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NHL Team Previews 2008

2008-08-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

The calendar is coming very close to September which means NHL training camps are coming soon, and in just over a month the regular season will begin. In this preview of this year, Ozelsports will go over new additions, young guns to watch and where Ozelsports thinks this team will end up in the standings. I will go through 7-8 teams at a time, every 5 days. The projections of where each team will finish, will be posted after all the previews have been posted. I hope you enjoy.

Anaheim Ducks:

Whose in: Brendan Morrison, Brian Sutherby,

Whose out: Todd Bertuzzi, Mathieu Schneider

The Ducks have definitely taken a step back from their Stanley Cup triumphed, no longer are they the team to beat or emulate around the NHL. Schneider as of this writing is still a Duck, but that will not continue. He will be traded in order to resign Selanne. Their an extremely strong back end team but they need their young guys to take the bull by the horns this year in order for them to be considered strong Cup favorites. They are nonetheless one of handful of teams I can see winning the Stanley Cup. At the same time the defensive pairing of Niedermeyer and Pronger are a year older. The young gun to watch on this team is Bobby Ryan. He lit it up in junior and needs to make the jump this year to solidify his high draft spot. I expect him to bring out this year, with about 50 points or more.

Atlanta Thrashers:

Whose in: Jason Williams, Ron Hainsey

Whose out: Alexei Zhitnik

Enjoy the Thrashers in Atlanta while you can, because this team will be gone from there within the next 5 years. Ilya Kovalchuk will be gone within the next 2 years and the franchise will not be able to survive a rebuilding time period, considering they have never been able to generate momentum with any solid play. It’s also a case of the team being in a terrible sports town, which is what Atlanta is. They have a terrible time picking up free agents, who don’t see Atlanta as a destination of choice. Because of this they over spend on free agents, and because of this, they need to hit home runs with their draft picks. They haven’t for the most part, and because of this, they have done nothing of importance since joining the league. The two signings they made this year I actually like. Jason Williams will be a steal if he can come back from injury, and because he’s on a one year deal, it’s low risk, high reward. Ron Hainsey turned his game around in Columbus after a dreadful start in Montreal, look for him to continue his rise on a weak defensive core. Look for them to be bottom feeders this year, and one year closer to possibly coming to Winnipeg. Not sure if he’s still considered a young gun, but look for Colby Armstrong to have a big year.

Boston Bruins:

Whose in: Michael Ryder,

Whose out: Glen Murray

Oh the Boston Bruins, a team that has never scared anybody since the early 90’s when a guy named Ray Bourque was manning the blue line. There a team that more often than not competes, makes the playoffs, but they don’t scare you. They are kind of just in the way, and it will take you time to get around them, but you will get around them. Anyways, this team is right up that alley. Great pieces they have, but not enough to make them more than a fringe playoff team, and even if they do finish in the top 4 in the east, they won’t go far in the playoffs. I think Ryder will make a comeback and have a strong season. Having him on a line with Marc Savard should easily get him to the 30 goal plateau. The young gun to watch will be Phil Kessel, who I think will have a breakout year and solidify himself as an NHL superstar.

Buffalo Sabres:

Whose in: Craig Rivet, Teppo Numminen, Patrick Lalime

Whose out: Steve Bernier

A year after being 3 games from reaching the Stanley Cup Finals, the Buffalo Sabres took a huge step back last year, missing the playoffs and trading their big star, Brian Campbell, at the trade deadline. Although they have solidified their back end with Rivet and Numminen coming back and signing reliable back up Patrick Lalime. On the offensive end they are young and very fast, but lack that solid offensive presence that they had when Chris Drury was here. The Sabres have taken a step back, and this step back has largely been blamed on General Manager Darcy Regier. But when you have a penny pinching owner like Tom Golisano you have no chance to succeed. He did not allow Regier the chance to make a competitive offer to Briere, Drury and Campbell. He finally opened up his wallet for goaltender Ryan Miller, but it’s a case of too little too late. Look for the Sabres to compete for a playoff spot, but I see them finishing on the outside looking in. The young gun to watch here Is Ales Kotalik, I see him taking a more predominant role in the offense.

Calgary Flames:

Whose in: Todd Bertuzzi, Mike Cammalleri

Whose Out: Alex Tanguay

The Calgary Flames are a team that has lost it’s mojo since being one win away from winning the Cup in 2004. For a few years after they were picked as a team to beat in the west, but flamed out (no pun intended) in the playoffs. They played like a team with no motivation, and until they get it back and play with the flair and desperation they had that year, they will continue to make the playoffs and be knocked out by the second round. They added Mike Cammalleri and subtracted Alex Tanguay. A great move for Calgary and I think he will have a good year in Calgary, as he’s excited to be playing back in Canada, in front of fans that care. The Todd Bertuzzi signing is puzzling. He’s hated in Calgary and that won’t help. I don’t see him doing, which is pretty much what he’s been doing since the 2002-2003 season, oh yeah, other than end a guy’s career and blame everybody but himself for it. Look for the Flames to make the playoffs and if they get hot, could surprise and make a cup run. Look for Mikael Backlund to join the squad for parts of this season and show us some flair that will turn into big seasons a couple years down the road.

Carolina Hurricanes:

Whose in: Patrick Eaves, Joni Pitkanen

Whose out: Erik Cole

The Hurricanes are again one of those middle of the pack teams. The additions of Patrick Eaves and Joni PItkanen are strong. But at the same time, Pitkanen has been on 3 teams in 3 years and still hasn’t lived up to his potential. When he was playing at the World Juniors 6 odd years ago the ohh and ahh for him was unbelievable. People were saying he was going to be the next best defensemen in the NHL. Well, 6 years later, we are still waiting for him to cash in on this potential. Time is running out and many people, including myself, find Pitkanen to be a bust. This is a make or break year from him, where he either becomes an elite defensemen or a journeymen for his NHL career. Bringing Eaves into the mix could prove huge dividends if he can stay healthy and mesh with his new teammates. Look for the Hurricanes to fight for a playoff spot like the Sabres and possibly steal the weak Southeast division from the Washington Capitals. Although he’s been in the NHL for a few years, the young gun to watch is Patrick Eaves, this could be a huge year for him if he can blend in with this offense.

Chicago Blackhawks:

Whose in: Christobal Huet, Brian Campbell,

Whose out:

The Chicago Blackhawks are a team on the rise and this is the year they begin their path to perennial Stanley Cup contenders. The Chicago Blackhawks will make the playoffs this year for the first time since 2002. They are hockey’s Tampa Bay Rays. They will surprise people not on doing well with the young talent they have, but will surprise on how well they do, at least in the regular season. With both Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp with an extra year under their belts and the additions of Brian Campbell and Huet makes the back end much stronger. Campbell is an offensive defenseman and this is an offensive team coached by a former offensive player (Denis “Marlboro” Savard), this team will score lots of goals. Look for them to pick something up for Nikolai Khabibulin, who will get traded most likely to the LA Kings. The young guy to watch, for this team it’s hard to pick, but going on what I heard from my sources and coming from a friend, who loves Tony Danza, look for Jack Skille to make the team and have a big year.

Can the TFC make the playoffs this year?

2008-08-18T21:11:00.001-07:00

The Toronto FC is only in its second year of existence, but the thirst for playoff action is there. Fans of the TFC will be pessimistic because of the fact that the owners of the TFC are also the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs. TFC fans become weary of MLSE (owners of the TFC and Leafs) because they seem perfectly content with the Leafs being a mediocre team as long as people continue to pay huge amounts of money to watch the team play. Well, FC plays in front of sold out crowds all the time, and the need for MLSE to put up a winning franchise is minimal. Nearing the end of the summer, and the home stretch of the season underway FC is in the hunt for a playoff spot.

At the moment, they would be on the outside looking in, but that could easily change with some strong play down the stretch. There are many things I notice with this team, but the one thing that stands out is how much we over rate the players we have. Danny Dichio is somebody I am a huge fan of, but at the end of the day he is a player who strives on a weak team, and would be a bench player if that on a contender. Jim Brennan is seen as the “Canadian Star”, but in my opinion is an extremely weak defender and his selection to the all star game was purely a publicity stunt in having a Canadian, who plays for the All Stars hosts. Lauren Robert, is a player I do like, but the fact that he can only play with his left foot is problem. Losing Maurice Edu this week to Europe Club play is a huge loss. Rookie of the year last year, we knew this day was upon us, especially when last year Aston Villa was in town to play and their manager Martin O’Neill, known for spotting young talent, discussed a desire to bring Edu to Europe. I am surprised to see how early he left. I believed we would have him till the end of this year and then he would be gone, but that did not happen. The problem with TFC this year has been their inability to score and win on the road. That hasn’t changed as their last game proved theories, losing to the NY Red Bulls 2-0, a team, directly ahead of us in the standings. TFC has 10 games left in the season, 5 at home and 5 on the road. Of Toronto’s 5 games on the road, 3 of them are against teams below us in the standings. I believe the playoffs are in reach and will happen for this year’s club. Success in the playoffs is hard to garner, unless we go on a big run and gain home field advantage for the playoffs, we will be playing on the road. What Toronto should be looking at doing is using these 5 games on the road to find out why they can’t win away from the friendly confines. For Toronto to guarantee a spot in the dance look for them to need at least 5 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws. Hopefully our new additions, being Chad Barrett and Johann Smith can scores some goals for this team, something that needs to happen, in order to be successful.

