an owner with guts and heart.
Perhaps this is just an early chapter in a long book that ends up with Balsillie owning the Leafs. We’ll have to wait and see, but it would be sweet justice wouldn’t it?
By Stoker MacIntosh… The latest reported rumors this week out of the ever-revolving world of boxing is that Freddie Roach—the noted trainer/mentor of The Ring’s top pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao—is suddenly interested in having his fighter take on Shane Mosley next.
Roach says that if Mosley agrees to come to terms regarding a catch weight of 143 pounds, then the fight happening this year would be a very realistic possibility.
These days there aren’t many of us around who would dare question the wisdom of the great Wild Card Gym trainer. After all, not only has he elevated Pacman to the top of the pound-for-pound list, but he is also—as evidenced in the latest Pacquiao win over Ricky Hatton—able to predict how and when his fighter will win. That’s no small feat.
This recent boxing news was first reported by the Los Angeles Times on its Web site, where Roach is quoted by Lance Pugmire as saying, “As a fan, it’s the fight I’d most want to see.”
As for the 38-year-old Mosley, he has very few options left and is heading into the winter of his career.
In my opinion he would be wise to close the show with one more big super-fight involving either Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather Jr.
However, due to his age, the catch weight issue seems to be a sticking point with Mosley.
Although he’s a natural welterweight, Mosley has gone up as high as 154 to fight Oscar De La Hoya, but dropping weight at this stage of his career is not something he is keen on.
It would be shame for such a small issue to come between what would potentially be a great fight between two of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighters.
Mosley currently sits idle at the No. 5 position on The Ring’s pound for pound list. He has had a stellar career, winning world titles in three different weight divisions, and is the only boxer to date to have twice beaten the recently retired De La Hoya.
Mosley looked fantastic in his most recent fight where he destroyed Antonio Margarito in a welterweight world-title match last January. Infrequent work though, as the fight was only Mosley’s second ring assignment in 13 months.
Mosley seemed upbeat and positive regarding the potential fight with Pacquiao, stating, “It’d be a classic fight. We both have good hand speed and power, and I think the fans want to see the best fight the best.”
Another fight that hardcore fans have been clamoring for is Mayweather versus Mosley; actually, at this stage of the game—besides the catch-weight fight with Pacquiao—that may be the only other option for the aging Mosley.
However, in that case he would have to wait, as Mayweather is scheduled to face Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18.
Roach also put his two cents worth in regarding Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, suggesting that there may already be an early disagreement regarding the money involved.
Mayweather’s demands include a 60-40 split in his favor, and Roach stated in no uncertain terms a deal like that would be totally unacceptable.
The trainer said he would be looking for a 60-40 split but the other way around, in Manny’s favor, and stated he would not accept less.
Bob Arum, who has had a long-standing feud with Mayweather, also chimed in that for his part, even a 50-50 split with Mayweather would be complete and utter nonsense.
“An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup.”
—H.L. Mencken, US editor (1880-1956)
By Martin Fitzpatrick… He’s young, he’s famous, he’s good-looking, and he’s extremely wealthy.
When he’s not travelling the world playing golf for a living, he’s surfing on one of Australia’s magnificent beaches, frolicking with actresses in Hawaii, or signing papers for the purchase of his brand new Gulfstream jet.
In essence, Adam Scott is living a life that most men can only envision in their wildest dreams.
Off the course, life is certainly good for the 28-year-old Australian.
On the course, however, life seems to have thrown Scott into a sand trap.
To say that Scott has been struggling this season would be a severe understatement for a player that was ranked as high as No. 3 in the World Golf Rankings just a year ago.
Scott, who will defend his title at the HP Byron Nelson Championship, has missed the cut at five consecutive events leading up to the Bryon Nelson.
But, to fully understand Scott’s free-fall in the world of golf, we need to go back and start in 2008.
Following one of the best seasons of his career in 2007 (where Scott had a win, eight top-25 finishes, and earned more than $3.4 million on the PGA Tour), he took a nose dive in 2008.
