tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Buckeyes Don’t Get It & Three Cheers For Gregg

http://www.cbssports.com/#!/collegefootball/story/15305047/ohio-state-needs-ncaa-help-to-get-punishment-right

First, Jim Tressel resigns.  Then Terrell Pryor leaves the school.  Now, Ohio State vacates the wins from their 2010 season and suggests to the NCAA that this is enough punishment for the tattoo/car favors for Buckeye players during Tressel's time as football coach.  Their justification is that Tressel was the only one at the university who knew about what was going on.  Pleeeaaasse!!!

As Brett McMurphy indicates in his article above, if the University is right then why wasn't Tressel fired immediately???  Why did the president of the university make a joke that he hoped Tressel didn't fire him???  Why did the athletic director defend Tressel right to the bitter end if Tressel was the only one who knew what was going on???

If the NCAA falls for this they are more stupid than I thought.  The Buckeyes need to be sanctioned.  They need the number of scholarships reduced.  They need to be banned from national TV and a BCS bowl.  And the AD needs to be fired.  In August we'll see what the NCAA will do.

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http://www.cbssports.com/#!/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20110708_BAL@BOS/red-sox-start-fast-brawl-with-os-in-blowout-win

Last night the Boston Red Sox sent the Baltimore Orioles to their 5th straight loss in a 10-3 win at Fenway.  It was the 4th time in 5 games that the Orioles gave up 10 or more runs.  In the bottom of the 8th inning, Oriole reliever threw 3 pitches inside to David Ortiz.  Big Papi apparently took exception and a bench clearing brawl ensued with 4 players, including Gregg & Papi being thrown out of the game. 

Take a look at the article above and read Kevin Gregg's comments.  I love it!!!  Gregg was sick and tired of the Red Sox arrogance and he says as much.  Maybe he's the type of guy the Yankees could use.  He immediately makes my favorite player list.  After you read the article you will know why.  Three cheers for Kevin Gregg!!!!!!!

Nonsense Reigns In Sports World

Many years ago, sports news was all about the game.  There wasn't talk of arrests, court cases and the constant second guessing of every move that every player, coach and general manager makes.  You didn't here about what these guys were doing in the off season or how they spent their time after hours.  But its all different now which leads to stories that just won't go away.

The Roger Clemens saga continues with the trial beginning next week.  It's gotten to the point for me that I really don't give a damn whether Clemens lied to Congress or not.  Has there never been a politician who's lied before Congress???  Seems to me we had a President say there was weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.  How did we make out with that??

Yet, the Clemens trial will drag on and sports media outlets will cover it like its big news when in reality it means nothing.  Do I believe Roger Clemens did performance enhancing drugs??  Yes.  Does it matter to me?? No it does not because Major League Baseball under the auspices of that high-brow, know-nothing, look the other way Commissioner Bud Selig allowed it to happen.  If you really want to do something they should put MLB and the MLBPA on trial because they knew what was going on and allowed it to happen because of the long green.

Up in Toronto, there has been continual debate over the fact that Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke was visiting Canadian troops in Kandahar, Afghanistan on July 1st, the first day of free agency.  Steve Simmons, columnist for the Toronto Sun, wrote an article calling Burke out for being in Afghanistan thus reducing the likelihood of the Laefs signing Brad Richards.  Simmons says its his duty as a sports writer to bring out issues that are on sports fans minds.  Really???

Simmons response illustrates what's wrong with the media these days.  While I'm certainly not saying that the media should just take everything that their given as being the absolute truth.  Nor am I saying that they shouldn't question anything. But what I am saying is that there is some responsibility attached to being a part of the media.  If people are thinking that they would like to see Erin Andrews of ESPN in a Playboy centerfold would Simmons report that??  If Toronto Maple Leaf fans tweeted to Simmons that they would like to see Daniel Alfredsson get a severe knee injury ending his career would he report that???  The answer to both questions is no he wouldn't and that's why his response is a bunch of crap.  He wrote the column because he wanted to start a controversy and what better way to do it than to go after Brian Burke.  By the way, in this day and age Burke was accessible to Dave Nonis and Company.  Oh and by the way, it was a given that Richards was going to the Rangers.

I have no problem talking about trades, player moves or game strategies.  But I'm fed up with the made up controversies.  Oh well, such is life in 2011.

Happy 4th!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Taking a day off today.  Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July.  I'll be posting "Tuesday's Thoughts" tomorrow with plenty to say on All-Star selections, the latest Leaf trade and more.