Ozel

McCabe has waived no-trade, could be going to F-L-EH?

2008-08-13T19:47:00.001-07:00

After hearing from My Friend Aaron Fair that McCabe could be headed to Florida, it is now being reported on Sportsnet that he could be going that way. Makes sense for both teams. By the trade deadline in 2009 Jay Bowmeester WILL NOT be a Florida Panther. He refuses to sign a long term deal, and becomes a free agent next summer. Unless they offer him a ridiculous contract ( something like 5-6 years at 7 million per) he’s going to be traded. So McCabe fits in nicely in that he takes his spot. Bowmeester was seen as the next Bobby Orr when he got drafted and although he hasn’t lived up to the potential, there are signs he’s blossoming into one of the top 6 defensemen in the NHL. Remember he went right from the draft to the NHL and it often takes time to develop into the players guys become. For every Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, there’s a Mike Ribeiro or Pavel Datsyuk. Unfortunately I don’t see the leafs getting Bowmeester back in this trade. I do think the leafs should explore the possibility, perhaps offering Steen or Stajan and a pick after the 2^nd round. The Leafs will also most likely need to take on some salary back, looking at the Panthers roster, look for the Leafs to get somebody such as Radek Dvorak or possibly Stephen Weiss, if we’re lucky. Anyways stay tuned, something concerning McCabe should get done by the end of the month.

P.S – Would like to apologize for writing so little the last few days, Olympics has kept me working every day, so the none posts will continue for another 10 days. To keep you updated Zimbabwe, Togo and Michael Phelps have more medals than Canada…. Very sad.

Trade deadline Winners and Losers

2008-08-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here's my take on the Trade Deadline winners and losers of this year.

Winners

Milwaukee Brewers:

The Brewers are by far the biggest winners at this trade deadline. Although they had to send big hitting prospect Matt Laporta , the Brewers have to win now. There other ace, Ben Sheets, is a free agent after this year and not expected to come back. Prince Fielder has an agent named Scott Boras, and there are reports out there that the Brew Crew will look at trading him this summer, while they can get lots for him, as he is still in his arbitration years. Sabathia will be in Milwaukee simply for this year, and the Brewers will take the sandwich draft picks and see him sign somewhere else. So far, Sabathia has been nothing short of amazing for the Brewers. In six starts he’s 5-0 with 3 complete games, and has pitched into the 9^th another game. Not only did the brewers pick up C.C, but they also picked up some dept for the infield. Ray Durham was picked up for a couple low level prospects. This was done in case second basemen Richie Weeks continues to struggle, it’s also the type of trade that winning teams make. I see the Brewers heading to the World Series.

Los Angeles Dodgers:

They were able to pick up one of the top major league hitters of this era, for a couple of low level prospects, and a million dollars. That’s how badly the Red Sox wanted Ramirez out of Boston and out of the division. This instantly makes the Dodgers contenders for the weak NL West, but I still don’t consider them World Series contenders. They were interested in bringing in Greg Maddux, but supposedly balked at what the Padres wanted. A great move at a low cost, but one that will only get them making the playoffs, at most.

Boston Red Sox: It’s hard to call them winner when they get rid of one of the biggest bats in baseball. But when you have a malcontent, who wants a new contract, whose insulting the owner, shoving a senior citizen, and making horrible decisions in the outfield, it’s time to make a trade. This trade is more about keeping the right focus in the dressing room than anything. The Sox had to give up a couple of high level draft picks and pay the 7 million left on Ramirez deal. Craig Hansen is a former first round pick and could be a star with a fastball in the mid to high 90’s. Brandon Moss is said to be a starter on most Major League teams. But the Red Sox did add Bay to help them with the bat there losing. Not only that, they get him for next year at a reasonable contract ( around 7.5 Million) and He seems to be loving playing in front of the Red Sox faithful.

Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates were able to pick up 8 prospects, and you have to think a few of them will make some contributions to the team. Karstens has started for them, and gave them a strong outing. Moss will start for them. Not only that, two things strike this deal as a sign that the Pirates are finally looking like their going about rebuilding the right one. 1. They traded Bay at a high, trade rumors began to surface about him in the off season, when he was coming off a down year. By holding him until the middle of this season, he was able to put in a good season, and thus enhancing his trade value. 2. The Pirates took on prospects, and lowered salary.

Atlanta Braves: Although they didn’t get full return on what they gave up for Teixeira last trade deadline, they did get a solid young first basemen in Casey Kotchman. GM Frank Wren was smart enough to know it wasn’t happening for the Braves this year with all the injuries they have, and he got what he could when he needed too.

Toronto Blue Jays: The Jays were rumored to be going after Jason Bay, with the Pirates asking for Shaun Marcum and hitting prospect Travis Snider. Thankfully we didn’t make that trade.

LAA Angels: Although they will only get Teixeira for 2 plus months (unless he re-signs in free agency) they are telling all of Baseball they want to win. You’ve got to love an Owner like Arte Moreno. The Angels have already pretty much won the AL West division, but with this trade they instantly become World Series contenders.

Losers:

Chicago White Sox: They trade two low prospects for Ken Griffey Jr. Now I love Junior, love him. But this is the problem I have with this trade. They already have Quentin, Swisher and Jermaine Dye in the outfield. There’s no room for him. So they’ve caused a log in the outfield that will most certainly affect the infield as many are saying Paul Konerko will be sent to the bench. Konerko has been having a terrible year, but is Griffey the answer. His defense in the outfield is weak at best, and there now putting him in centerfield. His offence is nothing great either, he’s batting under .250, with 15 homers. Not only that Griff has a 4 million dollar buyout out of his contract at the end of this year. This trade is more about GM Ken Williams infatuation with Griffey than a smart deal.

Houston Astros: Now many of you may not know GM Ed Wade but let me tell you this. Do a little research on this guy, and what he did for the Phillies, and I guarantee you will come back and say he is the worst general manager in baseball. He has no vision, he picks up guys on the scrap heap, and pays costly for them, often trading the future for those players. Well what he’s done in Houston is no different. But tell me this, what kind of team picks up a losing veteran pitcher for prospects when there 13 games out of the division lead, and 9 games out of the wild card. Keep watching the Astros while he is GM, and keep watching how much they falter. He’s traded many prospects (Tejada, Wolf) for players past their prime The Astros have one of the weakest farm systems for a reason, and it’s not only because of owner Drayton McLean’s insistence on never giving up.

Adam Dunn: From what I heard, the reds weren’t asking for much for him, which tells you that Ricciardi’s comments must be shared by many GM’s. He’s on pace for another 40 home run year, yet nobody wanted him for the stretch run. He is known for not showing up when it counts, but you have to think his free agent value this summer has gone right down.

After the trade deadline, it’s time to make my Initial playoff predictions

Division winners:

Tampa Bay wins the AL East

Chicago wins the AL Central

Angels win the West

In the NL

New York wins the East

Chicago wins the Central

Arizona wins the West

Wild Cards:

Red Sox and Brewers

World Series

Angels vs. Brewers

And The World Series Champions are the Angels

The move to make for the Leafs

2008-07-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

It is the dog days of summer, and that means news on basketball and hockey, the two main cogs of Ozel sports is dry. After reading a few articles around the web, it is time to look back at the Leafs problem of getting rid of Bryan McCabe or Pavel Kubina. As I’ve stated before, there are teams who need to actually add payroll in order to make the salary cap floor. One of those teams is significantly under, that team being the Los Angeles Kings, who currently need to add roughly 13 million in salary for next year in order to make the floor. The Kings are the perfect team to make a deal with. With Kubina’s no-trade clause kicking in again soon, something has got to give. Now ideally we would want McCabe to go, but if that is going to happen, were going to need Fletcher to act quick. Trying to get McCabe to lift that brutal no movement clause in his contract is going to take some time. Now because the Kings need desperately to add salary you can expect them to have no problem to taking on his contract. Not only that we can expect a good return of possibly a high end prospect and some high draft picks. The leafs also need to act quickly. Teams with players and high contracts they don’t want are going to swarm the kings layer like vultures on a rotting carcass. One of those teams will be the Chicago Blackhawks who have two high priced goalies. I’d be surprised if Khabibulin isn’t traded to the Kings in the near future, they need a goalie and they also need his 6.75 million bucks on the payroll. Other than one of those d men leaving, don’t expect the leafs to make any other moves. I am not sure what Sundin is going to do, and frankly it’s getting quite tiresome, make a decision already. Stay tuned for my next couple blogs that will feature my ratings on the baseball trade deadline moves and a look at our medal hopefuls for the Olympics.

