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

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering who is the genius who has come up with those awful Oregon football uniforms, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* The Toronto Blue Jays have vaulted into the AL East elite with a stunning blockbuster trade that brings Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buerhle and Emilio Bonifacio to the Rogers Centre. While there are never any guarantees with trades, this one certainly may change the balance of power in what is the most competitive division in baseball.

* Meanwhile, the Yankees are waiting to hear from Andy Petitte about his intentions to play in 2013. In looking at the Yankees right now it seems hard to imagine this team doing more than making the playoffs.

* It was reported on ESPN Cleveland that Browns players would like to see a uniform change. Really?? How about trying to win a football game. Cleveland fought hard to keep its colors. Those uniforms are a part of an iconic franchise, one that was once a power in the NFL. Many of these current players don't realize this, but many fans do. Would the Green Bay Packers change their uniforms??? I don't think so. Here's hoping that new owner Jimmy Haslam doesn't fall for this.

* Notre Dame is number one in college football and I couldn't be happier. It has been a long time coming and kudos to Brian Kelly and his staff. A win Saturday against USC seals the deal for the Fighting Irish. To all the haters out there, deal with it!!!!

* There is nothing more exciting than college football as evidenced by last Saturday night's upsets of Oregon and Kansas State. I thought I was going to short-circuit my remote control going back and forth between games. That's why I love college football.

* Watch out for the New Orleans Saints as they seem to be getting things in gear for a playoff run.

* The NHL/NHLPA met last night and once again the league gave the players an ultimatum: come back with a full proposal or don't bother coming back. It is clear that in order for the season to begin the players will have to give back once again. Seems to me that Emperor Bettman is poised to win again.

* Kudos to ex-Maole Leafs Ian White and Kris Versteeg for calling it the way it is. White called Bettman an idiot and Versteeg said that the Emperor and his henchman, Bill Daly, are cancers who have polluted the game and should be fired.

* The Bills victory over the Dolphins has sparked playoff talk again in Western New York. Really?? The Bills are 4-6 right now, as are the Jets, Dolphins, Titans and Chargers. The Bengals are 5-5 and the Colts and Steelers are 6-4. If the Bills don't win on Sunday against the Colts will this put an end to the playoff blather???

And finally, Niagara and Canisius both had big basketball victories over the weekend. It would be great for the area if both teams were contenders for the MAAC title and it would be a great alternative to a winter with no hockey. I wonder if the geniuses at WGR would notice???