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

Tuesday Thoughts

While drinking a cup of coffee this morning, a few things rumbling around in my mind:

The trade deadline came and went and the Kings acquisition of Dustin Penner and the Capitals getting Jason Arnott were the biggest names moved.  The Sabres acquisition of Brad Boyes was a nice one but time will tell if it gets them a playoff spot.

The Maple Leafs were fairly quiet with the only move sending John Mitchell to the Rangers for a 7th rounder in 2012.  Mitchell has never lived up to his potential and hopefully he does better with the Rangers.  Brian Burke made the right decisions not overpaying for older players with salaries to carry.  Stephen Weiss indicated that he would waive his NTC to come to Toronto but reports had it that the Panthers wanted both of Toronto's first round picks. No deal. Good move.

Preliminary reports indicate that James Reimer's injury is not serious and should be at practice today.  The Leafs brought up Jonas Gustavsson as his conditioning stint with the Marlies has ended.  Coach Wilson will have to juggle 3 goalies.

Josh Beckett was hit in the head by a stray pitch by a batting practice coach.  He was suffering from concussion-like symptoms.  I'd hate to be the batting practice coach if Beckett misses time.

So far the Yankees have been pleased by their young pitching prospects.  Other than Ivan Nova there is probably no chance we will see them this season with the big club.

Bob Nightengale of the USA Today was reporting that a source indicated to him that Francisco Liriano will be a Yankee within a couple of weeks.  The deal would include Joba Chamberlain or Ivan Nova and a prospect.  Interesting.  By the way, Liriano was experincing tightness in shoulder after a bullpen session.  I'm not a big Liriano fan, always hurt.

The Knicks big win over the Heat turns up the expectations at MSG.  Another big game tonight against Orlando.

St. John's continues marching along to March Madness.  Steve Lavin deserves Coach of the Year consideration for a tremendous job in the toughest conference in the country.  Can't wait for Big East tournament next week.

Isn't it funny how there is so much hype and over reporting on the NFL Combine??  Like doing well at the Combine means you will be a good pro.

Cam Newton started off well in my book.  He says he's ready to be an icon.  Really??? And you want to know why the NFL can be irritating.

Speaking of the NFL, with a lock out inevitable it just gives me another reason to be irritated with pro football.  By the way, I think the owners are being ridiculous.  More on this in a post later this week.

And finally, did you ever wish we could go back to the day when NFL rookies would play the game instead of trying to be the game.  I'd love to see what Coach Lombardi or Coach Halas would have to say about Icon Cam Newton.