Which players contending teams are looking at

2008-07-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

With the trade deadline arriving Thursday, here’s a list of players that are being looked at and which teams are looking at them.

David Eckstein- LA Dodgers, St.Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs.

The Dodgers are in need of a shortstop, but Ecskstein could be seen as too much of a defensive liability. I would be a little surprised if he is not moved by the deadline, or one of our middle infielders moved. Don’t expect the return to be more than salary relief.

Greg Zaun and Rod Barajas – Yankees, Red Sox, Tampa Bay Arizona.

By trading Barajas we will get more in return. One of these guys will be back next year, and I’m hoping its Barajas. He’s got a much better arm and his bat, in my opinion is better. Don’t be surprised if the Jays trade within the division. The Yankees, with Posada looking like he’s gone for the year, or at least he won’t be catching this year, are looking around. There more interested in Bengie Molina and Miguel Olivo, but could look at Zaun or Barajas if the price is too steep for those guys. Again, return won’t be anything to write home about.

AJ Burnett- Detroit, Philadelphia, Dodgers, Yankees,

What a surprise, it’s the home stretch in a contract year, and Burnett is starting to perform. Who knew this would happen? Anyways, Detroit scouted his game against the Orioles, but they aren’t sure they want to add to their payroll. Many teams are said to be scared he will stick with the contract and they will be on the hook for the 24 million left on his deal but with each quality start he has, those concerns are becoming less and less. Only way we trade him to the Yankees is if they give us something amazing in return, I don’t see it happening. I could see the Mets coming into play, there hot, and I think they need a quality starter for the run.

Scott Downs – Brewers, Tampa Bay

Brian Fuentes is the lead guy in the relief department especially with Marte going to the Yankees. Downs is extremely valuable as a lefty out of the pen, but his contract is friendly and I don’t think he’s going anywhere unless we get something real good for him.

Matt Stairs- All contending teams

Matt Stairs still has some power. He could be valuable to any team looking for a lefty bat off the bench. He could be moved.

Others to look for who could possibly be moving, but might not move till end of august- Shannon Stewart, Jonny Mac, Kevin Mench, Brad Wilkerson, Jason Frasor.

Sundin's 3 headed monster

2008-07-23T08:10:00.001-07:00

As we continue to go throw the summer, each day goes by without knowing which team Mats Sundin will sign for. He continues to say that he is not sure he will even play, which is crazy to think he’s even considering that after the season he just had. I think Sundin is using this idea that he’s not sure he wants to play, just to buy him more time on who to sign with. There are 3 teams that he could go to, those teams being Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Let’s imagine what each decision would entail for Mats.

Mats Signs for 2 years/ 20 million dollars with the Canucks.

If Mats signs with Vancouver it is purely for financial gain. In my opinion the Canucks suck, and the only reason there better than a team like the leafs is because of Roberto Luongo. I don’t see them, even with adding Mats to the team, being able to compete for more than a playoff spot. I think Mats knows this. In many circumstances you can’t blame a guy for going for top dollar. But in this circumstance, Mats has made a boatload of cash in his career, and if he does indeed go to Vancouver, I think he looks like a hypocrite to Toronto fans. If you want to win a cup, go to a contender.

Mats Signs for 2 years/14 million dollars with the Montreal Canadians.

Now everybody has their own opinion as Leaf fans on this decision. And thankfully this is my blog so I can give mine. If Mats Sundin goes to our biggest rival (in history) than all his accomplishments with Toronto will be forgotten. Call me traditional but I think when you play for a Team like the Leafs, with the rivalry it has with Montreal, you cannot cross over. This is a guy who’s spent almost his whole career with Toronto. It’s worse than what Jonny Damon did when he went to the Yankees from the Red Sox. I hope all Toronto fans join me in there HATE for Mats Sundin if he signs with Montreal. Even with him going to Montreal, I see their chances of Winning the cup better than Vancouver, but I still don’t see them as a real threat. Another reason to dislike Mats if he were to go to Montreal is the fact that we had a trade lined up for him at the deadline. One that would have given the team that has signed his checks for the past 14 odd years something in return for him. He decided in not pursuing that, and in my opinion he left himself open to loads of criticism and dislike from Toronto fans if he did sign now because of that.

Mats signs a 2 year/14-15 million dollar contract with the Leafs.

The longer Mats waits, the better the chances the leafs have at signing him I think. His heart is still in Toronto, he still loves it here, or so he says. I don’t really care much for Mats re-signing, yes it will show his loyalty, which I admire, but at the same time we suck, and by having him we won’t suck enough to continue to build through high draft picks. In my opinion Mats says he wanted a cup well if he wanted one so badly, he could have signed with the Red Wings before Hossa did and he didn’t. He now has 3 offers which none of the 3 offer him a good chance at winning the cup. He painted himself in this corner by taking his sweet time to decide where he wanted to play and because of this I find all 3 of his choices are flawed. Flawed for reasons, not flawed financially.

5 questions that need to be answered

2008-07-16T18:53:00.001-07:00

Jays questions that need to be answered by Game 162

1. Who is the GM going forward?

This question is very important to where we go. The longer JP stays on the job, the better his chances are of staying. In Halladay’s most recent comments, he made it sound as if he’s a backer of our general manager, as well as being a fan of Cito Gaston. Barring a bad end to the season, I think it is pretty certain that Cito will be back, but will JP be back to join him? Here are a few scenarios that could play out.

A. Both Cito and JP come back

B. JP is fired, someone different is brought in for the GM job but Cito stays

C. JP is fired, Cito comes back as General Manager and he hires the next Manager of the club.

Don’t count C as too highly unlikely. I feel Cito will be back in some position. He brought a bunch of his own boys, one of them being “Mean Gene” Tenace, and it’s hard to think he would bring in his own guys for half a season, unless he was given more than this year by somebody higher than JP, possibly Paul Godfrey. I think it’s highly unlikely JP comes back, He had a 5 year plan, were in year 7, somebody else should be given a chance. And Cito is in his mid 60's, he might be interested in moving to the front office if he's given full rule.

2. Can this team, with the CORE group, compete in 2009?

This is the most important question needed to be answered. I would say, with maybe a change or two, the core guys are Roy Halladay, Vernon Wells, Alex Rios, Aaron Hill, Scott Rolen and BJ Ryan. These guys are the core for two reasons. One being that at least 3 of them (Wells, Rios and Ryan) have contracts that are too expensive to trade, and secondly, if these guys don’t all produce, we have no chance. If the answer is yes, then we put everything into winning either this year coming up or 2010. The reasons are that Halladay is grumbling about not being happy with the mediocrity and he’s an FA in 2010. Not only that The Yankees and Red Sox have some good young talent coming through the ranks and they will be amazing, not good, amazing for years to come. The economics of baseball has changed. It use to be about signing the big free agents and whoever had the most money got the rings and the playoffs. In the past 5 years it has changed. Prospects and young players have become key. Look at the Rays, their payroll is extremely small and instead they rely on young, homegrown talent to win. With the Red Sox and Yankees keying in on this way of building a team, they have put in mega resources into their North American and Worldwide scouting teams. They’ve built baseball academies in the Caribbean to snag upcoming talent, although hopefully this will stop when or if the World draft gets implemented, and we can only hope it happens soon.

If the answer with the upcoming GM or JP is that this team cannot be competitive with the big boys of the East, we need to look at what our game plan is going forward. I’m not sure if it’s keeping the ship as it is, or making drastic changes, being unloading big contracts. At the very least a decision needs to be made.

3. What areas need to be improved through free agency?

This is important; because I think looking forward we need to forget about big time free agents. We need to begin developing our talent with the type of mentality that, if these guys don’t work, there’s no money for a quality FA to come in. We, as a middle market team, need to not rely on FA’s. The reasons for this are the overpaying you do for those guys, the low quality of 30+ players in the post steroid era and that homegrown talent keeps costs low, and leaves big money for the few areas that need FA’s. Now using this last part of the season as an example, these are the areas I believe we need to shore up.

a. First base

b. Shortstop

c. Left field

d. Designated hitter

e. Right handed reliever

f. One starting pitcher, not a 5-spot one either

This sounds like a lot of areas to fix, but to be honest, were not just a .500 team because of underperforming and injuries. At first, Lyle Overbay strikes out and hits into double plays far too much. He doesn’t hit for home run. Because Rolen doesn’t hit for a huge amount of home runs, it means one of them has to go. Overbay is far worse. I don’t think we will be able to trade him but somebody with a bat needs to come in. Perhaps we could have a platoon at first base, with the other taking DH duties. Shortstop is an area the Jays are actively searching in the trade market for. AJ Burnett is being shopped, and word is the Jays want a ss in return. Left Field is a place where I think Adam Lind can take over, so let’s use the rest of the season to see if he gets that position next year, and we can scratch that off our needs. We have some great left handed relievers, but from the right side it is lacking. Casey Janssen is coming back next year, remember him, but I would like to see if he can start, so we shouldn’t count on him. We also need another quality starting pitcher, preferably a front of the rotation type guy. That’s not something you want to look for on the free agent area, so hopefully we can get an actual reclamation project or we develop another youngster in the 5th spot.