Happy Birthday U.S.A.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yanks Draw First Blood/NHL Frenzy or Lunacy

The Yankees drew first blood in the Subway Series by spanking the Mets 5-1.  I was really impressed with Ivan Nova as he was very good in getting out of trouble particularly in the 5th inning when he got Angel Pagan to strike out with the bases loaded.  Nova has shown me that the Yanks have a pitcher that they can slot in their rotation for years to come.  Probably a 3rd or 4th starter.  Mark Texiera continued his hot hitting and Alex Rodrigeuz continues to drive in runs.  In fact, I have been impressed with ARod's leadership.  I read an article where in had a comversation with Boone Logan about Logan's importance to the team and that he just needs to go out their and pitch, not think.  Since the conversation, Logan has somewhat turned it around.

On my continual Michael Kay stupidity watch, last night BigHead was just amazed at the number of Yankee fans at Citi Field.  BigHead said he couldn't believe how many people he saw coming off the L.I. Railroad wearing Yankee jerseys, t-shirts and ball caps.  Really Michael!!!  You're surprised??  Who is he trying to impress?  There are plenty of Mets fans at Yankee Stadium when the Mets come in.  It's a classic example of Kay's melodramatic, trying to create a story/controversy when there isn't one.  I really enjoy Al Leiter in the booth.  Too bad he can't be a regular with Ken Singleton and Paul O'Neill.

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Canada Day marks the beginning of the NHL free agency period.  TSN called it Free Agent Frenzy.  I'll call it Free Agent Lunacy.  Once again I want to bring everyone back to the Fall of 2004 when Gary Bettman announced that the players would be locked out in order to "bring fiscal stability" back to the league and help small market teams be viable.  Hmmmm...  Guess what team has the highest payroll in the NHL today???  The Buffalo Sabres.  Who signed the most free agents yeasterday???  The Florida Panthers.  Small market teams the last time I checked.

The contracts given out yeatserday were unreal particularly since its still unclear whether these signings will significantly improve the clubs involved.  There's no question that the defense moves the Sabres made will help them but the signing of Ville Leino, who the most goals he has ever scored in a season is 19, will help them offensively.  The Panthers signed the players they did in order to reach the cap floor of $48 million, including acquiring Brian Campbell, whose contract is one of the worst in the NHL.

The Maple Leafs were quiet yesterday however they are one of 4 teams waiting to hear what the Brad Richards decision is today.  My gut tells me that Richards will sign with the Rangers.  I'm hoping that the Leafs do not sign Tim Connolly.  What I think will happen is that the Leafs will be involved in a trade to attempt to get a center to play with Phil Kessel.  If not, I have no problem with them going into camp giving Joe Colborne a shot at the first line.  He didn't look out of place in the season finale against the Canadiens when he was with Kessel and Lupul.  The other thing that needs to be considered, its a long summer and trades can be made up and through training camp in September.  Plenty of time for Burke and Company to get the job done.

CC, Yankees, the DH & Canada Day – NHL Style

Earlier this baseball season, a comment on this blog said that CC Sabathia was no match for Josh Beckett.  Pleaaaaseee.  Yesterday, Sabathia showed why he is a legitimate all-star and one of the game's best by winning his 11th game and leading the Yankees to a 5-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.  13 strikeouts, all swinging, was the big lefty's signature yesterday afternoon over 7 2/3 innings of work.  How many times this year has Sabathia stopped any losing streaks by posting a victory.  There's no doubt he is one of the best in the business.

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I was very concerned and critical after the Yanks were swept again by the Red Sox earlier in June and really wondered whether this team would have the ability to make the playoffs.  But since that series debacle, the Yankees have been on quite a roll in spite of losing Derek Jeter, Bartolo Colon, Rafael Soriano and Joba Chamberlain.  Now with Colon and Jeter scheduled to come back and Phil Hughes' impressive last outing in rehab, the Yankees suddenly find themselves in pretty good shape as we head into the July 4th weekend.  If Colon can pitch as well as he did prior to his pulled hammy and Hughes can bounce back to be the starter he was last year, then the Yankee starting rotation gets a huge upgrade and relieves the pressure to trade for a starter at the end of the month.

Another key to this resurgence has been the hitting of Nick Swisher and Jorge Posada.  Both have really picked it up since the Red Sox Massacre and once again relieves the need to pick up another bat.  As a result, Brian Cashman can be very selective about making a deal as suddenly the Yanks look to be in a position of strength. 

