Tuesday Morning Thoughts – Oct. 27

NHL
Must have been a great feeling for Max Domi to win in the building he grew up in. Max scores goals as easily as Tie racked up penalty minutes.

Boy, what Mike Babcock would do for a player like Max Domi. Or a player with any ability for that matter. His frustration levels have hit highs he probably didn’t think were possible coaching at this level. “We just weren’t good enough.” He’s going to say that quite a few more times before things get better.

The Ducks were shutout for the fifth time this season. Which is one more than in all of last season. It isn’t even November yet! The Pittsburgh Pirates, yes the hockey Buccos of 1927-28 were the last NHL team to start a season with fewer goals through eight games.

There’s something insensitive about the Chicago Blackhawks needing to beat teams like that in overtime. Jonathan Toews delivers again. But if it wasn’t for a stellar, and still under-appreciated Corey Crawford, the Ducks would’ve potted a few goals last night.

Rare to hear guys come out and admit they wanted out of a situation because they didn’t feel their teammates had their back. But I can’t really blame Evander Kane. There’s this expectation that guys should play through injuries. While many want to, it’s hard to judge a guy that wants to protect his body.

MLB
The World Series that FOX prepared for as early as the seventh inning of game 6, starts tonight. To quote my brother, “I don’t know what to expect from this series. It could be great. Or, it could be as forgettable as the White Sox World Series win over the Astros ten years ago.”

I think the pitching might be a little better this time around. Otherwise, he’s hit it out of the park with that statement. A legit home run. Not a questionable dinger involving a lying, Amish, 30 year-old looking teenager.

Alex Anthopoulos‘s press conference was cute. Here’s a guy that did everything a non player could to get a team to a place they haven’t been in a generation. And be can’t say anything about the near future because he doesn’t even know his own. If the club thought AA was the only guy for the job, they wouldn’t have hired a real baseball guy as team president. Despite the success this year, I don’t see a world where AA works under Mark Shapiro. But having said that, I have never met either man. Maybe there’s a pre-existing relationship and a designation that “this is my job. This is yours.” I think it would be a huge loss for the jays to let Anthopoulos go. But I think Jays fans are in store for more than a few disappointments this winter.

Happy trails to Torii Hunter. Absolute legend throughout his 19 year career. Glad he spent two years in Detroit. Made that cop famous. 

NBA
I cannot believe a brand new NBA season starts tonight. A wild, baseball intense October is the reason it feels too soon.

But I couldn’t be happier to see if Steph Curry and the Warriors can defend their title. To see if the Cavs quality of play increased as much as their payroll. If the retooled Raptors can make their season last beyond April. And to see how much worse the New York Knicks can be this year.

NFL
What happened to the Baltimore Ravens? They were supposed to be Super Bowl contenders. Now the Ravens have a better chance of having the #1 pick in the draft, than making the playoffs.

SOCCER
How long ago was it that we all talked about Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay as being Manchester United‘s “saving grace Super Duo”? Now the boy Memphis is on pace to have a Shinji Kagawa / Wilfried Zaha style first year experience. Dropped for last week’s trip to Everton, then again on Sunday in the Manchester Derby, the papers are writing that “the number 7 shirt has become too much of a burden.” Well that escalated quickly. Does LVG really see Jesse Lingard as the better choice?

Looks like Remi Garde isn’t the right choice for Aston Villa. I like the idea of them going with someone outside of Premier League circles. But the reality is, they don’t have the time for a boss to learn on the job. Doesn’t mean Gus Poyet is the right guy. But I’d be surprised if Brendan Rodgers wants another job so soon. And despite Villa’s historical “big club” status, Carlo Ancelotti isn’t moving to Birmingham.

It cost Villa £2 million to sack Tim Sherwood. But the damage on his reputation, will be far more expensive than that. I think he is a great man manager. Players want to play for him. I wonder if that will be the case if English is not the language spoken by all. A trip to the continent, a la David Moyes would be the right move for him.

Andre Villas Boas wants to take Falcao on loan in January. Who knows what position Chelsea will be in by then. I think he’s better off in deepest darkest Russia. He’s not going to rebuild his reputation with the spotlight that Jose Mourinho attracts. 

But if you believe the papers, Roman might just bring Avram Grant back to “save the season.” Seriously, more than one (what I can only assume is a) paycheque collecting human has published that thought given the healthy relationship the Russian and the current Ghana skip have kept since that unlucky night in Moscow seven years ago. 

Speaking of stupidity, “Wenger could consider £68m move for Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain“? You’ve got to be kidding me. Is that really the cost for nine goals in 12 games? He won’t bag 20 at Napoli by season’s end. Don’t do it Arsene. 

