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Wednesday, July 6, 2011
New Reign in Tennis No Djok(ovic)
This past week at the Wimbledon Championship at the All England Club, it could be suggested we saw the passing of the torch on the men's side. Novak Djokovic, the exuberant Serbian, has surpassed both Roger Federer (arguably the greatest men's tennis player of all time) and Rafael Nadal to become the #1 ranked player in the world.
For those who have followed Djokovic over the last few years, you had the sense that it was only a matter of time before he reached the pinnacle. With a thundering serve and gazelle-like quickness, you could tell he was becoming a thorn in each of Federer's and Nadal's side. After starting off the 2011 season with a spectacular 41-0 record (snapped no less by Federer at the French Open), Djokovic put an exclamation mark while staking claim to his new ranking by defeating Nadal at Wimbledon.
Now, this is no flash-in-the-pan type thing. We have seen Andy Murray always be the bridesmaid but never the bride. We've also seen Andy Roddick being talked up as the next big U.S. great since Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, only to become who I consider not only one of the most overrated players in tennis, but in all of sport. Djokovic, on the other hand, gets it done.
He holds 3 Grand Slams, a far cry from Nadal's 10 and Federer's record 16. But this is only the beginning. As sad as it is to see Federer entering the twilight of his career and his stranglehold to Grand Slams all but a thing of the past, us fans can take solace that there is a new charismatic player we can latch on to.
The two-headed monster has now made way for a third. And this time, it's no Djok.
For those who have followed Djokovic over the last few years, you had the sense that it was only a matter of time before he reached the pinnacle. With a thundering serve and gazelle-like quickness, you could tell he was becoming a thorn in each of Federer's and Nadal's side. After starting off the 2011 season with a spectacular 41-0 record (snapped no less by Federer at the French Open), Djokovic put an exclamation mark while staking claim to his new ranking by defeating Nadal at Wimbledon.
Now, this is no flash-in-the-pan type thing. We have seen Andy Murray always be the bridesmaid but never the bride. We've also seen Andy Roddick being talked up as the next big U.S. great since Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, only to become who I consider not only one of the most overrated players in tennis, but in all of sport. Djokovic, on the other hand, gets it done.
He holds 3 Grand Slams, a far cry from Nadal's 10 and Federer's record 16. But this is only the beginning. As sad as it is to see Federer entering the twilight of his career and his stranglehold to Grand Slams all but a thing of the past, us fans can take solace that there is a new charismatic player we can latch on to.
The two-headed monster has now made way for a third. And this time, it's no Djok.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Miami parade postponed ...sorry!
Ok, Miami Heat fans. You’d better check out another blog article from this site because you won’t like it…
How satisfying was that NBA Finals?! Seeing how a team like Dallas just totally dismantled the supposed Miami Heat juggernaut was poetry in motion. Dallas took advantage of every misstep that Miami took and never looked back. They made plays when it counted. They fought until the very end.
Some could say that the turning point was in Game 2 and the Heat were up by 15 pts in the 4th quarter. After a timeout, they walked off the court, seemingly planning their parade route already. Then Dirk took over. No one could stop the guy. I thought Lebron was supposed to be the unstoppable one, but it was the 7 foot German that stole the show. Speaking of satisfying, how good was it to see Dirk manhandle Bosh in the last minute of that game (and actually, the whole series)?
I’m sure everyone remembers “The Decision” as well as that ridiculous party to introduce the Big Three to Miami. How dumb does that look now? Yes, the Heat may win a title in the next 5 years, but unless they do something, it’s not going to be the dynasty they had hoped for. It’s still Wade’s team and it looks like Lebron has trouble finding his role with another superstar on the team. Bosh was solid at times, but at other times, was exposed on the defensive end and had horrible shooting nights. They still have a ways to go. Lebron has a ways to go. For someone who was supposed to be the next Jordan (I know we’ve heard this before [Stackhouse, Hill, Carter, etc.]) he simply disappeared at the end of games in the Finals, especially Game 6.
But enough, of the Heat bashing…I’m sure there’s enough of that going around the world as it is. Congrats to the Mavs. They truly had the better, deeper and more cohesive team. Congrats to Dirk, showing the world he is one of the best players in the league. Congrats to Jason Kidd. I always loved his game because he worked so hard on both ends of the floor and made everyone on his team better. Congrats to Mark Cuban; crazy owners can win championships!
How long until the Raptors reach this kind of excitement? Well, unless Valuncianas is the 2nd coming of Nowitzki, then sorry folks, you won’t see that anytime soon.
How satisfying was that NBA Finals?! Seeing how a team like Dallas just totally dismantled the supposed Miami Heat juggernaut was poetry in motion. Dallas took advantage of every misstep that Miami took and never looked back. They made plays when it counted. They fought until the very end.