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Since interleague play started AL teams have had to forego using the designated hitter in NL parks.  A week or so ago when the Red Sox were heading out for a road trip to NL parks, Terry Francona said that he may consider putting Adrian Gonzalez in right field and David Ortiz at 1st base.  There was all kinds of discussion about this since it involved the Media's Team.  Interestingly enough, I have come across plenty of articles saying that both leagues should have the DH.  Coincidence??? Hardly.  Connect the dots: why now all the discussion about the DH in the NL???  Why not eliminate the DH??  Oh that would mean no place for Big Papi.  Give me a break.  I'm sure the lack of the DH is the reason why the Sox went 2-4 in their trip to the state of Pennsylvania.

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Today is Canada Day and while our friends across the border celebrate their country, its also the first day of free agency in the NHL.  Believe me the rumors have been hot and heavy as it seems 8 teams are in on the Brad Richards sweepstakes and speculation as to whether an offer sheet will be presented to Tampa Bay's young star, Steven Stamkos.  There have been plenty of signings before today and the one that has drawn my attention is the signing of Christian Ernhoff by the Buffalo Sabres.

If I remember correctly, when Gary Bettman was justifying the shutdown of the 2004-2005 season, he said it was to protect small market teams like Buffalo because they were not able to compete with the large contracts that were being given out by the big market teams.  Yesterday, the Sabres signed Ernhoff to a 10 year deal, front-loading it with $18 million dollars in signing bonuses over the 1st 2 years.  Ernhoff will be 29 on Wednesday which means he will be under contract until he is 39.  Amazing.  While the numbers are not as large, how is this contract any different than the one signed by Ilya Kovalchuk and the Devils??  It isn't.  The whole small market argument is baloney.  And Monopoly Man Terry Pegula is planning on spending more today.  He's going to get Brad Richards, Steven Stamkos, Jaromir Jagr and Carlton the Bear!!!

Enjoy Canada Day!!!

College Football vs NFL: Not Even Close!!!

http://www.cbssports.com/#!/collegefootball/story/15274851/college-football-is-better-than-nfl-and-its-not-even-close

As news continues to leak out that the NFL lock out is heading toward an end, there was a great article (check it out above) comparing the NFL and college football.  Let me start out by saying that I have followed the NFL and particularly the Cleveland Browns for 50 years.  On fall Sundays as a child, I would want my parents to schedule our weekly visits to both of my grandparents houses around halftime of the Browns game so I wouldn't miss anything when we went from one house to the other.  So as you can see the NFL has been a part of my sports life for a long time.  That being said, today. I'll take college football over the NFL anyday.

Gregg Doyell is right on the money in his article.  But beyond his point, I think the actual game itself is better in college football.  There's more excitement.  Teams are willing to gamble.  There's more scoring.  I don't have to see some defensive lineman after a sack get up and do a jig because he sacked the quarterback even though his team is down by two touchdowns.  I can't tell you how much that bugs me.

When it comes to overtime, I love the college format.  Each team has a shot to win as opposed to a possible coin toss deciding the game and multiple punts resulting in a field goal to decide the game.  The college game is much more wide open.  The atmosphere is better.  I've never been to a college game where I've seen fights in the crowd or drunken stupidness as I have at pro games.  And while alcohol is not sold in college stadiums, there is plenty of tailgating that goes on before the college game.

If the NCAA ever woke up and established a playoff system to determine the national championship, the college football championship game would rival the Super Bowl in popularity.  For me if the NFL canceled the season, I wouldn't miss it for the world and this from a kid who's grandparents knew that the Browns game needed to be on when I came over to visit on Sunday.

HHOF Selections/ Wimbledon/ Yankees

Yesterday's announcement of the new inductees into hockey's hall of fame were positively received in most quarters throughout the hockey world.  I would fall into that category as Doug Gilmour, Eddie Belfour, Joe Nieuwendyck and Mark Howe are all deserving.  With respect to Gilmour, it was a long time overdue.  As a Leaf fan, there is no doubt that Gilmour led a team that provided us with plenty of thrills and but for a blown call by Kerry Fraser, a legitimate chance at the Stanley Cup.

However, I am not happy with the fact that Pat Burns was not selected.  Burns coached three Original 6 teams (Montreal, Toronto &  Boston) and won a Stanley Cup with New Jersey.  Not only did he coach the three Original 6 teams, he instilled a winning attitude and excitement in three proud franchises.  With respect to Toronto, Burns was as instrumental as Gilmour and Cliff Fletcher in turning the Maple Leaf franchise around in the early 90's. His numbers speak for themselves.  It's a disgrace that he's not in the hall of fame.