4. Which guys in the system can come up and make the team next year?

Looking at our needs, there are some guys in the system who can take those positions. At starting pitcher we have two guys who could possibly step up. David Purcey regardless of his two starts this year has not been given a chance to see what he has. He’s pitched well in triple A and needs an extended look. Adam Lind got 19 at bats early in the season, and got sent down because he wasn’t producing. Well, we brought him up for an extended look, where he could actually screw up and not have to worry about being sent down, and look what happened, he’s now performing. Do the same with Purcey and let’s see what he’s made of. Another key thing about Purcey, he’s a southpaw, they are extremely valuable in the rotation. Another guy who hasn’t been given a look but is pitching great in double A is Brett Cecil. Cecil was a closer at Maryland but got turned into a started, and a lot of scouts feel he is the best prospect, pitching wise, the jays have right now. He’s only 22, but if we’re losing or not making the playoffs anyways, let’s see what he’s made of. Travis Snider is another guy who should be given a look. He had a tough start at Double A when he got up there earlier this year, but he’s starting to show that power we drafted him for. Look how he does in the next month down there, and then if he is still making progress, let’s see how he does for the last month with the big club. In his short minor league career, Catcher JP Arencibia looks like a star. Also playing in Double A, with just under 300 at-bats is, he’s batting over .300 with some power. The only other person who is looking good is Robinson Diaz, another catcher. If either of these guys is to come up, Zaun or Barajas needs to go by the trade deadline or released or traded through the waiver wire in august.

5. Which potential free agents to target?

Forget K-Rod, Teixeira, Sheets and Sabathia. Unless Uncle Ted is opening up the wallet big time, none of those guys are coming. The Yankees are going to get a starting pitcher this winter, and with all the money coming off the books, they will spend to high heavens to get it. Also, it’s hard for the jays to spend a boat load on a Starting pitcher, when Halladay will be making 14.75 next year, and could be being paid less than the new FA Starting pitcher they could get, how would that look? Here are some free agents the jays could possibly be looking at this winter. Just taking a stab in the dark with these, guys who I think could fit, and fill needed positions I see coming.

Shortstop: Ceasar Izturis, Felipe Lopez, Cristian Guzman

DH: Adam Dunn (If JP is gone only, highly unlikely, but we need a bat with power)

Starting Pitcher: Ryan Dempster

Relievers: Kyle Farnsworth

This is a rough view of the free agents, check for yourself, guys who the big boys won’t go for who could be quality is few, check for yourself (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/2009-mlb-free-a.html) .

Anyways these questions Are things that could be getting and should be answered soon. As always, let me know what you think, write on the wall with your thoughts.

Ozel

Top 10 Toronto sports Moments

2008-07-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Sporting events in Toronto:

Having been asked by my very tall friend Matt Herndorf to compile a list of top 10 sporting moments in Toronto, I decided to take up the challenge. I thought about adding stuff from before I was around, but I don’t have the experience to fully grasp what the cup in ’67 did for the city. Hence I have decided to consider only things I know about. Here is my list, I know and hope you don’t agree with it, because this is definitely something up for debate.

1- 1. Touch em’ all Joe. October 23^rd, 1993.

There is no question in my mind that this is the single biggest moment in sports in Toronto ever. Even being only 7 years old at the time, I remember this moment like it was yesterday. Sleepy eyed in from of the TV and thinking we had no chance to come back, Joe Carter single handedly won the World Series for us. Watching it now still gives me great pride and Goosebumps. Definitely at the top of pretty much everybody’s list.

2- 2. 1992-1993 Toronto Maple Leaf Playoffs.

Now although this didn’t win us anything, it was still one hell of a ride. I remember this playoff run more than the ’93 World Series. First came the Red Wings, favored to beat us, and we took them out in game 7, in Detroit. Then the St.Louis Blues, who doesn’t remember Wendel Clark taking that big Slapper and almost taking off Cujo’s head. That series also went 7 and had the famous spinnerama goal by Dougie. And then the Western Finals were good old Kerry Fraser screwed us over with that non call on the great one in game 6, and then Gretz’s famous performance in game 7. This is so high up for a few reasons. Asked yourself why Doug Gilmour is a god in this city and it is because of this year for the leafs. He etched himself among leaf greats with his performance in these playoffs. The possibility of a Toronto/Montreal final, added to the intrigue. And finally it was by far our closest chance at getting the cup. Ask any former hab player from that year, they were jumping for joy when the Kings made it to the final.

3- 3. 1992 World Series Champions.

This is where we became mainstream within American Sports. Too young at the time to realize this, but winning “America’s game” was a big deal in the states. Think about it, do you really think having the Canadian flag upside down was a mistake? This was also a huge deal because of what else happened in these playoffs. The catch by Devon White has to be considered one of the greatest defensive plays in World Series history, and there wouldn’t be any question if it wasn’t for that second base umpire to go blind when Gruber tagged for the triple play. Or Roberto Alomar’s Home run off Dennis Eckersley in the top of the 9^th inning to cap the comeback against Oakland. Eckersley is a hall of fame pitcher, it was huge. If it wasn’t for the home run by Carter, these moments would probably be swapped.

4- 4. 2000 Slam Dunk contest.

Now I hate Vince Carter, but this guy is the reason why the Raptors are still in Toronto. I’m not saying they wouldn’t be here now, but he filled the ACC, and put Toronto on the map in the basketball world. I mean, the guy got us on NBC for games shown Nationally on the States. This Slam Dunk contest was what did it. I don’t think anybody has come close in the Slam Dunk contest to what he did in that one… Just like he said though…. “It’s Over”

5- 5. Wrestle Mania VI- Now many of you will possibly say this isn’t a sport or whatever. I don’t consider the WWE a sport, but the shape these guys are in, they have to be considered athletes. Hence why it is on my list, you cannot ignore an event that has over 67,000 people attending. It had an unbelievable headline, both the Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan putting their belts on the line. It was Hogan’s first loss and one memorable event.

6- 6. The 2001 Raptors

This was a huge deal, coming off the national recognition of the 2000 slam dunk contest, and also his slam dunk over that 7 footer from France, Vince and the raps kept the momentum going by winning their first playoff series. It came after being down 2 games to 1 and then going to New York and taking the series at the Gaarden. In fact, I remember a kid being interviewed by John Gallagher after games 3 where he stated Vince has got to drive to the net, if he does we will win, and being correct to his word (that’s right, I called it). Not only that but we came within one shot of going to the eastern final. It was a very exciting time for Toronto, and if you didn’t think basketball was alive and well, and then you obviously didn’t go to the ACC for a playoff game that year… deafening comes to mind.

7- 7. 2004 Golf Canadian Open.

We came so close to having a winner of the tournament being from Canada. Mike Weir, having won the Masters the year before, was a hero in Canada and he came oh so close to winning a tourney in front of his home town crowd. He had a 3 stroke lead with 8 to play, but couldn’t close the deal. A tough loss.

8- 8. Toronto Argos 1996 Grey Cup champions

The Argos were the worst team in ’95, so in they brought coaching guru Don Matthews and along with newly signed Doug Flutie, they went all the way to the Grey Cup. It was held at our biggest rivals ground, The ti-cats, and the conditions were snowy. It was a highly offensive game, but the game came down to defense. I still remember vividly Adrion Smith getting that interception to make sure the Argos were Grey Cup Champions.

9- 9. 150 m race Bailey vs. Johnson

June 1997, after Bailey had won the 100 meter in the Olympics the year before, Johnson had won the 200 meter; both believed to be the fastest men on the planet. So they came to an agreement, 150 meter race for all the marbles. Bailey dominated and settled the dispute once and for all.

1010 Tie- Kobe’s 81 points on the Raps/ Tiger Woods 2000 Bell Canadian Open win.

Both of these aren’t mine, I thought of both of them, But got persuaded by sports guru Alex Bishop. The Kobe 81 I didn’t think of for a few reasons. It wasn’t by a Toronto Player or held in Toronto so I find it a top 10 for LA, but not us. Nonetheless it was an amazing effort. As well as Tiger Woods win here in 2000. That bunker shot, using a 6 iron was insane, and gets described as “humans aren’t suppose to be able to do that”. Both worthy choices

Honorable mentions:

Argo champions in ’91,’97,’04

Leafs run to the Eastern Conference finals in ’02 and ‘99

Toronto Fc Coming to Existence

The opening of Skydome

The Closing of Maple Leaf Gardens

Feel free to argue and dissect my picks.

