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

Tuesday’s Thoughts (Saturday Edition)

While wondering if I will hear "Fire Wilson" chants tonight at the ACC, here's what is on my mind this morning:

* Toronto media is in overdrive condemning Brian Burke and Ron Wilson. Burke is getting it for not having a veteran goalie and not going after Jeff Carter. It's a fair criticism as it relates to the goaltending situation. They could have kept J.S. Giguere. With respect to Carter, he has a terrible contract and he is not a playmaking big center that the Leafs need. In fact many GM's believe that Columbus made out in the deal. With respect to Wilson, if the Leafs don't make the playoffs then he should be fired.

* Rumor has it that Matt Frattin will be called up to the Leafs and Colby Armstrong will be in the lineup. Jay Rosehill and Darryl Boyce have been placed on waivers and it is my understanding that Boyce was claimed by Columbus while Rosehill is back with the Marlies.

* The Leafs problems stem from the fact that they are not smart defensively and they need some muscle. The first part I lay blame on Wilson. His run and gun philosophy is killing them right now and if they make the playoffs it will get them nowhere. With respect to muscle, Brian Burke needs to address this in a hurry.

* Unlike many others I am happy that Ryan Braun has won his appeal. Major League Baseball screwed up and the fact that Braun's name was leaked when the test results are supposed to be confidential once again calls into question the whole process. This is not the first time a name has been leaked. People can say what they want but as far as I'm concerned Ryan Braun is clean.

* I'm glad to hear that Mark Teixiera finally realizes that he needs to consider going the other way when he bats left handed. He's even talking about bunting. Let's hope that Tex can get that average back up in the 290's.

* In a couple of weeks the NCAA Basketball Conference Tournaments will begin and it truly is an exciting time of the year. The TV coverage last year was fantastic and I'm really looking forward to it.

* And finally, I will be out of the area for the next week and my next post will be Sunday March 4th. I will be on twitter following the trade deadline on Monday.