In football, much can be “lost in translation.” The Spanish papers are having fun with this one today. Javier Mascherano is in hot water for his comments to a linesman on Sunday. But the official match report has it differently than the television cameras and highly qualified lip readers picked up. Apparently Mascherano didn’t say to the linesman “your mother’s c*nt.” But, “your sister’s c*nt”. The referee mixed one expression up with the other. Word is, these are both expressions used in Argentina, with the former loosely translating to ‘son of a whore’. ‘Your sister’s c*nt’ (‘La concha de tu hermana’) doesn’t have the straightforward translation. But you get where he was going with it.
And with that, have a great day.

Sunday Morning Thoughts – Oct. 25

NHL
Seven one goal games. Four went to overtime. The Flyers topped the Rangers in a shootout. What a Saturday night! The only one hockey will have all to itself all year. Sorry NCAA football fans. #Truth

The Leafs threw everything including a couple of kitchen sinks at Carey Price last night. Still wasn’t good enough. I love that Michel Therrien and Max Pacioretty vocalized their disappointment with their play despite the dominant win. Classy. Not cocky. Shows just how hungry they are this year. They been good in the past but haven’t delivered. Mindset in that room is more focused than ever. Don’t be surprised if they win 60 games. And they won’t give up 52 shots again this season.

I’m worried for Mike Babcock if he’s already tired of the Toronto media. “We made some mistakes. All you people do is remember the mistakes. That’s just the way life is.” With the Jays season over, ALL eyes will now be on his hockey team. Same way they always are at this time of year. He’s completely right, about everything he said in his post-game scrum. I just hope it doesn’t weigh on him, like it would on most guys in his position.

What is it about home that the Canucks don’t like? Not to take anything away from the Red Wings, but there’s no way they should have come back to win that game in overtime. Gus Nyquist is the most underrated fantasy player out there. If you got him, good on ya.

What did I say? Take Phil Kessel away from Crosby, and Phil will score. They should turn that in to a song at Consol Energy Center. They won’t. But they would if this was England.

Well, would ya look at that. Two games in and John Tortorella already has the Blue Jackets winning hockey games.

Shout out to friend of the show Joel Ward for his big hat-trick in San Jose‘s 5-2 win last night. Guy’s got mitts.

And Don Cherry‘s Blue Jays rant on Coach’s Corner last night was amazing. Not just because he was typically Grapes about it, but because Ron MacLean makes those great segments, epic. Also, loved the Cary Grant reference and look. Be proud of it Ron! You got the suits, I’ll keep the hair.

PREMIER LEAGUE
It would be so typical of Wayne Rooney to score a breathtaking goal in this morning’s derby. I wouldn’t be comfortable placing a bet on it. I think Anthony Martial and Raheem Sterling put their names on the scoresheet. But if the boy Wayne is able to, he’ll have all the headlines. All I want to see is both managers really go for it. These two are capable of playing the best match of the year. Here’s to hoping that’s what we get at Old Trafford.

As soon as Sam Allardyce was linked with the Sunderland job, I circled today on my calendar. I’m not going to wake up for it, but my goodness the Wear-Tyne derby is always worth PVR-ing. No matter how lifeless one side has looked in previous matches. My first Premier League game in the flesh was the derby at St. James’ Park. Indescribable experience. Not to mention, the best weekend of my life.

How the hell is Jose Mourinho supposed to fix this? It was comical to watch him struggle with what his team has devolved in to this season. But now it’s almost awkward to watch him toil and one of the best teams on paper embarrass themselves against inferior opposition week after week.

I don’t know how many more Aston Villa heartbreakers I’m going to survive. Let alone Tim Sherwood. I don’t know what changes can be made to get this team to win matches. A new boss won’t do the trick. Another keeper won’t either. Doesn’t Sheikh Mansour have an enemy that would love to stick it to him? If you are reading this kind Sir: Buy Villa. Please.

NFL
If the Bills don’t beat the Jags at Wembley this morning, they should have to play home games in Fort Mac for parts of next season. Exclusively in December.

Loved the way Jets safety Marcus Gilchrist described this week’s preparations for today’s trip to Foxboro. “You prepare [for Tom Brady] the same way you prepare for Kirk Cousins.” Watch Brady throw for 400+ yards. The Patriots have won 7 of 8 against the Jets. Chalk up 8 of 9 at 4:15pm.

Matt Cassel hopes to become the first Cowboys QB, not named Tony Romo, to win a game since Stephen McGee in the last game of the 2010 season. Wow. No way Eli lets him have it.