Enjoy

Ozel

Brett Favre is seriously damaging his legacy

2008-07-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Brett Favre, the golden boy of football for the past 16 years for the Green Bay Packers has decided to come out of retirement after his tearful and heartfelt goodbye to the sport. He stated that he couldn’t see himself giving the dedication needed to play football. I am a huge Brett Favre fan. He may have beaten the team I liked as a young kid, the 49ers, but it was impossible to dislike him. The good old boy from Mississippi was simply a good guy you liked cheering for. I’ve always loved turning on the TV and watching games at Lambeau, with Favre leading the Pack to victory. When he announced his retirement I was very dissapointed and sad, I still felt he had a year or two left in him and really was ready for the end of the Brett Favre era. My admiration for Favre is becoming less and less after hearing of the events that have passed. Favre retired in early march, but within 3 weeks of this announcement he was having second thoughts and was ready to come out of retirement. The Packers were so sure of this that they were ready to fly down to his farm in Mississippi, hold a press conference stating that he was indeed coming back. This changed just as GM Ted Thompson and Coach Mike McCarthy were heading to the airport, where Favre went back again, and decided to stay retired. He then continued to think about it, but left the Packers thinking, he was done. The Packers, decided to move on and draft quarterbacks to replace him or at least, be the back up for Aaron Rodgers, who has waited 4 years to get his chance. So off the Pack went with there off season program. Getting Rodgers ready to become starter with new draftees Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn coming in to fight for the backup job and pressure Rodgers. Then, with training camps opening up shortly, Favre decided he was ready to commit to football. He could not have picked a worse time for his announcement. He states he doesn’t want to come back with the Pack and take Rodgers job. This does sound admiral, until you think of the position Favre has put Rodgers in. Unless he comes out and puts up numbers that Favre did, he will either be pulled from the starter role for the “backup” quarterback Favre, or if Favre is traded, he will be hated by Packer faithful for knowing they had the chance to have Favre back.

He also puts the Packer brass in an awkward position. If you think about it, the decision to make is simple. Bring back Favre as the starting QB, but surely there getting tired of his indecisions to retire or not retire every year. Even possibly the Packer faithful are as well. A rally was held today by fans to keep Brett Favre, but after completing the highlight pack for it tonight, and seeing less than 200 people show up for the protest, it makes you wonder if there tired of the act aswell. The best case solution is that he gets traded. There’s no way he gets released, why would they do that, so he can burn them playing for division rivals the Vikings or Bears? And lets say he does get traded, after all those years in Green Bay, it just doesn’t feel right for him to retire in another uniform, Plus, unless he wins a Super Bowl with that team, he will go down as the Michael Jordan of football. Jordan looked foolish going to the Wizards. Granted he was the owner of the team and he helped ticket sales, but how did he get repaid for that. Once he retired for good, he was sent his walking papers from majority owner Abe Pollin.

Hopefully some kind of solution can be made, but if it doesn’t turn out the way Brett wants it to, he has only one person to blame. Himself.

Ozel

Burnett rumors and other things to consider

2008-07-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

Having read many of the rumors out there, many coming from prominent baseball people (Jon Heymans of CNNSI and Ken Rosenthal of Fox sports) it seems Burnett is likely to land in the National League. Assistant GM of the Jays Tony Lacava was spotted checking out the Phillies double a team this week, and the Dodgers have also been rumored to be interested. I think there’s a much better chance of a deal happening with the Phillies for several reasons. Firstly, Owner of the Dodgers Frank McCourt reportedly squashed a deal that would have sent Sabathia to the Dodgers. One of the many reasons he choose this was for the extra salary the team would be taking on, his thinking being that 117 million should be enough to contend. If that is the case, do you really see him taking on a .500 pitcher who costs more than half of what Sabathia cost? Not to mention that if Burnett were to be injured he would join Jason Schmidt in being the two most expensive pitchers to not be playing, and both would be on the Dodger payroll. Another big reason for the Philly connection is Pat Gillick. Gillick is a regular visitor during Spring Training, as both big league clubs are very close to each other in Florida, he knows our team well and by all accounts he has a good relationship with JP. The Phillies are in need of some depth for a post season run and it has been reported that Gillick has received the green light from the Philly owners to add payroll at the deadline. There is talk of the Yankees being interested, but don’t look for the jays to be partners with them. It would be a huge sign that they have given up if they trade an asset to a division rival, so unless the Yankees offer a can’t miss prospect, has not going there. Other names that should crop up during this trade deadline include David Eckstein (almost certainly going somewhere), Matt Stairs (his left handed bat off the bench is big for clubs), Greg Zaun (reliable catcher), Shannon Stewart (If he’s healthy).

One name that hasn’t ever come up in trade rumors is Roy Halladay. Before you laugh at this, hear me out on this. I strongly believe the Blue Jays should at least see what we could get for Halladay after this year. Here is why:

1. Halladay is in the prime of his career, He is a workhorse, continuously pitching over 200 innings per year, completes over 5 complete games per year, and is an extremely competitive individual, something every team loves.

2. He is signed at a relatively cheap deal until 2012; this proves important as teams would give more, because he couldn’t be viewed as a rental, like Sabathia was this week.

3. Do the jays seriously see themselves as contenders next year? Do they seriously feel they have a strong enough team to be better than the Red Sox, Yankees AND Rays? Not to mention you expect the Orioles to be better next year. It’s not a case of just being better than one of the Yankees or Red Sox, with the emergence of the Rays, who will be at the top of this division for at least the next 3-5 years, there is now 3 teams for the Jays to overcome, and at least 2 to win the Wild Card. For 13 years it has been a 2 headed race in the east and we haven’t sniffed the playoffs. Do we even stand a chance in a 3 headed race?

4. Look at what Sabathia got, and know, that Toronto would get much more than that. A Halladay trade could establish players at many positions. Easily 2 can’t miss prospects with massive upside would come our way if not more. Halladay is one of the strongest pitchers and teams would give the moon to have him for 3 years at a reasonable salary. He helps in keeping the bullpen fresh, his competitive attitude gets people motivated, and he’s a proven winner.

Now if you ask me right now if I think the jays should keep Halladay for next year I would say yes they should. But, there is nothing wrong with seeing what a guy’s value is, and that’s what I think the Jays should be doing. If the Jays are unsuccessful in ’09, there’s no question this team will need some rebuilding and Halladay could be moved in order to speed that process. Long term the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays look extremely solid, our team needs big changes before we can compete with them year in and year out. Halladay could help those big changes move a lot quicker.

Leaf Trade Options

2008-07-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

Looking at the Toronto Roster, none of you can tell me it’s looking good. If any of you disagree with that notion, tell me how you expect to win more than 30 games with this as our 4 lines

Jason Blake (40) Nik Antropov(26) Alexei Ponikarovsky(21)

Alex Steen (18) Matt Stajan(16) Mikhail Grabovski (3)

Jiri Tlusty(10) Niklas Hagman (27) Jamal Myers(15)

Robbie Earl(0) Mark Bell(25) Boyd Deveraux(9)

Combined goals from their best season's in the NHL: 210

That would put the leafs 6^th worst in the NHL according to last year’s stats. Granted it does not count defensemen goals, but also, this is all of their career best and who expects Jason Blake or Mark Bell to get anywhere close to their career highs next year. The leafs are a much better defensive team. We’ve got good goaltending, and fairly solid defense. So the style you can expect next year is extremely defensive and not scoring too many goals… Feel free to become a curling or bigger NFL fan, you won’t miss much “action” from the leafs. Nonetheless this is a team we are looking to contend in a few years, soo suck away leafs, we want Tavares anyways. The leafs can add some scoring punch without subtracting much from the defensive side. We are deep on the back end. With Bryan McCabe being persistent in holding to his no trade clause, I think we should look more at Kubina being traded. There is a market for him, and luckily we can trade him wherever we want without him having any say, basically, the way it should be. Here’s a look at possibly trading partners, and assets they have, that we could use.

Toronto Gives up Pavel Kubina

Atlanta gives up Colby Armstrong, Angelo Esposito.

The Thrashers are in need of adding some salary, they are below the low end they need to be in the salary cap, so don’t expect much money coming back our way. They don’t have much to offer, and other than Kovalchuk, they could be as bad as us. I could easily see this trade happening. They didn’t pick Esposito so he isn’t “home grown” and the leafs would want at least one NHL player in return, with still some upside in Armstrong. He could be substituted for a high draft pick or a couple prospects. This would give the leafs a prospect, a solid NHL player, and some salary cap relief for next year.

