A Shocking Example of Brain Loss Illustrated

*sigh* I wish I didn't have to post this, but I do. Apparently the media and the NBA players haven't gotten the message yet about the whole Bosh to Miami thing, so they've cooked up another rumour. Instead of just Bosh going to Miami, this one also includes Lebron James as well. (You know, the childish nut from the Cleveland Cavaliers who admitted during this year's postseason run that his team had CHOSEN their first-round opponent to be Chicago and not Toronto?) Not only that, but the rumour incredibly goes on to tell us supposedly "idiotic" NBA and Raptors fans that Dwayne Wade will be in Miami as well next season to play alongside these two guys. I'm sorry but I just can't see this working out either. Why not? I have a few questions to ask the Miami Heat folks:

1) How in the world are you going to be able to afford having all of these players on your team? It's not as though they don't take much money. It's also not as though you guys are similar to Boston in your historicity, allure, and track record. How are you people in terms of the salary cap situation? Also too, if you are going to do this, are you going to have to give away your future talent in the process? That could prove to be an unwise move in the long run. Even if you don't give that away, who would you have to give to Toronto and Cleveland in return? It better benefit all 3 teams immensely or it's a cheap deal.
2) What about Lebron James and CB4? Are they going to fit in well with Dwayne Wade and the rest of the team? Will they be able to kill their egos and listen 100% to the coaching and training instructions? We all know what a child Lebron can be and also how Chris has stated during this offseason that he wants to be the "main guy."
3) How will Miami handle injuries and other team problems? Only time will tell us this if or when this deal actually becomes reality.
4) Also too, if you're going to sign these guys only to a 1-year contract as some are saying, and the team DOESN'T win a championship or go deep in the playoffs, what will be the benefits of such a move? How would you recover from such a blow? It would take a lot of rebuilding to get the power back.

Those are the lingering questions that must be solved correctly if these things are to become true to life. I will update you all further as developments continue. I for one hope this is all a rumour and nothing more and would very much like for Chris to move elsewhere.

In other news...the Jays lost 5-4 last night to the Cleveland Indians in the 2nd game of the 4-game series. Starter Brendan Morrow got the loss and fell to 5-6 while Cleveland starter Fausto Carmona improved to 7-6. In the game, Matt LaPorta belted a huge home run in the 6th inning to help the Indians cause, closer Kerry Wood got the save for the Tribe, and Travis Hafner was big too for Cleveland. He hit two big doubles and scored an RBI. Toronto fell to 40-38 with the loss and now tries to aim for a critical win tonight as Jesse Litsch takes to the mound. Here is the recap. That's all the time we have tonight. Thank you for reading.

Media Rumour Mill at it Again, Blue Jays Report

So I was watching TV last night, and I saw the Jays lose their game in Cleveland against the Indians. After that however, I watched as Sportsnet Connected brought me the latest rumour on Chris Bosh. Apparently there are "reports" linking Bosh to move to the Miami Heat. As I sat there taking it all in I thought, "OK. Chris will likely leave the team which is fine with me. He busted his tail off every night for the Raptors and he was very professional in his actions and attitudes and I have always respected Chris. He's completed his contract as well, so he's free to do whatever he wants. What I don't understand is this: why though would Bosh want to move to Miami? Seriously, I hope this is just a rumour." Why is Miami such a bad place to go to, you ask? Well let me tell you why...
1) Throughout this season, neither Toronto or Miami truly surprised and shocked the NBA with their progress. Toronto started the season at 7-13 or some other despicable record. Then on Jan 4, the team had a meeting behind closed doors, and the team played pleasantly well throughout the rest of the year's first half. They finished the first half at 29-23, which tied the team for the most victories before the All-Star break. After that, however, the team had to play at home vs the Memphis Grizzlies. During that game, the team lost Chris Bosh to a rather untimely injury and the club stumbled the rest of the way out of the playoffs, only winning 11 games the rest of the way to finish at 40-42 and in 9th place in the Eastern Conference.
2) Miami on the other hand, had their own tremendous struggles. For example, Miami started the year in 5th place. Then in came the Raptors from December-February. They overtook Miami for that playoff seed in a "hardwood classics" Toronto Huskies uniform game at the Air Canada Centre and won the crucial match-up. Maimi eventually fell to 8th place and was in danger of missing the playoffs. Add to the fact that their star player Dwayne Wade fell to injuries at various points in the season and you have a disaster waiting to happen. Unfortunately, the Raptors threw their playoff chances out the door during the season's second half and missed the playoffs. During the same span, Miami played better and ended up facing the Boston Celtics in the first round and secured the 5th spot in the East. Of course, Boston took out Miami 4-1 in that seven-game series.
3) Since the Raptors and the Heat had similar seasons, what makes you think that CB4, who has repeatedly stated during this offseason that he wants to win playoffs series and championships and not just games, would want to plunk himself into an atmosphere similar to Toronto? Also too, would Bosh be content with working alongside Dwayne Wade (presuming that he will stay with the Heat) and end up not being the main option? Consider the fact that Bosh in the offseason has also stated this to be his desire as well.

