When Dany Heatley asked for a trade from the Ottawa Senators at the end of last season, many thought it was because of lack of ice time. Heater claimed he was sick of the Sens' failure to be successful in the playoffs. With a no-trade clause, Heatley was allowed to pick the team he landed with. Upon further review, the issue wasn't ice time or playoff success. Today, Dany Heatley got what he wished for almost eight months ago.
The claim of reduced ice time was true. Stats showed his time decreased. However, the production of the once hated line in hockey (Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza and Heatley) had also decreased. Why wouldn't the coach sit the trio? And no one in the hockey world was denying the Sens early playoff exits (if they made it that far). What's worse for a Sens' fan than being ousted by the Toronto Maple Leafs. SWEPT by the Leafs no-less.
Sure the futility seemed an annual event, but was playoff success what Heatley really wanted? This blogger begs to differ.
A friend (and avid Sens fan) pointed out this week, Heatley requested a trade to San Jose. Ok, nothing I didn't know but said hockey aficionado went on to describe the Sharks' most recent playoff appearances:
2009 - defeated in 6 games in the initial round (by the 8th seed)
2008, 2007, 2006 - defeated in 6 games in the 2nd round
2005 - thank goodness the lockout broke the streak ...
2004 - defeated in 6 games in the 2nd round
2003 - failed to make the post season
If the Sharks were WORSE than the Senators in playoff success, why would Heatley agree to a trade there?
The answer lies in the rejected trade to Edmonton. Rumours listed the trade (vetoed by Heatley) as sending Heater to the Oilers for Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner and Ladislav Smid. (Quite the haul for Ottawa if you ask me but in the end, what I think about a non-trade is a moot point.) Had Heatley landed in Edmonton, the best possible line for him would be arguably: Dany Heatley (RW) - Shawn Horcoff OR Sam Gagner (C) - Ales Hemsky (LW). In San Jose he landed with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.
Today Dany Heatley's trade request payed off. Had Heatley landed in Edmonton, he would probably still be on Canada's Olympic roster. Horcoff, not so much. Some may argue Gagner's case but in August, he wasn't even invited to Canada's training camp. In February Heatley's entire line will be headed to Vancouver.
And there was never much doubt. Thornton is the best set-up man in the game. Heatley was virtually a lock. Marleau much the same. Why mess up their chemistry? Bring them all in hopes of leading Canada to gold.
What Mike Babcock does on the ice remains to be seen although he'd be flat out retarded to split up the Sharks' top line. For Dany Heatley, he has made the Olympics with his year-round line mates with the hopes of bringing home gold. No one in Edmonton would be able to give him that.
In the short Olympic tournament, line chemistry will be everything. In 2010, arguably the NHL's top line will (likely) be together in red and white. In 2006, the chemistry wasn't there and the boys came home with a 7th place finish. Here's to Heatley getting his wish from eight months ago: a shot at gold on home ice.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Anthopolous Could Do Good Things
Doc is no longer a Jay. While I am a little upset I have the same reaction I did when I heard Bart Andrus was fired earlier today: it's about time.
Finally the rumours can stop and we can focus on sports. As I said, I am not looking forward to watching the Jays take the field without Roy Halladay in a home uniform. Although I will say that this move proves that Alex Anthopoulos has winning in Toronto on his agenda, no matter what the cost.
Flashback to 2008 Spring Training where a reported trade had Alex Rios headed to San Fransisco for Ted Lincecum. Rios was claimed off waivers by the White Sox and proceeded to stink out the city. Lincecum is now the two-time defending Cy Young champion. At the time, Rios had signed a long-term, big money contract and was a fan favourite. JP Ricciardi (and I pray that's the last time his name appears on this blog) pulled the plug on the deal for fear of upsetting fans. Last year's rotation? Doc, um ... some rookie ... a young guy ... yeah, bad deal.
While their rotation for this season now consists of the rookie and a young guy (Scott Richmond or Brett Cecil becomes the ace!) the deal today proves that Anthopoulos is not afraid to pull the trigger, not the plug, on deals he feels will improve his team. The Jays don't have the cash of the BoSox and Yankees who have proven their MO to be 'buy a winner' over the past years. So they're apparently going with the Tampa Rays MO of 'build a winner over a few years'.
