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

Yanks Draw First Blood/NHL Frenzy or Lunacy

The Yankees drew first blood in the Subway Series by spanking the Mets 5-1.  I was really impressed with Ivan Nova as he was very good in getting out of trouble particularly in the 5th inning when he got Angel Pagan to strike out with the bases loaded.  Nova has shown me that the Yanks have a pitcher that they can slot in their rotation for years to come.  Probably a 3rd or 4th starter.  Mark Texiera continued his hot hitting and Alex Rodrigeuz continues to drive in runs.  In fact, I have been impressed with ARod's leadership.  I read an article where in had a comversation with Boone Logan about Logan's importance to the team and that he just needs to go out their and pitch, not think.  Since the conversation, Logan has somewhat turned it around.

On my continual Michael Kay stupidity watch, last night BigHead was just amazed at the number of Yankee fans at Citi Field.  BigHead said he couldn't believe how many people he saw coming off the L.I. Railroad wearing Yankee jerseys, t-shirts and ball caps.  Really Michael!!!  You're surprised??  Who is he trying to impress?  There are plenty of Mets fans at Yankee Stadium when the Mets come in.  It's a classic example of Kay's melodramatic, trying to create a story/controversy when there isn't one.  I really enjoy Al Leiter in the booth.  Too bad he can't be a regular with Ken Singleton and Paul O'Neill.

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Canada Day marks the beginning of the NHL free agency period.  TSN called it Free Agent Frenzy.  I'll call it Free Agent Lunacy.  Once again I want to bring everyone back to the Fall of 2004 when Gary Bettman announced that the players would be locked out in order to "bring fiscal stability" back to the league and help small market teams be viable.  Hmmmm...  Guess what team has the highest payroll in the NHL today???  The Buffalo Sabres.  Who signed the most free agents yeasterday???  The Florida Panthers.  Small market teams the last time I checked.

The contracts given out yeatserday were unreal particularly since its still unclear whether these signings will significantly improve the clubs involved.  There's no question that the defense moves the Sabres made will help them but the signing of Ville Leino, who the most goals he has ever scored in a season is 19, will help them offensively.  The Panthers signed the players they did in order to reach the cap floor of $48 million, including acquiring Brian Campbell, whose contract is one of the worst in the NHL.

The Maple Leafs were quiet yesterday however they are one of 4 teams waiting to hear what the Brad Richards decision is today.  My gut tells me that Richards will sign with the Rangers.  I'm hoping that the Leafs do not sign Tim Connolly.  What I think will happen is that the Leafs will be involved in a trade to attempt to get a center to play with Phil Kessel.  If not, I have no problem with them going into camp giving Joe Colborne a shot at the first line.  He didn't look out of place in the season finale against the Canadiens when he was with Kessel and Lupul.  The other thing that needs to be considered, its a long summer and trades can be made up and through training camp in September.  Plenty of time for Burke and Company to get the job done.