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

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering when I can get back to the Billy Goat Tavern, here's what's on my mind today:

* If you have never been to Wrigley Field I recommend that you go there to catch a game.  It's an old quaint stadium, a virtual throwback to a much simpler time.  There's no canned blaring music imploring people to cheer.  No flashing scoreboards.  It's just baseball with the organ playing in the background at the appropriate time.  Reminds me of baseball when I was kid.

* Had the opportunity to see both Yankee wins over the weekend.  Brett Gardner, who I have been critical of, certainly had a great series and I think will give Joe Girardi a tough decision to make when Derek Jeter comes back.  Nick Swisher seems to have bounced back which will be very important from here on out.  Must tell you, I still have concerns about Eduardo Nunez.  You can see some potential but has a ways to go.

* Wrigley Field is called "the Friendly Confines" and the title fits the game experience.  There were plenty of Yankee fans in attendance for both games and no disturbances between fans reported.  In fact, we sat next to Cub fans and it was a pleasure to have an educated discussion with the opposing team's fan without fear of getting into any type of altercation.  I've been to many stadiums and arenas rooting for the visiting team and I can tell you there is no better place than Wrigley Field.  By the way, the staff at Wrigley were super nice and respectful.  Can't tell you how many times I was wished a Happy Father's Day.

* Ivan Nova looked really good last night and showed the potential that the Yankees see in him.  There is no question that the Yankees need to stick with him realizing that there will be ups and downs.  Last night he had the Reds completely off balanced.

* Read that Peter Gammons lambasted Wrigley Field saying that the Cubs owner Tom Ricketts needs to upgrade the stadium.  A plan is in place to do just that but having been to both Fenway and Wrigley I'll take Wrigley any day.

* By the way, the atmosphere outside Wrigley is unreal.  Plenty of places to have a cold one before the game.

* T-shirt they were selling outside Wrigley: "Jesus said to the Cubs, Wait until I Come back."

* The NBA players and owners are meeting today.  Reports indicate that the Association is looking for a hard cap and a reduction in players' share of revenue.  Looks like a lock out is looming.

* Speaking of lock outs, the NFL owners are meeting today in Chicago to get their own house in order.  Apparently, it seems that proposals are in place that both the owners and players can agree on and that an agreement could be reached sometime in mid-July.  However, the problem is that a group of small market owners are not happy with the proposals and this will be addressed today and tomorrow.  The big problem is that the small markets can't make the money that the big market owners can with luxury boxes and all.  If they cared about the game, the big market owners might make some type of allowance for their small market brothers.  But then again, Daniel Snyder and Jerry Jones will never be confused with Art Rooney and George Halas.  It will be interesting to see if Roger Goodell can be Pete Rozelle and get everyone on the same page.

* The Maple Leafs made coaching changes yesterday, firing Tim Hunter and Keith Acton.  Brian Burke made the decision that a change was needed and I agree.  This is a sure sign that Burke is telling Ron Wilson that a contract extension is predicated on a winning Leaf season.

* The NHL Draft begins this Friday and there are plenty of reports of possible wheeling and dealing.  No surprise that the Leafs are in those reports and Burke has indicated that he would not be opposed to dealing one or possibly both of team's 2 first round picks.  This is why I think Burke will get it done in Toronto, he is not afraid to make a deal to improve his team and he has a track record to prove it.

* And finally, have you had enough of the endless reporting by ESPN on the Boston Bruins victory celebrations??  I have and it seems that ESPN seems to be coronating the Red Sox as it was proclaimed over the weekend that they have a championship line-up.  The question is: Do they have a championship rotation???