Some could say that the turning point was in Game 2 and the Heat were up by 15 pts in the 4th quarter. After a timeout, they walked off the court, seemingly planning their parade route already. Then Dirk took over. No one could stop the guy. I thought Lebron was supposed to be the unstoppable one, but it was the 7 foot German that stole the show. Speaking of satisfying, how good was it to see Dirk manhandle Bosh in the last minute of that game (and actually, the whole series)?
I’m sure everyone remembers “The Decision” as well as that ridiculous party to introduce the Big Three to Miami. How dumb does that look now? Yes, the Heat may win a title in the next 5 years, but unless they do something, it’s not going to be the dynasty they had hoped for. It’s still Wade’s team and it looks like Lebron has trouble finding his role with another superstar on the team. Bosh was solid at times, but at other times, was exposed on the defensive end and had horrible shooting nights. They still have a ways to go. Lebron has a ways to go. For someone who was supposed to be the next Jordan (I know we’ve heard this before [Stackhouse, Hill, Carter, etc.]) he simply disappeared at the end of games in the Finals, especially Game 6.
But enough, of the Heat bashing…I’m sure there’s enough of that going around the world as it is. Congrats to the Mavs. They truly had the better, deeper and more cohesive team. Congrats to Dirk, showing the world he is one of the best players in the league. Congrats to Jason Kidd. I always loved his game because he worked so hard on both ends of the floor and made everyone on his team better. Congrats to Mark Cuban; crazy owners can win championships!
How long until the Raptors reach this kind of excitement? Well, unless Valuncianas is the 2nd coming of Nowitzki, then sorry folks, you won’t see that anytime soon.
Kaberle to the Canes!
A source has reported that Tomas Kaberle has signed a 3-year deal worth slightly less than $13M (a very affordable price!) with the Carolina Hurricanes. This puts to rest any speculation that he would return to Toronto following his Stanley cup victory. I wonder if he would have returned had Burke been willing....
Nobody Wants Stamkos
There are 29 NHL teams in the league right now other than the Tampa Bay Lightning. Since July 1st, all have been eligible to submit an offer sheet to the 21 year old sniper. Up to this point, none have made such an offer, while Steve Yzerman continues to try to low-ball his restricted free agent. I guess nobody wants Stamkos.
The only other possible reason for this inactivity is the pressure faced by GM's to abide by an unofficial "code of conduct" towards their fellow GM's. It is perceived as taboo around the league to offer an RFA an offer sheet. Let's remember for a minute that these general managers were hired to MANAGE THEIR TEAM; and as such make their team the best possible. In Toronto's case, Brian Burke owes it to fans and the organization to set aside the stupid fraternity rules among GM's and do what he can for his team. If he thinks four 1st round draft picks for Steve Stamkos is too much to pay, then by all means that is just cause for not submitting the offer sheet. But if he thinks having a 50 goal scoring center would help the team for the short and long term; I suggest the logical thing is to offer Stamkos a multi-year contract at $10M per season. If Tampa Bay does not match, we get our franchise player for slightly more than was paid for Phil Kessel. If Tampa Bay does match, they spend more than they intended to with their low-balling tactics, and are less able to sign additional talent. Let's not for one second forget that teams like Toronto and Tampa Bay are in direct competition for a playoff spot.
So Mr. Burke, please, at the risk of pissing off Steve Yzerman, make Steve Stamkos an offer that makes sense to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Who said that general managers have to be best friends? This is a business and Leafs fans don't give a damn for one second about taking away Tampa Bay's best player - neither should their general manager.
The only other possible reason for this inactivity is the pressure faced by GM's to abide by an unofficial "code of conduct" towards their fellow GM's. It is perceived as taboo around the league to offer an RFA an offer sheet. Let's remember for a minute that these general managers were hired to MANAGE THEIR TEAM; and as such make their team the best possible. In Toronto's case, Brian Burke owes it to fans and the organization to set aside the stupid fraternity rules among GM's and do what he can for his team. If he thinks four 1st round draft picks for Steve Stamkos is too much to pay, then by all means that is just cause for not submitting the offer sheet. But if he thinks having a 50 goal scoring center would help the team for the short and long term; I suggest the logical thing is to offer Stamkos a multi-year contract at $10M per season. If Tampa Bay does not match, we get our franchise player for slightly more than was paid for Phil Kessel. If Tampa Bay does match, they spend more than they intended to with their low-balling tactics, and are less able to sign additional talent. Let's not for one second forget that teams like Toronto and Tampa Bay are in direct competition for a playoff spot.
So Mr. Burke, please, at the risk of pissing off Steve Yzerman, make Steve Stamkos an offer that makes sense to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Who said that general managers have to be best friends? This is a business and Leafs fans don't give a damn for one second about taking away Tampa Bay's best player - neither should their general manager.
Monday, July 4, 2011
All Frans-on Deck!