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I always equate Wimbledon with the 4th of July as the finals are usually right around the same time.  This year on the women's side, the US is shut out as both Serena and Venus Williams had early round exits.  In fact, the only American left in the whole tournament is Mardy Fish on the men's side.  While its still exciting to watch, there's always a little more to it when an American is in the semi-finals or finals.  One also has to wonder what the state of tennis is in the United States as I'm not sure what youngsters are possibly the next generation of American stars.  With the current state of affairs we may need some young blood.  By the way, here's hoping Maria Sharapova wins.

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The Yankees pounded Zack Greinke last night early and often as they defeated the Brewers 12-2 and upped their lead on Boston to 1 1/2 games as the Red Sox were shut out 5-0 by Cliff Lee and the Phillies.  Nick Swisher continued his hot hitting and I couldn't be happier for a guy who truly loves being a Yankee.  Mark Texiera has really gotten hot as he hit his 24th home run.

The Yanks received some good news as its possible that Bartolo Colon could be available over the weekend against the Mets.  That would allow them to put Brian Gordon in the bullpen.  Phil Hughes pitches tonight in his 2nd rehab start in Trenton.  Here's hoping we see continued improvement.  I almost think that the Yanks should hold him out until after the All-Star break.  The same may be the case for Derek Jeter.  I'm not sure there is much sense to bring him back for games next weekend against Tampa with the All-Star break starting right after that series.

By the way, last night's YES broadcast illustrated why I think Michael Kay is terrible.  Not only did he repeat himself a million times reciting mindless statistics. he went on a 15 minute diatribe about someone living rent free in the left field scoreboard.  What added to this ridiculous crap was John Flaherty who played along with the infamous self-promoting Big Headed Kay.  It is incredible that the most known sports franchise in the world can't have a first class broadcast team.  Where is Ken Singleton when you need him??

NHL News & Yanks Win On Old Timer’s Day

As we head toward July 1, there has been plenty of activity in the NHL prior to free agency kicking in.  The Buffalo Sabres picked up Robyn Regher and Ales Kotalik for 2 young players which allowed the Flames to sign Alex Tanguay to a 5 year contract extension.  Ryan Smyth, Captain Canada, has gone back to his roots as he has been traded back to the Edmonton Oilers.  And Brian Campbell was traded from the Chicago Black Hawks to the Florida Panthers.  Why all the activity???  Well part of it has to do with the fact that the new salary cap figures are out and there is a $48 million floor that each team must spend to.  As a result, teams are willing to take on big salaries of players who may not be living up to expectations.  This could make for more moves prior to July 1 and throughout the summer.

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Rumors are flying about where Brad Richards and Steven Stamkos may end up.  The reported favorites to land Richards are the NY Rangers.  However, the Philadelphia Flyers are now being reported as extremely interested with the Maple Leafs and LA Kings also in the mix.  It does not surprise me that the Flyers are now in the Richards sweepstakes with the blockbuster trades that they made moving Mike Richards and Jeff Carter.  I really do think this will come down to the Rangers and Flyers.  At one point it was suggested that Richards would give the Lightning a discount because that is where he started his career but I don't see that being the case now.

Speaking of Tampa Bay, there are reports that the Lightning may not be willing to pay Steven Stamkos what the market would bear for a player of his caliber: $8.5-9 million a year for 5 years.  Stamkos is a restricted free agent so the Lightning would be compensated if Stamkos signs with another team and it is being reported that several teams are looking into the possibility of submitting an offer sheet for the young superstar center.  The Maple Leafs, Red Wings and Flyers are all teams that have been associated with this possibility.  If the Lightning, (who reportedly lost $20 million dollars last year) do not sign Stamkos by July 1st, I can see the Maple Leafs making a move to get the Toronto-area center man.  This would be a dream come true for the Blue and White.

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Realignment seems to be all the rage these days and the NHL is in on the act as a result of the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg.  For this season, the Jets will be playing in the Southeast Division with Florida, Tampa, Carolina, and Washington.  Initially it was reported that either Detroit, Columbus or Nashville would be moved to the Eastern Conference with Detroit being the favorite.  The problem with this is that the remaining Western teams were not happy with the thought of losing the Red Wings from visiting their arenas 3 or 4 times a year.

So a report is out that the league is considering a complete realignment with the Eastern Conference consisting of 2-eight team divisions and the Western Conference consisting of 2-seven team divisions.  The unbalanced schedule would be thrown away and each team would play every other team at least twice a year.