It has been hard to watch Drew Brees get old. Andrew Luck‘s body is starting to resemble a 36 year-old guy’s, because the Colts O-line has been horrific for him.

Sam Bradford has thrown nine interceptions this season. Might reach 12 tonight against the Panthers. Sorry Eagles fans.

Wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Falcons lose their second straight on the road. Shame Marcus Mariota won’t be the one to take all the credit. (Out with an MCL sprain).

Call me crazy, but Derek Carr beats the Chargers for the first time.

The Bucs have never won three in a row in DC. You really gonna let that happen today Kirk?

MLB
Not surprised at all that the Blue Jays opted not to speak to the media upon their return yesterday. It’s going to be a complicated and heartbreaking winter for that clubhouse, and the fan-base. Three starting pitchers are out of contract and I expect Marco Estrada to be the only one they re-sign. I genuinely believe Alex Anthopoulos wants to stay in Toronto. He’s put in so much work over the last six years and finally got to see some reward. Can’t see why he would leave after taking this team so far. Great article by Shi Davidi about where the Blue Jays go from here with Mark Shapiro running the ship.

I love that Matt Harvey is starting Game 1 for the Mets. All the talk and all the furor about his innings limit, and look where they are! Nobody would stop themself from playing in the Series. I just wonder if he leaves it all out there like it’s April 27th.

RACING
There’s something poetic about Jeff Gordon starting from pole at Talladega today. NASCAR will not be the same without #24.

I couldn’t be any less excited for this afternoon’s USGP. And I love(d) Formula 1. The early 2000s became a forgettable time for me as a fan. “Schumacher wins again!” got old real quick. Replace one German man with one German manufacturer and that is the last two years of F1.

NCAA FOOTBALL
What unthinkable way will some school find a way to win next Saturday? The way Georgia State won that football game was something out of a movie.

As was the tragic scene before Oklahoma State‘s homecoming game. Thoughts and prayers with all the people affected there. I hope two things come of this. a) the driver is punished to the full extent of the law. And b) that this tragedy will make others stop before getting behind the wheel after having too many.

Friday Morning Thoughts – Oct. 23

Are you ready for the biggest Blue Jays game in 22 years? There’s a sentence I haven’t been able to say before…

On the line tonight in KC is not only the Blue Jays playoff dream, but David Price‘s monster offseason contract, and the collective well being of Toronto Maple Leafs players. If the Jays fall tonight, this city goes back to paying attention to the Leafs. And they don’t need that right now. Hopefully the rain stays away tonight in KC. I don’t think this country can wait another day.

I’m all for being confident, and there’s something incredibly refreshing about Toronto sports fans actually believing in their team when their backs are against the wall. But there’s a cockiness from many that make me nervous this morning. I hope that you can plan a game 7 party tomorrow night. But you shouldn’t have ordered the pizza already. That’s just bad karma people.

NHL
Phil Kessel is too good to play with Sidney Crosby. Well, how else can you explain why they can’t produce on the same line? The Penguins are far too good on paper to be losing to Antti Niemi and the Dallas Stars. Give Crosby Patric Hornqvist again and watch the magic happen. Malkin and Kessel are capable of producing some real magic themselves.

It’s not every day a guy can score his 700th career point, without even scoring. Rick Nash got it without the puck even going into the back of the net. There’s a trivia question few will be able to answer.

Big win for the Rangers too. The pessimist in me expected Anthony Duclair to light up his former netminder. Duclair and Max Domi have been fantastic so far this season. The Coyotes haven’t been this “worth watching” since Jeremy Roenick played in the desert.

Hat tip to Jordin Tootoo for allowing Chris Neil to record his fourth career Gordie Howe hat-trick in his 900th career NHL game. All with the Senators. There’s a loyalty, and luck, you don’t see very often anymore. Only Chris Phillips (1,179) and Daniel Alfredsson (1,178) have played more games for Ottawa.

The Blue Jackets aren’t going to lose 82 games this season. But they might lose 60. And listening to John Tortorella deal with that, will be incredible.

MLB
I think the Dodgers will regret letting Don Mattingly leave. Can’t blame him for wanting to. The team never proved they were committed to him. Worked under two different ownership groups, and two general managers. While the team spent money on the roster, much of it was misused and the strength of the pitching staff is what has carried them to three straight division crowns. He won’t be out of work long.

SOCCER
Sad to hear Johan Cruyff has been diagnosed with lung cancer. His influence on the game is immeasurable. You’ll read a lot of writers describing him as football’s Steve Jobs. That statement couldn’t be more accurate. But his feats are even more impressive because he was able to make people work in ways they never thought possible, not machines.