This is why I am relieved by Bryan Colangelo's comments regarding CB4 that anyone who knows his future right now is speaking nonsense. Here is the link to the article: Media Circus Nuts Lie about Bosh Thankfully, there will be no such idiocy going through Bosh's mind. Since he's been a key part of the Raptors, I want to make sure that he gets the best offer that he can get. As a fan, I want to look out for Chris and to make sure that he's happy wherever he is whether that be with the Raptors (which I hope is the result) or elsewhere. All right, enough of that. I will alert you to more news about Bosh and the Raps as it comes out. Now, onto the Jays...

They haven't had an easy go of it lately, losing 2-1 last night to the Cleveland Indians. Ricky Romero got the loss and fell to 6-4 while Cleveland starter Jake Westbrook improved to 5-4 with the win. Here's the recap: Romero's Strong Start Foiled by Own Team's Mistakes  That's all for now! See you later.           

Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo: Has he Gone Insane? Also, Blue Jays...

In my last post, I blogged about Chris Bosh and his future with the Toronto Raptors. Today we journey into nut-case land via GM Bryan Colangelo. In a recent article written by official team website commentator Mike Ulmer entitled "Colangelo Takes Centre Stage at Workouts", Ulmer had this to say: "The Raptors GM downplayed Turkoglu's remarks that he had been mishandled and while he stopped short of saying he wanted him back, Colangelo said there were plenty of teams that would have Turkoglu even after his disappointing season in Toronto. 'Regardless of the comments, he remains a talented player. He's commanding a lot of attention in regards to trade discussions. Whether or not we move him will be based on whether or not there is a deal that makes sense for our team. We have talked about that informally.'" The last part of the quote seems very sensible, but the first part does not. For Colangelo to even entertain any thoughts about Hedo coming back to T.O. worries me and it suggests to me that the Raptors management (Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment Ltd) more than likely cares NOTHING nowadays for the team or its fans. The bottom line here is financial security. Toronto doesn't feel an urgent need to change because the fans still pack the Air Canada Centre for Raptors and Leafs games. If the fans didn't do this, then the management may clue in and see the problem. Look at the history of the franchise and also examine the history of teams when they struggle. How many teams can you think of struggle to even make the playoffs while still selling out almost every game? I can't think of ANY other teams that have gone through this situation. Just thinking...now back to the unhappy Raptor. If Turkoglu is unhappy in Toronto and if he has accused the Raptors organization of mishandling him, it doesn't make any sense in keeping him. The best thing for Toronto to do is to move him if they can. If that cannot be done, then Turkoglu needs to pipe down and work things out with the GM crew and the management. After that, he must work it out with whatever teammates he might have in that situation. Things better work out because they sure haven't before (with former Raptors Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Rafer Alston, & Damon Stoudamire). Here's the link for the article I quoted from: Turkoglu and Bosh Insanity So there are my thoughts on the Raptors, now I touch on the Blue Jays.

After beating San Francisco at home 2-1 in the 3-game series, the Jays hosted the St. Louis Cardinals. So far things have been anything other than heavenly for the team as they have already lost the first two games. Last night's game was a 1-0 nail-biter, while Game 1 was a 9-4 blowout. About the only positive has been Jose Bautista finally getting his 19th and 20th home runs of the season in Game 1 of this series. Here are the links for the two games: Game 1 vs Cardinals, Game 2 vs Cardinals

That's all for now. See you all later!