2 problems with this proposal as I see it.  First, four teams in each division would make the playoffs with the first round being divisional and the second round would be reseeded with the other division in the conference.  This means that there is greater opportunity for teams to make the playoffs in the West because there are 2 less teams.  Second, with 2 less teams in the West there will be a push for 2 expansion teams which would be a disaster.

Bettman should just have the guts to swap a team with Winnipeg and throw out this crazy realignment proposal. 

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Yesterday was Old Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees did not disappoint the big crowd with a come from behind 6-4 win over the Colorado Rockies.  Jorge Posada and Nick Swisher continued their hot hitting with back to back home runs that tied the game for the Pinstripers.  It is really important for these two to continue to provide some offense to extend this lineup.  Mark Texiera hit his 23rd home run of the year as the Yanks go into an off day still one-half game ahead of the Red Sox.

It was great to see Joe Torre back at the Stadium and he received quite the ovation.  It was also great to see Bernie Williams back.  Check out Tuesday's Thoughts for more on Old Timer's Day!!

Leafs Get More For Kabs, NHL & Yanks Fall

Yesterday as was anticipated, Brian Burke made two trades: one that will help the team immediately and the other that hopefully will bear fruit in the future.  The first trade involved the 2012 second round pick that the Leafs received from the Bruins in the Tomas Kaberle deal.  That 2nd round pick was contingent upon whether or not the Bruins won the Stanley Cup.  Well the Leafs used that pick to get John-Michael Liles from the Colorado Avalanche.

Liles is a 31 year old puck-moving, power play quarterback defenseman who scored 40 points last year for the Avs.  The Leafs tried getting Liles at the trade deadline in February but the Avs wanted a first round pick and the Leafs declined.  By waiting it out, Toronto gets the guy they wanted to replace Kaberle in the short term( as Liles has one year remaining on his contract) without giving up a first round pick.  So if we look at the Kaberle trade, the Leafs sent Kaberle to Boston for Joe Colborne, a first round pick (which was used to move up in the draft to take Tyler Biggs) and John-Michael Liles.  While Brian Burke gets constantly questioned on the Phil Kessel deal, it appears that the Maple Leafs won out on the Kaberle deal.

Tyler Biggs was the player taken as a result of the second trade Burke made.  He packaged the Leafs second round pick and the 1st rounder they acquired from Boston to move up to get Biggs.  He's a big tough right winger who's not afraid to throw his body around and has a scoring touch.  This is a typical Burke-type player who will be headed to Miami of Ohio University for further seasoning.  You never know with these picks but if this kid develops as Burke & Company anticipate, this could be the power forward that the Leafs have lacked for years.

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Not sure if we can expect anymore trades at the draft as we have already seen Brian Campbell, Troy Brower, Devin Setoguchi and Brett Burns all moved yesterday.  July 1st is only 6 days away and as we know there will be plenty of action.  Brad Richards is the big prize and the NY Rangers appear to be the favorites to land him.  Tampa is indicating that they are not in the running and there are rumblings that the Flyers may be in the mix.  In order for the Flyers to be serious players in the Richards sweepstakes they would have to move another salary and the rumors are that Kris Versteeg could be leaving Philly.

With Liles being moved, it seems unlikely that Colorado would be willing to move Paul Stastny because they will need to meet the floor cap amount and taking Stastny out would make it awfully hard for that to happen.  It has been awfully quiet in regard to the status of RFA's Steven Stamkos and Zack Parise.  There seems to be a feeling out there that teams may be willing to submit an offer sheet for both of these players or its possible that the Devils and Lightning could pull off a trade.  Keep an eye on this.

And finally, there is a faint rumor that the Pittsburgh Penguins may be willing to move Evegni Malkin.  This would be a major move.  It's the silly season so we are going to hear a lot of things.  But that's what makes it fun!!!

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The Yankees dropped a 4-2 decision to the Colorado Rockies last night missing out on another opportunity to pass the Red Sox who lost 3-1 to the Pittsburgh Pirates.  A.J. Burnett continues to frustrate as last night he pitched well enough to lose.  Today is Old Timer's Day at the Stadium and hopefully some of that old magic can find its way to the current team.  You may think I'm being negative but I'm looking at October and the Yanks need Burnett.  The news from Trenton on Phil Hughes was not encouraging.  It doesn't look like he will be joining the Yankees soon meaning the pitching staff is still a problem.  Brian Cashman will be very busy between now and July 31st.