Regularly referred to as “The Backgarden Cup” by those in the know, yesterday’s Europa League television options justified the moniker. Admittedly, I spent most of the afternoon watching Fenerbahce‘s 1-0 win over Ajax. Or at least, I think there was an opposition on the pitch. Ajax‘s mildly florescent green tops are the perfect camo. So why spoil it with black shorts?

I don’t know why Barcelona would be interested in Robin van Persie. He has had a horrendous calendar year, and looked so desperate for a goal yesterday that never once did I think he would be fortunate to bag one. Thank goodness for Fernandao. I am happy to see Vitor Pereira managing in Europe again. Still can’t understand why he turned down the Everton job to go to Saudi Arabia. Lined his pockets surely, but set him back greatly.

Happy birthday to Canadian women’s soccer legend and my former colleague Kara Lang.

Thursday Morning Thoughts – Oct. 22

Trying to get back in to the habit of writing these daily, without staying up til sunrise to do so. If you read these when you get to the office and think “wow Dunlop is really productive in the morning. Guy must go for jogs at 6am!” You couldn’t be more wrong.

LCS
I hope Justin Trudeau enjoyed his 15 minutes in the spotlight as “Canada’s saviour.” Because Marco Estrada took that title away from him with his flawless performance yesterday afternoon. If you only watched one Blue Jays game all season, as I bet somewhere around 24% of FOX’s viewership did yesterday, that game defines “Blue Jays baseball.” Well, minus a couple of home runs. But you get my point. Every batter in that lineup was capable of blowing that game wide open. Eventually, the stars did. Here’s to hoping David Price can finally win a playoff start Friday night, and we have more Blue Jays baseball to talk about this late in the year. I could get used to this.

Hard not to feel for Cubbies fans. They’ve waited so long. They did everything they could in the winter to put a winning team on the field for one of the best manager’s in baseball. They win 97 games in the regular season, in arguably the best division in the majors. They even brought Henry Rowengartner out in Game 4 to, if nothing else, give their long suffering fans some comic relief. Tweet of the night when the Mets extended their lead to 8-1 was: @YankeeMegs: The organist at Wrigley is like the band playing on the Titanic. How Chicago Cubs of them to see their World Series dreams come to an end on the exact day Back To The Future predicted the Cubs to win.

That’s not to take anything away from the New York Mets. Like the Jays, they got hot when it matters most. The guys you thought were done, are performing. The guy whose political incorrectness and hardline, unpopular religious beliefs you never heard about before is a LCS MVP. And thanks in some part to key deadline acquisitions, the Mets are just four wins away from winning the World Series for the first time since the year I was born. Plus, you can finally say “so… how bout those Mets?” and actually sound like you’re trying to have a genuine conversation.

NHL
Get used to this headline: “Connor McDavid scores game winning goal.” Seven games in the NHL and he’s already scoring goals with the ease he did in junior. It is incredible how well he has matched up against NHL opposition. And he’s only going to get better. How scary is that? Three wins in a row after losing their first four. Congrats Oilers fans. You deserve this.

The only people in Toronto happier than Jays fans this month, are the Leafs. The spotlight isn’t on them like it usual is. And thank goodness for that. Few were naive enough to think this team would resemble any of the winners Mike Babcock has coached before. But I certainly didn’t expect them to be bossed around by the Buffalo Sabres.

Thrilled to see John Tortorella back in the NHL. Being behind the bench of a horrendous team will only bring out the best in him. And of course by that I mean, the best sound bites and media engaging (and enraging) antics we’ve missed since it all went south in Vancouver.

Champions League
Manchester United picked up a point away, but didn’t play exceptionally well. Yup, I’ve written that a few times before.

I’m more surprised that the star studded affair in Paris was actually quite boring. Laurent Blanc has Ibra, Cavani and Di Maria in his side, yet Keylor Navas barely had any work to do. That’s unacceptable. Rafa should be kicking himself for his conservative approach. Real could have taken it, even without Bale and Benzema, had they pushed a little harder.

I don’t know if I’m ready to say that Kevin De Bruyne has justified his £54 million price tag. But he’s certainly justified why Manuel Pellegrini had to sign him this summer. That was the match in years past City find a way to lose.

Julio Cesar made some big saves for Benfica in Istanbul. While they failed to open the group stage with three wins for the first time in club history, SLB supporters should take a lot of positives from how they played at the Türk Telekom Arena. Kostas Mitroglou would be a great Bond villain. Must be waiting til Idris Elba is JB.