Toronto Gives up Kubina

Carolina Gives up Justin Williams

Looking at the Hurricanes defense core, it is looking weak. I could see them wanting an upgrade, they have the cap space to do so. Williams gives the leafs the upside they want in a forward. He’s 26 and in his best year has scored 76 points. This would be a steal for the leafs, unlikely to happen, but food for thought nonetheless.

Kubina to the Kings for Jarrot Stoll and Brad Richardson.

Now you may think, why would The Kings give away Stoll who they just got. I’m sure he doesn’t want to leave either. He’s going out with one of the hottest women in the world in Rachel Hunter and she must be very happy that he’s moved down to LA. The reason I see this happening is that the Kings were pushing hard to get Rob Blake back, the reason being that they wanted him to be the veteran presence for the defensemen they have now. Since he’s signed in San Jose, there now looking for that guy. Kubina could fill that role. There are some guys out on the free agent list out there to do this, Jason Smith comes to mind, but don’t count out the Kings as a trading partner.

Bryan McCabe and Ian White and a second round pick to the Islanders for Kyle Okposo, Chris Campoli and Trent Hunter

Now even without Trent Hunter in this trade I would take it in a second. Okposo has the potential to become one of the best players in the NHL and was an absolute steal at the 7^th pick in the ’06 draft. The reason why I could see White going is that, he could be the odd man out in our defensive core. Campoli has more upside and someone I would rather have. Trent Hunter is a valuable forward. I think he would be involved because he is signed long term and the Isles might want to unload some long term salary in order to take Cabers contract. This deal would be the best that could happen.

Toronto Gets Jonathan Cheechoo for Kubina and a second rounder.

Now I know when you see this deal it seems extremely unlikely, and it is. But consider this. There are a lot of rumblings going on that the Sharks are looking to unload Kyle Mcclaren ( infact he was coming to the leafs for Kubina in the deal he denied at the deadline), and the Sens are interested. If that happens, there is a chance this could. The Sharks are keen on Kubina and would like to have him. With the cap going up, it’s not crazy to have 16.67 million tied to your top 3 defensemen. Cheechoo coming back would again fit the age group the leafs are looking for. The Sharks are open to trading him as there have been rumors of him being available for some time now. He’s signed to an affordable deal long term, which is a huge plus for the leafs. The Sharks are stockpiling picks for next year, already with 2 second rounders, they could add another as trade bait at the deadline.

Now these are trades I believe work for both teams. Some teams need to add payroll and that is why we aren’t taking much in return, others are in need of a reliable defensemen. At the moment, after his strong second half, Kubina is seen as a valuable defenseman to have. He’s won a Stanley cup and seems to have regained his form. Hopefully the Leafs can get some valuable pieces for either him or McCabe.

Ozel

Hey

2008-07-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that it is likely C.C. Sabathia will not be making his next start because he will be traded, most likely to the brewers who have offered "the moon" for him. This is there year to win, Ben Sheets is an FA, and is gone after this year and with Prince Fielder having Scott Boras as a agent, He will very likely be traded this summer. This is important to the jays because we will be able to get some prospective on what we could get for Burnett. Now obviously we won't get nearly as much for Burnett as the Indians will get for Sabathia, but, the more the Brewers give up, the better the Jays will get.
Stay Tuned
Ozel

Looking towards the next Jays GM

2008-07-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

It is getting very close to the time where we need to start looking at this year’s jays team as one that will not accomplish anything but possibly get 3^rd in the East. The team has underachieved and been what every jay’s team has been since Joe “touched them all”. Moves should be made before the trade deadline, but it should not be JP making them. If JP is still the general manager by the first of December I will be completely shocked. This was the year he was suppose to deliver, and frankly it’s not happening. It’s not the 41-46 record, it’s the amount of teams we need to pass that I think is becoming more and more impossible. I also think that JP should be let go soon, so we can make moves in the next month that are for the future. A lame duck gm will make moves to help him that could be detrimental to the team going forward. It happened last year when the pirates picked up the grossly inflated contract of Matt Morris. He pitched poorly and was released early this year. That gm is long gone, and a new one was the one who released Morris. So here are a list of candidates we should consider going forward becoming our gm. None of these people are rumored to come here, just people I think Godfrey and Uncle Ted should consider.

Tony LaCava- Jays Assistant general Manager- Highly regarded around the Majors and rumored to be one of the candidates for the Seattle Mariners GM opening and was also one of the final candidates for the Pirates GM opening. Lacava has worked throughout the majors, mostly in scouting and player development. He’s worked with the Angels, Expos, Indians and the Braves before coming to Toronto. All those organizations have had much success while he has been involved with them. You could say the development side of amateurs for Toronto hasn’t been great, but at the end of the day JP is making the picks. LaCava has been with the jays for 6 years now, and many of the guys we’ve drafted since then, are looking good. He is definitely somebody to seriously consider.

Peter Woodfork- Assistant GM Diamondbacks- Woodfork is joining a long list of the new generation of baseball men. More and more we are seeing teams turning to Ivy League grads who aren’t old baseball players but stat geniuses who go more by a system then gut feeling. This is Woodfork, a Harvard grad of 1999. Woodfork previously worked for the Red Sox for three years in player development. He is now with the Diamondbacks, who anybody can see, have the best young talent of the national league, and the Diamondbacks haven’t had to have losing seasons like the Rays in order to gain that young talent. He is somebody the Jays should seriously consider, a young mind who will bring new ideas to the organization.

Kim Ng- Assistant General Manager- LA Dodgers- this would be a huge and extremely bold move by the Jays. Ng would become the first female general manager in baseball. It’s been said that she is one of the most qualified people to become a general manager, but truly needs the right environment in order to have a chance of succeeding. Toronto I think could be that place, it’s an accepting city that I think could accept a female in a male dominated place. Her track record is proven working in two of the biggest markets in baseball being the New York Yankees and the LA Dodgers. She has overseen player development and scouting. Although I find it highly unlikely that the Jays will make this move or even that Ng would accept. Regardless of gender, she is extremely qualified for the position.

Gord Ash- Assistant General Manager of the Milwaukee Brewers- Sound Familiar. Ash was the GM before JP took over. You may think that would be a bad move considering the teams we had in the late 90’s, but he developed talent here with a below average payroll. He had to deal with ownership change that would often make him cut salary before the seasons started. He’s done a great job in Milwaukee of developing talent and that’s somebody we need, because we have a payroll around average, we need somebody who will develop young talent first and foremost. Ash fits the bill but it could be possible that his previous stint here makes it unlikely that he will be given a second chance.

These are just four people to consider, many more out there. The Jays need to build a front office staff that is looking to build young talent and not go the free agent route; quite simply, the jays cannot compete in the free agent market. Although I think JP has not done a great job for the Jays, the Cupboard is not bare. He has made some great draft picks that are looking like they can contribute. Guys like Brett Cecil, Travis Snider, Kevin Ahrens, JP Arencibia, are all looking good in the minors right now. David Purcey is someone who can also succeed at the major league level I believe, but needs time to make the mistakes any young player will. Whoever comes in will have a good base to work from.

Ozel

One more thing to right about. Rumors are out there that the Jays have been contacted concerning the availability of David Eckstein. The Orioles have been that team. Still hoping he goes to a team not in our division, but I will say this. I will be very surprised if Eckstein is still on the roster August first. Unless the jays go on to win 90% of there games until then, He's gone. Burnett I am not so sure

Jays need a shortstop

2008-07-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

Rumours are circulating today that the jays are looking to unload AJ Burnett for a shortstop. Concerning one of our shortstops, if the jays are proactive they would work very quickly at unloading David Eckstein to the LA Dodgers. Dodgers ss Rafael Furcal has just had surgery on his back, and is out for 8 weeks. Eckstein, other than his shaky defence, would be an ideal fit for the dodgers. He's only signed for this year, he bats for a decent average, and could immediately step in to the everyday role. If JP is proactive he should be strongly pursuing this move. He could slot Scutoro and Jonny Mac at Short for now until he unloads Burnett for a Shortstop. Or he could keep them there for the whole year and go after a bat with Burnett. Stay tuned.

Ozel

The best of the rest

2008-07-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a list of the prominent free agents left and where I think they will go.

Pavel Demitra
Jaromir Jagr
Markus Naslund
Martin Straka

Demitra- Vancouver, Detroit, Ottawa,Minnesota

Pavel is still producing, having scored 54 points last year in 68 games. His former agent Mike Gillis is now the gm of the Canucks, and Demitra before free agency came about was said to have visited Vancouver. I see him going there, but he could also end up back in Minnesota where Doug Riseborough said only one of Demitra or Rolston could be re signed. Now that Rolston is gone, maybe he brings back Pavel. He began his career in Ottawa and is comfortable with the organization. Detroit is on here because I honestly think that IF they wanted to, they could still resign one more superstar, who hasn't one a cup. Not sure it will be Demitra though.