Quick Post on Toronto Raptors Star Chris Bosh

If you've read my blog up to this point, then you know that the Toronto Raptors are my favourite sports team of all time and that I have previously blogged about the future of their star forward Chris Bosh. July 1st (Canada Day) is when the free agency circus begins in the NBA and CB4 will likely be one of those free agents unless GM Bryan Colangelo signs Bosh before that date. Thankfully, Bosh realizes that the Raps made him into a big-time player and that is what he desires to be. Bosh does NOT want to simply be on a winning team and be a role player; no one dreams of that. He has said that he has the chance on Toronto to be a big player and that if he went to most of the other teams, he would be denied of that opportunity. So Raptors fans...there's hope yet! This will NOT be another Vince Carter situation where the star simply wanted out. Bosh has a much better personality and attitude about him and I respect the man for it. The best I could find for a link is here: 2010 NBA Free Agent Listings  I wish I could find the actual article with the Bosh quotes, but I don't seem to be able to find it. So for all of those individuals who simply wish to whine and complain about the situation, don't bother. Unlike most NBA stars, Chris has actually finished out his contract with the team: something that's almost nonexistent among people in businesses today. Yes, I know. The NBA is a business and that always involves movement from one organization or position to another. However, let me ask you a question: should businesses be moving employees and/or players as many times as the big-time sports leagues do? I don't think so. Why? The public will get the perception that the players are simply commodities that simply want to suck money out of its pockets. I don't know about you but that's not appealing to me. My rule is: if you sign a contract, stick with the deal until it is completed. After that, you're free to go wherever you want. If that was the reality, then players and teams would think twice about long-term deals and complaining. A lot of the times when long-term deals are signed, the player begins to complain about the situation in the middle of the contract term. If the deals were shorter, that would also be a deterrant to the behaviour. That's all I have for now. I'll update you later on the Jays game tonight. Catch you later!

In the Other Padres Games...

After the amazing earthquake-inclusive 6-3 win, the Jays played two other games vs San Diego. The 2nd was a shattering 8-2 loss while the 3rd was a rejuvenating 7-1 pounding. In the 2nd game, starter Brett Cecil allowed Padre Aaron Cunningham to hit a grand slam (4-run home run) off him. That swing set the tone for the game and smashed the Jays morale to pieces. In the 3rd and final game, John Buck ripped a 2-run home run in the top of the 5th inning while teammate Vernon Wells connected for a solo shot in the top of the 6th. These offensive blasts helped struggling starter Ricky Romero to gain the win for Toronto. Also in the game, Fred Lewis finished the game with 3 big hits: a single, a double, and a triple. (This is baseball language for one-base hit, two-base hit, and three-base hit.) The team now rests until Friday when they return home to start a 3-game series vs the San Francisco Giants at the Rogers Centre. Here are the recaps for the two Padres games: Padre Grand Slam Dumps Jays, John Buck and Vernon Wells Power Jays in Win. You can see the Friday game vs the Giants on Rogers Sportsnet at 7 PM. I'll catch you all then.

Look out, Padres! Here Comes the Boom!

Well, it's been quite a dousy to say the least. After losing all 3 games to the Colorado Rockies, the Toronto Blue Jays were in dire need of a victory and also some offense. Both came last night as the Jays played against the San Diego Padres in San Diego. The team won 6-3 behind two home runs from catcher John Buck: a 2-run shot to left field in the 2nd inning and a solo shot to right field in the 8th. The team as a whole scored 6 runs on 12 hits; all of this came after only scoring 6 runs in the Colorado games. Aaron Hill also keyed in with crucial doubles that would either score runs or lead to runs being scored. Also in the game, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake shook the ballpark in the 8th inning. Lastly, to complete the drama, an ejection was issued by the umpire in the bottom of the 9th inning. It was issued to Padres catcher Yorvit Torrealba. This helped Blue Jays closer Kevin Gregg settle down and pitch more effectively. Toronto eventually won the game. *NOTE to Padres catcher: Don't argue with the umpire and get into his face. He will eject you every time and your team may end up losing the game.* Needless to say, this game was a refreshing drink of cold water for me; the Jays just simply needed this one. Here's the recap for the game: Jays Strong Despite Quake  Have a good one!

Link Provided for Washed-out Performance vs Colorado Rockies

Yes, that's right. Last night's game was a complete washout due to the rainy weather and also the poor pitching by Ricky Romero. The Jays lost the game 5-3 and now sit at 34-28 in the majors. Here's the recap for the disgusting game: Recap

That's all for now. The Jays play again tonight at 8 PM on Rogers Sportsnet. Their opponent will be the Colorado Rockies. Goodbye for now.