Tuesday Morning Thoughts – Aug. 4

I like Drake. Honestly, I do. But the OVO obsession this long weekend was nauseating. My twitter timeline lit up with useless #OVOFest tweets that reminded me of every time there’s an election. Save your opinions and personal outings for facebook. Idiots. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s start with the real God of Toronto yesterday.

MLB
David Price‘s debut went exactly the way I expected it to. Place was packed, with 45,766 people as anxious to see the start of a new era as much as they were to get free plastic. I was one of em. Of course I didn’t make it in time to get a Russell Martin bobblehead. Price got the run support he needed. The Jays won the ballgame. And all of a sudden, people in this country love baseball again. I have never stood up from my seat in that building on an 0-2 count, in the fourth inning. Until yesterday. I wouldn’t have seen a thing if I didn’t, every time after that. For my full take on his Priceless debut, check out yesterday’s post.

How bout those Mets, huh? New York have won 4 in a row since adding Yoenis Cespedes to their playoff push. And how much is Jerry Seinfeld getting paid for all the festivus references? The Mets have a one game lead in the NL East, and the most talked about rotation in baseball. Yes, a rotation including a rookie – whose name will not be mentioned, and 42 year-old Bartolo Colon. Did I mention the Mets play 42 of their remaining 56 games against sub-.500 teams? Pressure’s on you, Bryce.

Shoutout to Adrian Beltre for becoming the first major leaguer since the 1930s to hit for his third career cycle. Big night for the Rangers offense. Beltre was one of five Texas players with multiple RBIs in their 12-9 win over the AL West leading Astros.

NBA
Really Raptors? Couldn’t have one of those jerseys say “Toronto” across the chest? Guess Drizzy’s influence isn’t as grand as we thought. He probably demanded they put that stupid owl on the black and gold one. Yea. That’s what killed it. Doesn’t matter what their uniforms look like. I can’t wait to see this roster take the floor in November. And I would love to see Kevin Durant sign with the Raptors. #InDrakeWeTrust #OhShit…

SOCCER
The rumour mill is exceptionally crazy today. That’s saying something. Manchester United have apparently bid for every person Real Madrid has ever employed. Vitor the Valet was in tears at the idea of swapping Madrid for Manchester! I do believe that United have been blowing up Flo Perez‘s phone, particularly about Sergio Ramos. But I doubt United have made two £100 million bids for Gareth Bale. And I just don’t see Karim Benzema and/or Pepe succeeding in that team at the moment.

I would hate to see Mario Balotelli shipped off to Lazio. A change of scenery is certainly what he needs. Brendan Rodgers can’t make it any clearer that he has no time nor patience for the enigmatic Italian.

David Luiz has finally figured out what everybody else knows. He’s shit. He’s playing for PSG! Why say now that “one day” he can see himself playing in MLS? I would love to see MLS “become one of the world’s most important leagues within the next decade.” But there’s no need to tell the press that in your prime, unless you know you’re in over your head and the end is near.

The Price is Right

Is there a person more well liked in this country right now than Alex Anthopoulos? 

The Toronto Blue Jays just put the baseball world on notice.  With David Price leading the rotation, they’re not only contenders to win the A.L. East, they’re the best team in the American League. 

Yes parting with three top prospects is a steep price to pay for a guy who may only pitch ten, maybe twelve times for you. But like AA said in his press conference, #1 arms don’t become available very often. And he’s right, the Jays haven’t had one since Roy Halladay.

And I’ve been saying for two weeks, Toronto is a great place for Price to be long term. The Jays can find the $230 million and break their 5 year max rule. He knows the division. Toronto is one of the best cities on this continent, but small market enough that he can live his life around town without TMZ watching him every where he goes. And let’s not ignore the fact, that this is probably the best roster he’s ever played with. And this is a guy that pitched in a World Series! 

This is 1992 again. Except Price is much better than David Cone. 

Price is as good at Rogers Centre as Drew Hutchison is bad on the road. That’s saying something. 7-0 with a 3.86 ERA in 9 career starts at the Dome. Those numbers should only get better with the best offense in the American League now supporting his pitching performances. 

The buzz at Rogers Centre tonight as the Jays open up a four game set with the Royals will be electric. Like it was when Anthopoulos traded for Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson.  That was the move that was supposed to make the Jays a playoff contender. It didn’t work out. 

Anthopoulos wasn’t going to die on that hill. He not only reinvented the team, but his own reputation amongst the league’s GM’s. 