Jaromir Jagr- Pittsburgh, New York, Omsk

Jagr has stated countless times he wants to continue his career in the NHL and not take the lucrative offer from Avangard Omsk. Said to be around 3 year deal and equivalent to 35 million us after tax, thats a tough deal to say no too. I believe in the end he will sign over in Europe. Still the Rangers do have space left to sign him, but have been un willing to give him anything more than a one year deal, something Jagr is holding out for. I could see him going to Pittsburgh, they are interested, and I am sure he is too. His relationship with the fans is shaky at the moment, something he could fix by going back. The lure of playing with some of the top young talent is there as well has having a great oppertunity to win the cup. Edmonton is said to also be in the running, but put it this way, 35 million to play at home, or play in Edmonton.... I don't see him picking them unless they offer him massive money, like they have too for any free agent they want.

Markus Naslund- Vancouver, Detroit, Ottawa, Montreal, New York

His former agent is also now the gm of the canucks, but I don't see him going back. He just sold his house in Vancouver stating he wanted to take advantage of the real estate boom in Vancouver.... somehow for a guy whose made a huge amount of money in his career, I don't really believe it. Detroit I see as a real chance. With all the swedes on the team, and the fact that he's never won a cup, he could do exactly what Hossa has done, granted for alot less money than Hossa, and then see the free agent market next year. It's believed that Naslund is high on signing with a Canadian team, leaving Ottawa and Montreal as likely choices. New York offers him the big city, and a serious chance at the Stanley Cup. And also possibly Pittsburgh, the team that drafted him.

Martin Straka- HC Lasselsberger Plzen, New York, Pittsburgh, Ottawa

I see Straka going home to the Czech Republic and if he doesn't I have no idea where he would go. The links of him going home to HC Plzen are very strong. He still produces playing 60 odd games last year with 40 points, but hes fallen off a bit since his heyday, he needs strong linemates in order to produce. The three NHL teams here are essentially quessing. Pittsburgh is where he had his best years. Nobody of his line mates remain from the last Pitt team he was on (03-04) but, there strong team, the fact that they have lost a second line forward in Malone and a first liner in Hossa, I would be surprised if Pittsburgh didn't add one of these guys left over. Straka could be that guy, but he would be a downgrade from both Malone and Hossa

Leaf fans be thankful were not going after any of these guys, some news to pass by, Fletcher is looking for another defensemen and has indicated he could be coming from Europe.... Stay tuned

Ozel

Avery goes to the Stars, Hossa a Red Wing

2008-07-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

Not surprisingly, Sean Avery has signed with the Dallas Stars. I say not surprisingly because, back when both Brett Hull and Avery were Red Wings, they lived together, and they obviously are still close. The Deal is for what the Leafs reportedly offered him 4 yrs/16 million, and its a big blow in my opinion to the leafs. Were going to be a bad team next year, it would have been nice to be a bad team that teams hated to play against.

Hossa signed a one year deal with the Wings obviously because Henrik Zetterbergs Contract is up after this year. Once again, Ken Holland has proven why he is the Scotty Bowman of general Managers. All his moves are under the radar. He picked up Ty Conklin for next to nothing to back up Ozzy. You may remember Conklin had a great season for the pens last year as Fleury' s backup, and even if he doesn't do well, they have capable AHL Joey Macdonald waiting. The move by Hossa is clearly soo he can get his name on the Cup. Win the Cup next year and then go for the money the rest of his career. The Red Wings have to be seen as clear cut repeat cup champions, and they were even before the Hossa signing. They are bringing back there whole team, while adding another first line forward, except on the Red Wings, he may be a second line forward. If only the Leafs would offer Holland 5 years 25 million to be the GM of our team. Remember theres no cap on Personnel... We can only dream.

Ozel

What the leafs did and the Mccabe situation

2008-07-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

How many of you hockey fans out there knew of the Finger? come on, hands up, I can't see them. Maybe that's because he was a healthy scratch for half his team's playoff games? Or maybe it's because he has only played 94 career NHL games, and thats not because he's young. No infact, he's the same age as Toronto Maple Leaf Nik Antropov, our first round draft pick 10 years ago. Anyways, in all honestly I like the way Finger plays, but definitly not at 3.75 million a season, especially after he made less than half a mil last year. Even with yesterday's outrageous contracts handed out ( yes, Christobal Huet now is making more than Brodeur), there's no way we could not have gotten Jeff Finger at 4 yrs/10 million. Anyways, hopefully he surprises us and lives up closely to that cash. Hagman, I believe could be a good signing. Granted he could turn into a cheaper version of Jason Blake, Hagman plays hard and provides energy. Bringing back Cujo is logical, he wants to finish his career back in t.o after a shaky breakup when him and Pat Quinn weren't getting along. Unfortunaly after seeing the money going around yesterday, and seeing a 35 year old like Rolston getting 5 million a year ( remember because he is older than 35, even if he retires next year, Jersey has a five million dollar cap hit until the end of this contract) you have to think Sean Avery will get that as well. I like Avery at 4 million a year, but at 5 million plus, i don't think it would be smart.

Now onto the Mccabe situation. As I wrote earlier, our top 4 defensemen now cost a third of our payroll. Someone has to go. Oh Bryan, Bryan... you and your stupidity. I guess we should have known how pathetic and stupid you are after your wife Roberta made the decision on this contract. The one for 5 years at 5.75 mil a season, the one she didn't want you to sign because she wanted to go back home to Long Island, and we leaf fans waited a month while it sat on the table and "Roberta" decided if Bryan was going to sign it. Amazing how you let her make the decision on your playing career, when your bringing in that much cash. Man, I hope she divorces you and takes half of it. Well you had your chance to go to Long Island, the leafs since the red wings won the cup were ready to trade you there. But your greedyness got in the way. You see, you may have noticed that Darcy Tucker will now be making 4.5 million a season for the next 2 years, not the 3 million we signed him for. With the buyout and the cash the Avs gave him, he's making more. Thats exactly what Mccabe wants. He doesn't love Toronto, he loves benjamins... or maybe it's Roberta who loves benjamins, I'm sure Bryan is on an allowance at home. Mccabe is hoping we buy him out, pay him 3 million for the next 6 years and sign a contract with another team, who will surely pay him 5 million plus a season for 5 years. The question now is who bluffs first, it truely is the time we see how tough leafs management is. If they buy him out and give him what he wants, it will be the ultimate in giving in. If the leafs sit him, make him a healthy scratch, which is the only thing they can do with his no movement clause, then maybe he will finally accept a trade. But unfortunatly it doesn't look like it will be to Long Island, they signed Mark Streit last night for there defense. This situation will get ugly with Mccabe and it won't be pretty, but as leaf fans all we can hope is that they stick to there guns and don't give in to Roberta.

Ozel

Leafs sign finger

2008-07-01T13:00:00.001-07:00

I thought the leafs would possibly go after him, but didn't think they would. The leafs signed him at a premium, and although he did have a great year last year, i think they signed him for much to much, as much as a million a year too much. Finger takes kalinins place, you have to think Mccabe is now gone. At present moment, including Finger, our top four defensemen cost more than a third of the payroll. One of the guys not named finger has to go before the season starts. My money is on Caber finally accepting a trade.

Ozel

Will Sundin take the cash

2008-07-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Many reports are circulating that Mats has been offered a 2yr/20 million dollar contract by the canucks. If he does indeed take this offer, he is purely taking it for the money. There is no way in heck the Canucks are getting a sniff of the cup in those two years. The west is way too loaded, and the Canucks in my opinion are a weak team with an amazing goaltender. Mats will make them better, but 2nd round of the playoffs better, not a cup team. The red wings, rangers, and habs won't offer him 10 mil a year, but somewhere close to that 7-8 mil, and a much much better chance at winning the cup.... stay tuned

Ozel

Who called it

2008-07-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

It looks like its happened, Cujo is back in leaf land, the deal is for one year around 700k. H will solidify are backup position, and enjoy one last year before hanging them up for good. Ive also read that Radim Vrbata has signed with the lightning and not coming to the leafs as I may have thought. Very surprised at the lightning. Most teams build from the goal out, but t-bay seems to have the thinking that there going to score more goals than the other team every night. They better hope so, I don't think Mike Smith is the solution in net, and now they pretty much have to get rid of boyle... where they will almost definitly ask for at least one nhl ready defensemen in return. Lastly, its been reported the leafs have offered Avery a 4yr/16mil contract, which blows away the latest 4yr/12mil offer from the rangers. I could see a team giving him even more than the leaf offer, teams are desperate to make a move. Look for the thrahsers to greatly overpay a free agent. Don Waddell needs to do something drastic, the owners are ready to let him go. Thats what you get when youve only had 2 home playoff games in the teams existence.

