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

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??