For those of you that have spotted my Detroit Tigers bias, I honestly am happy with this move. The Tigers have wasted this season. Price was never going to re-sign. And now they have Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd and Jairo Labourt for the future. Doesn’t sound like a rebuild. I agree with DD, it’s just a reboot. 

It’s a great time to be a Blue Jays fan. And let’s be honest, any time the New York Yankees don’t get the guy they want, it’s a great day. 

The Pan Am Games: Toronto 2015

Bravo Toronto.

I was one of the millions of complaining Torontonians, frustrated that my tax dollars were used in excess to put on a complex, resource exhausting, multi-sport event that no one in this country has ever seemed to care much about.

Whose idea was it to import wood from Siberia to build the cycling velodrome, in f&*^ing Milton? I guess that’s fitting, since Milton is basically the Siberia of the Greater Toronto Area. And the worst part about HOV lanes isn’t the volume it adds to the other lanes, it’s the moronic drivers that don’t understand that the middle lane becomes the passing lane. If you don’t know how fast you should go in that lane, you’re going too slow to be in there!!!!

But then a well trained stuntman dressed to resemble Donovan Bailey jumped off the CN Tower. Andrew Wiggins‘ Olympian mother passed him the torch, and Maple Jordan gave it to the MJ of Canadian Basketball. And then they lit fireworks OFF the CN Tower! All of a sudden, I had the fever.

I saw gymnastics on day 1 and was blown away by the sheer athleticism on display. Security at the venues was quick and efficient. I avoided heat stroke watching beach volleyball thanks to a rowdy stadium host and his team of water gun slinging volunteers. I still don’t know how the Cuban women only managed silver, but I’m not trying to be a Pan Am women’s beach volleyball expert. Handball is way more entertaining than I ever thought it was. And considerably more physical. I snickered at the several overweight looking Uruguayan men who took the floor, only to quickly realize that no matter how much P90x the Canadian team did that morning, they weren’t going to contain or get through them. Also, Brasilians play handball the same way they play soccer: beautifully and effortlessly.

My commutes around the city were virtually unaltered. There’s nothing west of Mississauga for me, ever. In fact my commutes were improved with the 509 streetcar running direct from Union Station to Exhibition Place (Pan Am Park). They lit fireworks in front of City Hall every single night. I saw musical performances by groups from countries I’m unlikely to travel to, with Lake Ontario as the backdrop. And yeah, some of those performances were horrendous. But I’d stand there and listen to em again.

For as good of a show as Toronto put on, Canadian athletes were even better. Dominating our rivals to the south in sports they’ve owned for decades. The coming out party this tournament was for Canada Basketball can not be overstated. Jamal Murray is the new Andrew Wiggins, and we haven’t even seen the best of him yet! Steve Nash and Jay Triano now have the once unthinkable luxury of having too many talented players to choose from. Kia Nurse might just do for women’s basketball what Christine Sinclair has done for women’s soccer in this country. She could’ve made the Edmonton Oilers, if she really wanted to. Pete Orr is a Canadian baseball legend now. People learned how crazy extra innings rules are in international baseball. And Andre De Grasse put the track and field world on notice, so much so, they had to find a way to take his medal away.

Much to my surprise, the 17th Pan American Games were a huge success on and off the fields of play. I am more proud to be a Torontonian. And winning feels great. This was a month I was convinced I would regret. Instead, it was one I won’t soon forget.

Having said all that, I DO NOT want the Olympics in my city in nine years. Enjoy it Boston! You deserve a good headache after all the sporting successes your teams have brought you in recent years.

Sunday Morning Thoughts – July 26

It’s almost like Canada has a track record of lane violations. Somebody is always looking! Absolute shame to see that quartet stripped of a gold medal they earned before the race even started. The better you are, the more haters gonna hate. Andre De Grasse will hang many more gold medals around his neck in the near future. Canada has a new track star, and the sky is the limit.

BASKETBALL
Say what you’d like about the Pan Am Games. Canada Basketball won at life this week.

That final went exactly the way it was supposed to go. After beating the Kings of Basketball, in dramatic fashion, Steve Nash‘s hard working collection of new age talent, lost to the best team in the tournament. It was boys against men. Canada were impatient, repeatedly took tough shots. Brasil did the exact opposite. Exactly what you expect from an experienced and united team.

Having said that, there were plenty of positives to take from winning a medal for the first time ever. Doesn’t matter that it was silver. The team fought back, without Andrew Nicholson, better than I bet Jay Triano even expected. While he showed his frustration late, Anthony Bennett‘s confidence is as high as I’ve seen since he was at UNLV. He may have just convinced the T-Wolves to keep him around. And, you can’t say enough about Jamal Murray. What a coming out party. Wiggins didn’t have this experience before his lone year at Kansas. I think this will go a long way to making Murray’s NCAA transition very smooth. And I bet you his dad is getting plenty of Russian phone calls today from clubs looking to entice his son to break his Kentucky commitment.