If it works, Alex will look like a genius. If it doesn't, he'll be booed out of town like many before him. The problem is, Toronto sports fans are extremely impatient (funny considering they're still cheering a team that hasn't won a championship since 1967 ...). Last season fans were every but the Dome on game nights. Surly trading all the name players isn't good for business.
The other team down the street though has shown in their 40+ years of futility that team management to make money does not win anything. Could it be that Alex is onto something? A message to all Toronto sports fans, the trade today IS a great thing for the Toronto Blue Jays. But don't schedule the parade just yet. This may take a few years to come to fruition.
I just hope, for all our sakes, it isn't 40+.
Finally the rumours can stop and we can focus on sports. As I said, I am not looking forward to watching the Jays take the field without Roy Halladay in a home uniform. Although I will say that this move proves that Alex Anthopoulos has winning in Toronto on his agenda, no matter what the cost.
Flashback to 2008 Spring Training where a reported trade had Alex Rios headed to San Fransisco for Ted Lincecum. Rios was claimed off waivers by the White Sox and proceeded to stink out the city. Lincecum is now the two-time defending Cy Young champion. At the time, Rios had signed a long-term, big money contract and was a fan favourite. JP Ricciardi (and I pray that's the last time his name appears on this blog) pulled the plug on the deal for fear of upsetting fans. Last year's rotation? Doc, um ... some rookie ... a young guy ... yeah, bad deal.
While their rotation for this season now consists of the rookie and a young guy (Scott Richmond or Brett Cecil becomes the ace!) the deal today proves that Anthopoulos is not afraid to pull the trigger, not the plug, on deals he feels will improve his team. The Jays don't have the cash of the BoSox and Yankees who have proven their MO to be 'buy a winner' over the past years. So they're apparently going with the Tampa Rays MO of 'build a winner over a few years'.
If it works, Alex will look like a genius. If it doesn't, he'll be booed out of town like many before him. The problem is, Toronto sports fans are extremely impatient (funny considering they're still cheering a team that hasn't won a championship since 1967 ...). Last season fans were every but the Dome on game nights. Surly trading all the name players isn't good for business.
The other team down the street though has shown in their 40+ years of futility that team management to make money does not win anything. Could it be that Alex is onto something? A message to all Toronto sports fans, the trade today IS a great thing for the Toronto Blue Jays. But don't schedule the parade just yet. This may take a few years to come to fruition.
I just hope, for all our sakes, it isn't 40+.
Monday, December 14, 2009
3 - 15 = Unemployment But Don't Blame Bart!
I'll admit, when I heard Toronto Argos' coach Bart Andrus was fired earlier today I wasn't shocked. If someone told me it was to happen in week four of this year's season I wouldn't have thought any different. However, was this the right move? I'm not so sure.
Yes, a record of 3 wins and 15 losses is terrible, and yes, the Argos are a sinking ship (perhaps Shea Hillenbrand is next in line ...) but no, I don't blame Bart for the entire 2009 debacle. Critics of his work will point to Andrus's feuds with Byron Parker and Arland Bruce III, both of whom were exiled for expressing their opinions. Team quarterback Kerry Joseph also publicly expressed his displeasure for the coach, although his comments gained him the starting job (albeit for a week).
While the record and quarrels with teammates point to troublesome signs for Andrus, I am still not a believer this was the right move. Since the beginning of the 2007 season the Toronto Argonauts have employed 5 coaches (if you include Pinball Clemons from 2007 and whoever succeeds Andrus in 2010). Clearly the coach is not the problem in Toronto.
Much of the blame has been placed on the shoulders of Kerry Joseph. When he came to Toronto, he was the reigning CFL MOP and a Grey Cup Champion. He was to tag-team Michael Bishop who was 11-1 as a starter in Toronto. The "tag-team" ended with "controversy" and Bishop was shipped to Saskatchewan where he started in the 2009 Grey Cup. Perhaps it was Joseph's fault. But, if you include those two QBs, over the same stretch since the start of the 2007 season, Toronto has fielded 5 starters (Damon Allen, Joseph, Bishop, Cody Pickett, Steven Reaves). None of the above were overly effective. Which leads me to believe this is not the problem either.