In fairness to Adam Scott, his decline was not simply due to some kind of mental breakdown or a lack of effort on his part in 2008; the Australian suffered several injuries and setbacks both on and off the golf course.
At the start of the 2008 season, Scott parted ways with his girlfriend of seven years.
For most hardened, “I’m tougher than most” sports fans, this would seem like a lame excuse. But in golf, the mental game is just as important—if not more important—than the physical. Even the slightest lapse in a player’s concentration can be detrimental to performance.
Despite separating with his long-time girlfriend, Scott began the 2008 season right where he left off the previous year. He had four top-25 finishes and a win in his first six events in 2008.
As if Scott was not battling enough mental strain from off-the-course issues, just days prior to the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines, he slammed his pinkie finger in a car door which resulted in a fractured bone.
Despite playing with a broken finger, Scott still managed to finish tied for 26th at the U.S. Open, and then went on to tie for 16th at his next event, the British Open at Royal Birkdale.
Maybe things were looking up for Scott?
Or, maybe the 2008 season still had a few more surprises to throw his way.
Following the British Open, Scott began to experience a terrible soreness in his throat, which was accompanied by lesions and, at times, a swelling of the throat that made it difficult from him to simply breathe.
During the period that Scott was plagued by this mysterious illness, he missed two-of-five cuts and didn’t finish within the top-50 at any event.
As you could imagine, Scott was gravely concerned about this mysterious illness that was making it difficult for him to breathe and draining all the energy he had right out of his body.
Scott went back to Australia and underwent a series of tests which ultimately uncovered that he was battling a severe, recurring case of tonsillitis.
So his finger was healed, his tonsillitis was being treated, and he had a year of distance from the painful break-up he had gone through with his girlfriend of seven years.
A player as talented as Adam Scott would surely have to get back on track in 2009, right?
Well, Scott’s year-long nightmare in 2008 as not quite over yet.
Just a couple of weeks prior to the start of the 2009 season, Scott dislocated his kneecap while surfing in Australia.
This being the sixth time he had dislocated that same kneecap, Scott opted not to undergo surgery as he had always been quick to recover from this injury in the past.
Scott’s knee did not seem to be an issue during his first two PGA Tour events in Hawaii.
He finished in a tie for 18th at the Mercedes-Benz Championship in January, and then tied for second the following week at the Sony Open.
Scott’s second-place finish at the Sony Open was the last time he would experience even a hint of success during the 2009 season.
Scott tied for 66th at the WGC-CA Championship in Miami in March and then proceeded to miss five consecutive cuts leading up to this week’s HP Byron Nelson Championship.
When asked about his struggles during his press conference yesterday at the Byron Nelson Championship, Scott said, “Obviously I haven’t been playing well the last few weeks. It was disappointing to miss the cut at the Masters and THE PLAYERS by just one shot because I didn’t play all that badly, and I really felt like I needed to get some more rounds under my belt and missing the cut doesn’t get that accomplished.”
Scott is only 28-years-old and has already won six times on the PGA Tour.
His swing is a picture of perfection, and if a tiny flaw does happen to find its way into his swing, he has world-renowned swing coach, Butch Harmon, there to fix it.
Players have completely lost their game for no apparent reason before and it will undoubtedly happen again in the future.
But, Scott is still overcoming some of the physical and mental disasters that plagued for most of last season.
Will he ever get back to his top form?
There’s no telling for sure, but in all likelihood he will eventually rediscover his game.
When that will actually happen is the biggest question.
“Really I think it’s just maybe that one round that will turn it around, a good, solid round where I play some solid golf, because that’s what I haven’t been doing,” Scott said yesterday in Texas.
“It hasn’t been consistent. I can play good for nine holes or 14 holes, but then I’ll hit a couple wild shots and get myself in a bit of trouble. I think it’s just one round away from being back on track again. I think the confidence will come with just that one round.”
Just maybe, that one good round that Scott has been after for the past two months will come at this week’s HP Byron Nelson Championship.
Recent Comments