Dan Shulman makes every game better. I was locked in for the second half of that bronze medal game. Not because I cared at all whether or not the USA won a medal. Because he made it sound like a must watch game.

SOCCER
Jamaica couldn’t win a game last month at Copa America. But put them in their own tournament and they’re good enough to be finalists? This has to be the least anticipated Gold Cup final in a long time. And that is not Jamaica’s fault. The officiating has been horrendous. Mexico don’t deserve to be there, but hell might actually freeze over if they lose. And if El Tri’s play this month has taught us anything, they’re fully capable of losing! All the pressure is on this team of guys that don’t seem to really like each other, nor their coach. Jamaica have absolutely nothing to lose. But let’s be honest, it just depends on who the referee is.

There was something oddly satisfying about watching the USA lose to Panama on penalties in the third place game. Panama deserved something for being jobbed in the semis. Looked like a pretty legit victory yesterday to me.

Toronto FC will regret their complacent opening 45 minutes in Columbus. Hell of a fight back though, with more than a bit of luck, to come away with a point. Sebastian Giovinco has done exactly what I hoped when I first read he was linked with the club. He’s made it must watch TV. You never know what’s going to happen. But more often than not, it’s pretty darn good.

Thoroughly excited for Andrea Pirlo‘s NYCFC debut this afternoon against Orlando. I’m expecting several opportunities to use the #PirloIsNotImpressed.

MLB
Throw a no hitter at Wrigley. Hell of a way to show interested teams that you still got it. I wouldn’t trade for Cole Hamels right now though. I think an ERA closer to the 20 he put up over his last two starts is more of a reflection of what he’s got left in the tank.

A-Rod has got to stop with this being great shit. It’s annoying. I didn’t expect him to still have a place on the roster at this point in the season, let alone hit 23 HR! Without him, the Yankees aren’t leading the division. The world makes no sense.

I’m a big fan of the ‘We The Northwest’ movement that invades Safeco Field every time the Jays are out in Seattle. I thought it would be enough to get Drew Hutchison to pitch the way he does at home. I was wrong. But thanks to contributions from the unlikeliest of bats, the Jays got the job done. As I expect them to in the series finale. No way Taijuan Walker out pitches Mark Buehrle.

Zack Greinke faces the Mets this afternoon. The baby faced flame thrower has thrown 43 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings. That’s the longest streak since Orel Hershiser, who tossed 59 in 1988. Not to be a hater, but I think the streak ends before 50.

Saturday Morning Thoughts – July 25

HOLY S%^&
Jamal Murray for Prime Minister?

Maple Leaf Gardens has seen a lot of magical nights in it’s day. Would never have expected Canada Basketball to give it two for the ages this week.

22 points, all scored in the fourth quarter and overtime. The tying three. The winning three. Murray may have just secured himself a lottery pick with one game. Every SEC coach watched that game last night. There’s only one that didn’t at some point yell at the top of their lungs, “F#%^ YOU CALIPARI!”

You’ll read many scribes today write that was the biggest win in Canadian men’s basketball history. Say what you will about the Pan Am Games, but this win has completely changed the way Canada Basketball will be perceived internationally and the expectations a growing fan base will put on them. Having said that, Saturday’s gold medal game really, is a bonus. Unlike the USA, this is Brasil’s best, the squad they’ll take to Mexico City next month. They may have experience and class, but they don’t have Jamal Murray.

MLB
Of course the Red Sox first win since the All Star break would come off the Tigers! Things are falling apart in The D. Big sell-off coming.

Frustrating loss in Seattle, but King Felix beats everybody and Marco Estrada wasn’t wven supposed to start. Great to see Jose Bautista pass Vernon Wells for sole possession of 2nd on the Jays all-time HR list. Still trails Carlos Delgado by 112 for the franchise lead.

I applaud Jon Niese‘s “work before everything” attitude, but did he really think he’d be able to outpitch the Dodgers while his wife was in labour?  Niese did watch the birth of his son Tatum Jeffery on FaceTime though. During the game. But surrendered six runs and eight hits over three innings in a 7-2 Mets loss. Bet Terry Collins will be asked to justify that call.

Scott Kazmir delivered in his Astros debut throwing seven strong innings against the Royals to earn the W. I will be very surprised if Houston doesn’t win the West. The Angels are just enjoying a (very) good run of form at the moment.