I have to lean where not many are. That the only constant through these years has been team General Manager, Adam Rita. Perhaps it's time for the old man to step aside. It appears the ball, while not rolling, may be in 'pre-push' mode for his exit. Reports indicate Rita was not in attendance at the Andrus press conference today furthering rumours he may be out after owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski expressed their displeasure of his leadership after the season.
Don't applaud just yet. Other rumours have Cynamon and Sokolowski wanting to sell the team during the off season. If that were the case, it's speculated BC Lions' owner (and GTA resident) David Braley could be a name in the hat to purchase the franchise. If so, don't expect Rita to go anywhere as the two are good friends and former co-workers in BC. The evidence may point to Andrus and Joseph as the main culprits for the Toronto disaster (in football anyway) but if a receiving corps or kick returner or ... ... (insert every roster position but Kicker here) were provided, I have to believe the 2009 Argos may have been better.
Rita has to go!
But for now, we'll await the next head coach. He'll likely come with whoever is the GM. And he'll likely be whoever the owner likes. Candidates for coach include Calgary offensive co-ordinator George Cortez, B.C. defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides and Danny Barrett (University of Buffalo offensive co-ordinator). Candidates for GM include, alas, Adam Rita.
Yes, a record of 3 wins and 15 losses is terrible, and yes, the Argos are a sinking ship (perhaps Shea Hillenbrand is next in line ...) but no, I don't blame Bart for the entire 2009 debacle. Critics of his work will point to Andrus's feuds with Byron Parker and Arland Bruce III, both of whom were exiled for expressing their opinions. Team quarterback Kerry Joseph also publicly expressed his displeasure for the coach, although his comments gained him the starting job (albeit for a week).
While the record and quarrels with teammates point to troublesome signs for Andrus, I am still not a believer this was the right move. Since the beginning of the 2007 season the Toronto Argonauts have employed 5 coaches (if you include Pinball Clemons from 2007 and whoever succeeds Andrus in 2010). Clearly the coach is not the problem in Toronto.
Much of the blame has been placed on the shoulders of Kerry Joseph. When he came to Toronto, he was the reigning CFL MOP and a Grey Cup Champion. He was to tag-team Michael Bishop who was 11-1 as a starter in Toronto. The "tag-team" ended with "controversy" and Bishop was shipped to Saskatchewan where he started in the 2009 Grey Cup. Perhaps it was Joseph's fault. But, if you include those two QBs, over the same stretch since the start of the 2007 season, Toronto has fielded 5 starters (Damon Allen, Joseph, Bishop, Cody Pickett, Steven Reaves). None of the above were overly effective. Which leads me to believe this is not the problem either.
I have to lean where not many are. That the only constant through these years has been team General Manager, Adam Rita. Perhaps it's time for the old man to step aside. It appears the ball, while not rolling, may be in 'pre-push' mode for his exit. Reports indicate Rita was not in attendance at the Andrus press conference today furthering rumours he may be out after owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski expressed their displeasure of his leadership after the season.
Don't applaud just yet. Other rumours have Cynamon and Sokolowski wanting to sell the team during the off season. If that were the case, it's speculated BC Lions' owner (and GTA resident) David Braley could be a name in the hat to purchase the franchise. If so, don't expect Rita to go anywhere as the two are good friends and former co-workers in BC. The evidence may point to Andrus and Joseph as the main culprits for the Toronto disaster (in football anyway) but if a receiving corps or kick returner or ... ... (insert every roster position but Kicker here) were provided, I have to believe the 2009 Argos may have been better.
Rita has to go!
But for now, we'll await the next head coach. He'll likely come with whoever is the GM. And he'll likely be whoever the owner likes. Candidates for coach include Calgary offensive co-ordinator George Cortez, B.C. defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides and Danny Barrett (University of Buffalo offensive co-ordinator). Candidates for GM include, alas, Adam Rita.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Je Suis Heureux
I want to begin by apologizing to everyone at the Grey Cup party with me Sunday. I'll admit, I started cheering for the Alouettes because I knew everyone else would be showing their Rider Pride. Heck, I can barely speak french! Then, when the comeback started, I couldn't help but cheer for them for real. It's the same reason I found myself cheering for Queens on Saturday. Regardless, I apologize, my massive cheer when Duval's kick split the uprights wasn't rubbing it in or being a turd, it was pure emotion.
