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

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering if there is any correlation with the fact that the Yankees have done nothing at the last two MLB trade deadlines and Brian Cashman's dalliances with some psycho twit, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* The fate of the Toronto Maple Leafs' attempt to make the playoffs for the first time since the lockout may become crystal clear at the end of their upcoming 3 game Western Canada road trip that begins tonight in Calagry. The Leafs margin for error is becoming smaller and smaller as they ended a terrible week losing three in a row, including an embarassing 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens. It will be interesting to see who Ron Wilson starts in goal tonight and whether or not Colby Armstrong remains out of the lineup and if Mike Kommisarek comes back into the lineup.

* Speculation about Kommisarek's return may be a moot point since Carl Gunnarsson was injured as a result of a collision with Jay Rosehill. Reports would lead one to believe that Gunnarsson will not play tonight as he is having an MRI done today. The news doesn't sound good and if Gunnarsson is out for an extended period of time the Leafs will have lost one of their steadier defenseman.

* While watching some NHL games on Sunday, what hit me was how teams like the Rangers, Flyers and Red Wings drove the net to score goals something the Leafs have failed to do this past week. When your slumping you need to score gritty goals particularly when playing teams that like to play the trap.

* Mats Sundin is probably the most underappreciated Leaf star in the team's recent history. I'm a firm believer that a lot of that had to do with the fact that Sundin was not Canadian. It's the same reason that some in the Center of the Hockey Universe have such disdain for Brian Burke. The fact is that Sundin was a world class player who unfortunately never had linemates who could match his skills. Could you imagine if Sundin was able to play with Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul?? On Saturday night, Sundin once again showed the class and dignity that he displayed as the Leaf Captain during his banner raising ceremony. Too bad his former team couldn't bring home a win.

* http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/ageless_jeter_first_preps_camp_again_PQyMd5ngsVn8vOYCeH8DmM
Read this article in Sunday's NY Post and I guess it confirms why Derek Jeter is my favorite Yankee. The Yankee Captain is a great role model for the young Yankee prospects. It will be a sad day when he hangs up his spikes and I'm not sure if we will see another one like him.

* It appears that the Yankees are working a deal to move AJ Burnett to the Pittsburgh Pirates. If the Yanks pull this off it would be the best thing that could happen. The feeling among many is that a deal will get done but it comes down to how much the Pirates will pay and what prospects the Yankees will get.

* The Jeremy Lin story out of New York is a fascinating one and could possibly save the Knicks season. There is plenty of speculation as to how Carmelo Anthony will fit in with the captivating Lin. Melo is back in the lineup tonight against the Toronto Raptors at the ACC and all eyes will be watching unless you have Time Warner Cable.

* Yesterday Paul "Gasbag" Hamilton was asked if the Buffalo Sabres were better than Ottawa and Toronto. Gasbag's response was that he didn't want to bring up injuries but if the Sabres had all of their players they are the better team. Look, I'm not going to say that the Maple Leafs are Stanley Cup contenders but I am tired of hearing about Sabre injuries as an excuse for where they are currently located in the standings. The Leafs lost their starting goaltender (James Reimer) for almost two months with concussion like symptoms and the following players were out for various periods of time: Mike Kommisarek, John-Michael Liles, Matthew Lombardi, Tim Connolly, Mikhail Grabovski, Colby Armstrong, Mike Brown and Tyler Bozak.

* Very stimulating sports talk yesterday afternoon as we had to hear about how the Bulldog didn't go sledding on Sunday afternoon because his youngest son forgot his boots at school after he had been told on numerous occasions to bring them home. Really???? Schopp praised his partner for instilling responsibility to his young son. And you want to know why WGR550 is a joke.

* WGR550 has brought back Blowhard Brad Riter as he has been filling in on occasion for Howard Simon. Riter was fired by GR several years ago because he couldn't make it to work on time. Riter fits in perfectly as he is a know-it-all who only concerns himself with the Sabres and Bills. Besides the fact that he is a known Red Sox fan (and their are a few at 550), why I really dislike Riter is his disdain for local sports particularly the local college basketball teams. Case in point: as some of you in WNY may recall Niagara University's men's basketball team won the MAAC Basketball tournament at the Arena in Buffalo back in 2005. It was a great night and it was certainly exciting watching the Purple Eagles advance to the NCAA for the first time in 35 years. The following night, Riter basically ridiculed the whole thing saying what difference does it make because Niagara will just get buried in the first round. Typical Buffalo B.S. and you want to know why people in this area are so cynical and negative.

* And finally, does anybody really care that Randy Moss wants to make a comeback???