CFL
Trevor Harris is the QB I want when I’m trying to win games late. Of course the Argos missed the PAT and the BC Lions tied the game with a field goal. But Harris moved the chains again and the Boatmen re-took the lead, after trailing 21-0, to clinch another road win. Impressive.

Hate to see Jon Cornish go down injured. He’s the only one keeping the run game alive. Stamps are a completely different team without him.

SOCCER
To quote my co-worker Sid Seixeiro, “CONCACAF is where soccer goes to die.” It’s hard to argue that. Just like it’s hard to argue Panama Football Federation president Pedro Chaluja‘s claims that their semi-final loss to Mexico was fixed. Yesterday he called on FIFA to write the wrong. They replied with, “Thank you for writing. Please note we are on vacation until further notice. If this is an emergency, please contact CONCACAF. They know how to fix everything.”

NHL
How is signing Alex Semin “no risk” for the Habs? They’re paying him over a million bucks. That’s money they could use to salt the sidewalks outside of the [insert competitor’s name here] Centre from September to May so old ladies don’t fall. Semin scored just 19 points in 57 games, and the lowly Hurricanes bought him out. Not a guy I’d want on my team.

Friday Morning Thoughts – July 24

Number one twitter trend early this morning was “Hulk Hogan & WWE part ways. Again.” Didn’t even know he was back. Why was he back? Vince must be really hurting for star power.

NHL
Speaking of star power, the Maple Leafs sure like being the most talked about team in hockey. Hiring Lou Lamoriello is a fantastic move. As long as, Lou actually accepts the expectation that he make Kyle Dubas better than him. Decisions won’t be made by committee. That’s not the guy you get if that’s what you want. Clearly Brendan Shanahan felt it best to have a man he knew he could trust to make decisions that he himself isn’t the most qualified to make. Lou is calling the shots in The 6. Just don’t expect Drake to write a track about him anytime soon.

MLB
How bout them Houston Astros? There’s something no one has said with conviction in ten years. Scott Kazmir has been in a pennant race before. He’s a Houston guy, meaning Jeff Luhnow probably expects to have the upper hand in signing him this winter. And they didn’t have to give up the farm to get him, something they would’ve had to do to get Johnny Cueto or David Price.

Speaking of the Tigers ace, real shame Detroit couldn’t even earn a win in what might just have been his last start in a Tiggys uniform. I wonder if Alex Anthopoulos has inquired? It’s a big gamble, and maybe I am a bit bias, but I think Toronto is as good a sell as anywhere for Price long-term. He knows the opposition. For the most part he can live under the radar in one of the best city’s there is. And knowing a future ace is a necessity, ownership will make the cash available. They don’t have a choice. This team won’t get any closer to October without it.

If you support a team that struggles in the pitching department, you hate the LA Dodgers. Aren’t they spoiled enough with the form Zack Greinke is in right now? Last night in Queens, Clayton Kershaw was perfect for six innings and very good for nine, in a 3-0 win to extend his own scoreless streak to 29 innings.

BASKETBALL
The Pan Am Games just keep getting better and better for Canada Basketball. Thanks to a convincing win over Mexico, Canada’s men’s team will play in the semifinal on Friday against the U.S.A., who not so shockingly lost to Brasil 93-83 and finished second in their pool. The Brazilians now have the advantage of playing the Dominicans in the other semi.

SOCCER
Sticking with the Pan Am’s, isn’t it great to see Brasil upset at soccer? Those last 10 minutes versus Uruguay were thrilling. Doesn’t matter the age level or tournament, those to countries hate each other. And it provided a gem of a match in Hamilton that I regret not making the trek out for. Tough break for Panama, to lose to Mexico, again.

If Arsene Wenger does in fact have £200 million to spend, as Lord Harris suggested, then Arsenal have really dropped the ball. Maybe Arturo Vidal was never actually considering joining up with countryman Alexis Sanchez. But that is the calibre of player Wenger needs to buy to make Arsenal a title contender.

The Spanish papers are raving about the friction between Cristiano Ronaldo and new boss Rafa Benitez. Wow. Didn’t see that coming. Rafa may think he’s there because he is the best man for the job, but really he’s just a more acclimated David Blatt. He’s a bigger name, but one that management expect CR7 to boss around when he feels like it. No one could do that with Jose or Carlo Ancelotti. As much as I would love to see him back in the Prem, Ronaldo is not going back to Manchester United this summer. These stories will disappear once Real run away with the season and both Ronnie and Rafa lift at least one title come May.