So there I was enjoying a meal from yet another long weekend BBQ when I quickly see across the ticker scroll: "Leafs trade Brett Lebda and minor-leaguer Robert Slaney to Predators for Matthew Lombardi and Cody Franson." My immediate reaction was, "This has to be a joke -- there's no way we got Franson alone for those two scrubs." But yes, indeed, the Leafs sure did.
Well, as my reaction suggests, this was one heck of a deal for the Leafs. Here's yet another instance of the Leafs "buying" a highly touted/talented young defenceman, as they did when they "bought" Jake Gardiner from Anaheim by taking on Joffrey Lupul's salary in exchange for Francois Beauchemin. It's nice to see them flex their financial muscle around in a salary cap world. The Predators did not hold insurance on Lombardi, so the Leafs and the money bags they possess, swooped right in and said, "Hey, we'll help you guys out -- just make sure you throw in Franson."
Now, as much criticism as Burke gets and deserves for not yet obtaining a true #1 centre (sorry Tim Connolly), he has turned his defence into one that not only is good today, but can be even better tomorrow. We should have known as Burke has repeatedly said he builds from the net out. Phaneuf, Schenn, Aulie, Gardiner, Franson, Gunnarsson -- that has the makings of one heck of a blue line in a couple years. Throw in Liles for this year and perhaps beyond and there is a great mix.
Now, Franson obviously can't be viewed as a saviour. But let's look at the bigger picture here: deals like this add depth to the system. Piece by piece, the Leafs will go from a bare cupboard (thanks JFJ) to one that is chock-full of capable NHLers. With that, instead of being forced to hold on to the one or two rare nuggets, the possibility will be there to grab a few of the "jars" from the cupboard and turn it into something real good.
Knowing Burke, he is far from done. And if he's shown anything, it's that he is not afraid to make the big deal nor have it come from left field. So just as free agency has started, so has trading season. It's still a long ways 'til training camp, and the dog days of summer are upon us, but I don't doubt this is the last we hear about any Leaf doings during that time.
Well, as my reaction suggests, this was one heck of a deal for the Leafs. Here's yet another instance of the Leafs "buying" a highly touted/talented young defenceman, as they did when they "bought" Jake Gardiner from Anaheim by taking on Joffrey Lupul's salary in exchange for Francois Beauchemin. It's nice to see them flex their financial muscle around in a salary cap world. The Predators did not hold insurance on Lombardi, so the Leafs and the money bags they possess, swooped right in and said, "Hey, we'll help you guys out -- just make sure you throw in Franson."
Now, as much criticism as Burke gets and deserves for not yet obtaining a true #1 centre (sorry Tim Connolly), he has turned his defence into one that not only is good today, but can be even better tomorrow. We should have known as Burke has repeatedly said he builds from the net out. Phaneuf, Schenn, Aulie, Gardiner, Franson, Gunnarsson -- that has the makings of one heck of a blue line in a couple years. Throw in Liles for this year and perhaps beyond and there is a great mix.
Now, Franson obviously can't be viewed as a saviour. But let's look at the bigger picture here: deals like this add depth to the system. Piece by piece, the Leafs will go from a bare cupboard (thanks JFJ) to one that is chock-full of capable NHLers. With that, instead of being forced to hold on to the one or two rare nuggets, the possibility will be there to grab a few of the "jars" from the cupboard and turn it into something real good.
Knowing Burke, he is far from done. And if he's shown anything, it's that he is not afraid to make the big deal nor have it come from left field. So just as free agency has started, so has trading season. It's still a long ways 'til training camp, and the dog days of summer are upon us, but I don't doubt this is the last we hear about any Leaf doings during that time.
Monday, June 27, 2011
He's not good enough for the Islanders, but he's good enough for us
Ok that's unfair, but on a website with 400 views in almost a full calendar year you need bold headlines. In a move akin to the hockey version of "The Odd Couple", the Leafs have hired Scott Gordon as an assistant coach to Ron "Snarky" Wilson. Gordon, as you will recall, was head coach of the lowly New York Islanders last season before he was scapegoated and fired by the quirky Charles "Best friends with Alexei" Wang.
So what do you get when you mix a head coach who promotes run and gun, firewagon, pedal to the medal offensive hockey, with an assistant coach who specializes in a tight defensive style with no excitement or risk taking? I think that's the hockey equivalent to what happens in Ghostbusters when they "cross streams".
As the Leafs continue their quest to become "Team America", will this latest gimmick in what surely must be a further attempt to gain Leafs support from south of the border pay off? I'm so confused right now I have absolutely no idea. Let's wait for October to find out.
So what do you get when you mix a head coach who promotes run and gun, firewagon, pedal to the medal offensive hockey, with an assistant coach who specializes in a tight defensive style with no excitement or risk taking? I think that's the hockey equivalent to what happens in Ghostbusters when they "cross streams".
As the Leafs continue their quest to become "Team America", will this latest gimmick in what surely must be a further attempt to gain Leafs support from south of the border pay off? I'm so confused right now I have absolutely no idea. Let's wait for October to find out.
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