Recaps Provided for Other Two Games vs Yankees

In my last blog post, I recapped the Jays 6-1 win over New York in Game 1 of their now-finished 3-game series at the Rogers Centre. Well, there were two other games that took place: a Saturday 3-2 win and a Sunday 4-3 loss. On Saturday, Vernon Wells started the scoring in the bottom of the 2nd inning with a solo home run to right-center field and the Jays went up 1-0. It stayed that way up until the top of the 5th, when Yankees star Derek Jeter banged out a 2-run home run to right field, scoring teammate Brett Gardner in the process. This made the score 2-1 in favour of New York. The Jays wouldn't go away, however. In the bottom of the 7th, Alex Gonzalez belted a solo shot to left field, tying the scoreboard at 2-2. That is what the score would be after the regulation 9 innings. So they played extra, and the two clubs would keep at it until the bottom of the 14th, with Aaron Hill at the plate with Yankee reliever Chad Gaudin on the mound. On the 3rd pitch of the at-bat, Hill singled to Yankee center fielder Curtis Granderson (formerly of the Detroit Tigers). This hit scored teammate Edwin Encarnacion, winning the game for Toronto and making the final score to be 3-2. Gaudin received the loss for New York and fell to 0-3 while Jays reliever Casey Janssen upped his win total to 4-0 and picked up the win for the Jays. Click here to read the game recap.

On to Sunday...having won two games against the Yanks, the Blue Jays were looking for the sweep and Brendan Morrow got the start for the Jays to try and earn the team the 3-game sweep. He went up against Yankee starter Javier Vasquez on the day and pitched well. Morrow went 7 strong innings before giving way to Scott Downs, Jason Frasor and Lewis. There was absolutely no offense on this one until the bottom of the 6th inning, when Vernon Wells boomed out a 2-run home run to left field, scoring Adam Lind to make the game 2-0 Blue Jays. Things were peaceful again and it looked as though the Jays would sweep the Yanks away. However, that all changed in the top of the 8th inning, when Derek Jeter doubled on a ground ball to Jays right fielder Jeremy Reed. This scored Francisco Cervelli and moved Brett Gardner to 3rd base, making it 2-1 Jays. Then, with Jason Frasor on in relief and with 2 Yanees on 1st and 2nd, Alex Rodriguez was up to bat. Frasor did not have his control and threw a wild pitch to Rodriguez, scoring Brett Gardner from 3rd and making the score tied at 2-2. On the play, Mark Teixeira moved up to 2nd and Derek Jeter moved up to 3rd. Finally, to complete the Yankee 8th, Robinson Cano singled to Jays left fielder Fred Lewis. Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira scored and Cano went to 2nd on the play, making it 4-2 in favour of the Yankees. Toronto tried to get back into the game in the bottom of the 8th on a Fred Lewis single to center fielder Curtis Granderson. This scored catcher Jose Molina and brought the Jays within one, 4-3. However, that was as close as they would get: Yankees 4, Jays 3 is the final score. Javier Vasquez picked up the win for New York and improved to 5-5 while Jays reliever Scott Downs fell to 1-5 with the loss. Mariano Rivera picked up the save for the Yanks. Toronto is now 33-25 after the series wile New York is 37-20. Here is the recap for the loss: Bullpen Blows it Again

Next up is Tampa Bay, who earlier won 2 out of 3 against Toronto. That series gets going on Tuesday. I'll catch you all later. Good bye for now!

Blue Jays Pound and Stun Yankees

I know it's been about a week since I last blogged, but I felt as though I needed a break after the crushing Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers Eastern Conference Finals series. However, I am back in business now and I will blog about the progress of the Toronto Blue Jays from here on out. These Jays have put together a solid season this year and lead the majors in home runs, largely because of the hero of last night's game. Two of those home runs were driven in by the surprising Jose Bautista in last night's 6-1 win over New York. He leads the majors with 18 home runs and hit a solo shot and a 2-run shot in last night's game. Edwin Encarnacion also added a solo home run to further the Jays cause. Meanwhile, starting pitcher Brett Cecil used 5 strikeouts and a number of ground-ball outs to get the win for Toronto. New York's only run came in the 6th inning by way of a Chad Moeller double and an ensuing double-play groundout. All in all, a great game for Toronto and the team should be pleased with the effort. They are now 32-24 and drop the Yankees to 34-21 in the process. I would have been able to see the entire game had it not been for thunderstorms and power outages that kept occurring throughout the night. That is one reason why this recap is short. Hopefully we will get better weather soon so that I can give you more info on the Jays games. That's all for now, however. Here is the recap for the game: Jays Win 6-1 over Yankees  Have a nice day!