I am happy the Als won though. First off, let's face it: even those in the room with me will admit after the second half we all witnessed, Saskatchewan didn't deserve to win. Sure everyone is pointing to the too many men penalty trying to blame anyone within finger-pointing range. But let's not forget the decision to take a knee in the endzone and give up one point in stead of pushing Montreal back on a penalty call. The play immediately following a penalty where the Riders accepted another penalty. In hindsight, that was one huge point. Even at the time someone said "that will be a big point". Devon, please post tomorrow's lottery numbers below.
Although it didn't take a call to Miss Cleo to know that would turn into a bad call. Let's also not dismiss the atrocious defense after the break. It almost seemed like the cardinal sin was committed. As if the Riders decided to run out the remaining 30 minutes of the clock and hoist the trophy. A look at any Canadian highlight show, newspaper or internet site will show what happened next. And while the theatrics the last second penalty created provided for a great finish, the penalty wasn't the issue.
I'm also glad Montreal won because it will give believers in 'football gods' ammunition. Rewind to week 10 when Montreal was forced to try a game-tying 3rd and 1 play. The first try resulted in a BC Lions time out call. The second try resulted in a confusing (and controversial) call where the ref ruled Cobourne's apparent touchdown run void due to a booth review. The Als third attempt was stopped. It was only Montreal's 2nd loss of the season, a loss many in Montreal STILL say they should've won. I'm happy they took the Grey Cup so the Frenchies can shut up!
And finally, I'll admit the football fan in me feels for Rider Nation but I am happy Montreal won because maybe now, FINALLY, Anthony Calvillo can retire in style.
I am happy the Als won though. First off, let's face it: even those in the room with me will admit after the second half we all witnessed, Saskatchewan didn't deserve to win. Sure everyone is pointing to the too many men penalty trying to blame anyone within finger-pointing range. But let's not forget the decision to take a knee in the endzone and give up one point in stead of pushing Montreal back on a penalty call. The play immediately following a penalty where the Riders accepted another penalty. In hindsight, that was one huge point. Even at the time someone said "that will be a big point". Devon, please post tomorrow's lottery numbers below.
Although it didn't take a call to Miss Cleo to know that would turn into a bad call. Let's also not dismiss the atrocious defense after the break. It almost seemed like the cardinal sin was committed. As if the Riders decided to run out the remaining 30 minutes of the clock and hoist the trophy. A look at any Canadian highlight show, newspaper or internet site will show what happened next. And while the theatrics the last second penalty created provided for a great finish, the penalty wasn't the issue.
I'm also glad Montreal won because it will give believers in 'football gods' ammunition. Rewind to week 10 when Montreal was forced to try a game-tying 3rd and 1 play. The first try resulted in a BC Lions time out call. The second try resulted in a confusing (and controversial) call where the ref ruled Cobourne's apparent touchdown run void due to a booth review. The Als third attempt was stopped. It was only Montreal's 2nd loss of the season, a loss many in Montreal STILL say they should've won. I'm happy they took the Grey Cup so the Frenchies can shut up!
And finally, I'll admit the football fan in me feels for Rider Nation but I am happy Montreal won because maybe now, FINALLY, Anthony Calvillo can retire in style.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Donaghey's Confessions
Assuming this article actually quotes Tim Donaghy's tell-all book, and then assuming his quotes are truthful, (both, in my mind, are big assumptions) this is quite a good article.
Read the excerpts here.
My only criticism, if Isaiah Thomas is so revered by officials, why didn't the Toronto Raptors do better in their initial years with him in the front office?
At any rate, I really thought the NBA was over the scrutinizing of officials. If that's the case, this book (which has been blocked by the original publisher) opens Pandora's box once again. Or would it be renamed Bovetta's box?
Enjoy the read!
Read the excerpts here.
My only criticism, if Isaiah Thomas is so revered by officials, why didn't the Toronto Raptors do better in their initial years with him in the front office?
At any rate, I really thought the NBA was over the scrutinizing of officials. If that's the case, this book (which has been blocked by the original publisher) opens Pandora's box once again. Or would it be renamed Bovetta's box?
Enjoy the read!
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