Ozel

The Raptors off-season soo far

2008-06-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

As you can expect from a "mover" such as Bryan Colangelo, it is no surprise that The Toronto Raptors have been busy this off season. They just made the trade of the draft.
Here's how it played out

To Toronto:
Jermaine O'Neal
41st 2008 draft pick (Nathan Jawai)

To Indy:
Me.J Ford
Rasho Nesterovic
17th pick (Roy Hibbert)
and either Maceo Baston or Joey Graham

This trade is all but done, and all those people who say otherwise tell them to answer this. When the Raptors draft somebody in the first round, they have a press conference in the days following introducing there pick to the Toronto media.... Where has that press conference been for Hibbert. Not to mention Hibbert was nowhere found on the raps radar, in fact I am pretty sure he didn't even come for a workout, and if he did, only one.

Anyways this trade is a make or break, and even in different sports, it is very similar to the trade for Scott Rolen of the Blue jays, both have long injury lists. O'Neal has not played 70 plus regular season games since 2003..... that was 5 years ago. He may be still in his late 20's, but remember, hes been in the NBA for over 10 years, as he came straight out of high school. Granted he didn't play much his first couple years in Portland... those legs and especially the knees are much older than late 20's. If he can give us 55 plus games and be ready for the playoffs... watchout the raptors will be a force downlow. This move also signifies that barring something crazy, my man JK, Jason Kapono is back in the starting 5. Last season, coach of the Raptors Sam Mitchell did a horrible job of finding open looks for JK. He's a spot shooter who can't really create his own shot. But as we saw in the playoffs, he can occasionally drive to the net, and his accuracy from long range is unreal. I see O'Neal and Bosh creating double teams down low, with JK wide open for the threes, Mitchell won't even have to find ways to get him open looks, all he has to do is motivate these guys and look good in his suits, which is the only things I think he's good at, as a coach. There are rumors out there that Carlos Delfino is as good as gone, most likely to Europe. There are also rumors concerning Anthony Parker who is signed for this year, but has a 3 year 21 million dollar deal from Olympiakos sitting on a table that for a guy like him, has to be a once in a lifetime contract, those are numbers he will never see in the NBA.

Although I've gotten offtrack I see this trade as valuable to the Raps if O'Neal stays healthy. Jawai is a guy who if we can get him motivated can be a rotation guy. At the same time he's got some serious weight on him and some attiude issues. The NBA lifestyle will either send him to the Mcdee's and clubs or get him serious that he wants more than one of those plushy contracts. We gave up Ford, who gave up on this TEAM once he decided to complain about being a backup to a guy who was much better than him, I guess it's tough making 8 million a year. This trade also ensures that the Raps will go from a 13-15 man rotation, down to a 10 man rotation, with the 10 guy only getting garbage minutes. It also means we need a backup point guard unless Roko Ukic is as good as many people are saying. He is finally coming over from Europe, and if he can solidify the backup spot, it opens up some money for a guy at the 3 or 2 who can slash to the net and get to the line.

Ozel

Looking towards the end of this year with the Jays

2008-06-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Jays have officially played more games than are left, which means the trade deadline is a month away. Unlike the NHL deadline, there isn't alot of moves made at the deadline, but the jays could be players this year. Everybody is talking about trading AJ Burnett. While it could be a good move, everybody is forgetting the two first round draft picks we get, if he signs with another team next winter. Not only that everybody is forgetting that JP Ricciardi is most likely gone after this year if we don't make the playoffs. That means our draft picks won't be wasted on Russ Adam types, or the more than 30 outfielders that he has picked, with only 1, Adam Lind, making it anywhere on the jays roster. So hopefully those picks wouldn't be wasted. I see AJ having a great month and beyond. He's due alot of money for the next two years, but this guy has been a selfish person with loads of potential who turns it on when it means he can get more money. Unless the jays can significantly beat the two picks we will receive in the winter ( and make no mistake, Burnett is definitly gone at the end of this year if not sooner). Other guys I would like see moved regardless if we are in the race or not are Lyle Overbay and either Greg Zaun or Rod Barajas. Overbay will be close to impossible to move with his contract at 6 mil per season for 3 more and his weak numbers. I think moving either of our catchers is a good move. One of them could handle the catching duties with a young guy, and with the low amount of veteran catchers we could get something for either of them. Barajas has some pop with a strong arm and good defensively. Zaun is a switch hitter who manages his pitching staff well, both have qualities teams could use for a stretch run, and would give something of value back, be it a prospect. If the jays make a run, which I can see them doing, they do not need to touch there pitching staff, but add a bat somehow. Jason Bay has been floated around but he will cost a good pitcher, which I wouldn't do. If I were to predict anything I'd say Burnett moving is 50-50 at this point, and other than that, I don't see anything happening.

Ozel

Free agent Frenzy starts Tommorow

2008-06-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, free agent frenzy begins tommorow. Also what many of you leaf fans know is that our team, as is built right now sucks. I mean I could seriously see the Chicago Wolves, winners of this year's Calder Cup of the AHL beating these guys. When your considering Matt Stajan or Nik Antropov (whose mostly been playing wing lately) as your number one center, things aren't looking good for the immediate future. It goes without saying that the leafs can only get better. Looking at our player salaries for last year, it came to a shed over 52 million. Looking at who were getting rid or already have gotten rid of ( tucker, Gill, Wellwood, Raycroft and Sundin) we have a few other guys who have left but, they made well under a million. I add Sundin to this mix as I see no real chance that he will come back. With all the savings we make with these departures (save the million and a half on the cap that the tucker and Raycroft buyouts will cause) The leafs have money to spend. Trader Cliff ( Fletcher) has already stated were not going after anybody whose older than 29. This is a great move by the wily veteran, were not competing for years.

Because of these factors I do not see the leafs being players in Tommorow's action but heres a list of a few players to keep an I on.

Sean Avery
Dmitri Kalinin
Curtis Joseph
Jason Williams
Branko Radivojevic
Radim Vrbata

All of these guys are UFA's. I really see Sean Avery coming here. Not only because Bob Mckenzie thinks it will happen but because of many reasons. First and foremost, regardless of if Toronto is going to be a bad team for a few years, the Leafs need to make a splash, they need to do something that will get the fans attention away from how bad they are, and what better way than to get Avery, the loud mouth, no holds bar, who will do anything to get people's attention, including working as an intern this summer for Vogue Magazine. Not only that, just because the leafs will be a bad team, doesn't mean we have to give wins away and get teams to enjoy playing us. With Avery on the roster, teams will hate to come to the ACC. From what I've read, Avery does really want to resign in New York. It seems unlikely with his salary demands ( in the 4 million range) and there attention on a fair amount of UFA's (Jagr, Rozival, and don't forget there interest in Brooks Orpik). The leafs will be able to pay Avery what he wants, as well as give him the big stage he has enjoyed in NY. And even for those leaf fans who don't like it, think of this, it may speed up the departure of Jason Blake and that contract he has.

Curtis Joseph, from what I've heard is a Leaf if he wants too. He still has the family in King City, and you would think he would love to come back and finish his career where he had some of his best years. It also won't cost much to sign him. Williams is another guy I see the leafs getting. He's in that age group that fletch has stated he wants, he won't cost to much, he's from the area, and even at 28, he still has some upside. I could also see Vrbata coming here. He's got some scoring punch and could play on the first line, granted of a weak team like ours, but I think he will be in demand and it may be hard to convince him to come here, especially because hes not worth to overpay.

Concerning Kalinin, I think this. If the leafs sign him, that means they think they can get rid of McCabe. Kalinin won't get close to Caber money, but he will need ice time, and right now he would be a 4th defencemen. I see him as a 3rd. Now you might think that isn't much of a difference, the fourth and 3rd dee men are on the same line. But what happens when an injury happens or penalty? or pp? So if the leafs get Kalinin, look for one of the other big three (Kubina, Kaberle and Caber) leaving.

In the end, I see the leafs still being way under the cap at the end of this free agent period. I don't see us going after any significant UFA"s, we don't have the depth to give up draft picks, but nonetheless, Wojtek Wolski is out there, and he's one guy I'd at least consider.

Ozel

My introduction

2008-06-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, my name is Marc Oliver. I am a 22 year old student at the University of Guelph, a small town just outside Toronto Canada. I am an avid sports fan, not just focusing on North American Sports. I went to high school in South African and have lived in London, England as well. I will be focusing on Sports for Toronto sports fans, but will occasionally cover Rugby as well as Premiership football (soccer) as well as any major sporting events I consider important to me. I will report rumors that I hear and what validity I think they have. I hope you enjoy and constructive commentary is always welcome.