Now What Mr. Cashman??
Well it's official, Robinson Cano is no longer a Yankee. Do I think the Yankees were wrong not to succumb to a 10 year contract, absolutely not. I would not have given a 31 year old second baseman a 10 year contract. But I also would not have given a 30 year old center fielder, known more for his speed than power, a seven year contract and that is exactly what the Yankees gave Jacoby Ellsbury. If you were giving Ellsbury a 7 year deal worth $21 million dollars per year, then why wouldn't you have given Cano an 8 year deal at $200 million dollars.
Don't get me wrong, I don't believe Robinson Cano is worth $25 million dollars per year. But he certainly is a better ball player than Ellsbury. In my mind, regardless of what Brian Cashman and Company say, the Yankees were only going to re-sign Cano on their terms otherwise he could walk. To me that means they weren't really interested in keeping him.
I don't have a problem with that assessment, except that I don't see what the overall plan is by allowing their best offensive player to leave who also happens to be a Gold Glove second baseman. Moreover, not only do they lose Cano but they also lose Curtis Granderson. Granderson received a 4 year $60 million dollar contract from the NY Mets. That's $15 million dollars per year for a guy who has hit 40 -45 home runs as a Yankee. So you lose Granderson's 40 homers and Cano's 30 homers and you replace it with a center fielder who is a better Brett Gardner and Brian McCann.
McCann was a good signing by the Yankees and should hit 30-35 home runs playing half of his games at Yankee Stadium. But that still leaves you lacking power and holes at second base and possibly at third base as they await a decision on ARod. Not to mention that they will be relying on 40 year old Derek Jeter to play shortstop and have a 34 year old Mark Teixiera coming back from a wrist injury at first base. I really don't care what anyone says, the Yankees did not need to sign Jacoby Ellsbury. He will be another Johnny Damon who after 3 to 4 years will be a shell of himself and that is provided he doesn't find himself on the disabled list for extended periods of time.
Nothing has been done about the starting rotation or the bullpen. Hiroki Kuroda has signed to come back for another season. That makes the rotation CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Kuroda. All 3 have question marks. Kuroda struggled at the end of the season which leaves one to wonder which Kuroda we will see: the effective inning eater of the first half or the pitcher who struggled badly in the second half. Sabathia had one of the worst seasons of his career and the Yankees have to hope that he will bounce back. And will Ivan Nova continue his improvement or will he fall back to the pitcher who was sent down to Scranton.
The bullpen is David Robertson and Shawn Kelley. After that who knows. Will Robertson be up to the task to replace the greatest closer in the game or will he crack under the pressure? Who will be the set-up man?? All major question marks for a team that for nearly 20 years never had to worry about the back end of their bullpen.
The Yankee organization has sold the importance to get under the $189 million dollar self-imposed cap for two years. If they had let Cano go and kept Granderson for 4 years at $15 million per year, picked up an Omar Infante and signed a free agent pitcher and went with Michael Pineda or David Phelps as your fifth starter, then I could understand what was going on because they have told us that they would have a ton of money to spend in 2015 because of a reduced luxury tax. And I'm not even considering what is going to happen with ARod.
As I have been saying for the last two years, what really aggravates me is the lack of transparency on the part of Brian Cashman and Company. Hal Steinbrenner wants to know why their are no young kids coming up yet he keeps the two men who head up his farm system and throws money around at a guy like Ellsbury. There are rumors flying around that they are interested in Ervin Santana. Really?? Check out the guy's career stats. Hardly someone I feel real confident in.
The pressure is on Brian Cashman. I just am having a hard time seeing where this team is better than the 2013 edition. It's a long way from spring training but it is hard to figure out where this team is going. Hopefully, Cashman knows but that may end up being the problem for all of us Yankee fans.
Kadri Back Tracks On Salary Demand
Reports abound that Restricted Free Agent (RFA), Nazem Kadri is looking for a five to eight year deal at $5 million dollars per year. But the 22 year old has denied making such demands. Maybe reality has set in or maybe someone has told the kid he's not dealing from a position of strength. Kadri had a good year last season scoring 18 goals to go along with 26 assists. This included two hat tricks: one on February 28 against the Islanders and one on March 30 against Ottawa.
After the 3 goal outburst against the Senators, Kadri had one goal and four assists in the last 12 regular season games. In the seven game playoff against the Bruins, he had a goal and three assists. Thus, since the hat trick on March 30, Kadri had two goals and seven assists in 19 games. The numbers simply do not add up for an eight year contract at $5 million dollars a year.
There is no question that Kadri has the offensive skills that arguably could make him the team's first line center. However, he is not there yet and has not proven it over the course of an 82 game schedule. I'm also still concerned about his size. While not afraid to body check, he seems to get knocked off the puck rather easily. That could be a problem for a number one center.
Some have said that the recent contract Adam Henrique signed with the New Jersey Devils has strengthened Kadri's bargaining position. Henrique signed a six year deal worth $24 million dollars, or an average $4 million dollars a year for six years. The 23 year old center scored 16 goals and had 35 points in 74 games played in the 2011-12 season. That year, he had five goals and eight assists in 24 playoff games played. Three of his goals were game winners during the Devils run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Last season, Henrique fell off scoring 11 goals and 5 assists in 42 games played.
While they may be nearly the same age and play the same position, I don't believe Henrique's contract should have a bearing on what the Leafs do with Kadri. This isn't an issue where Kadri can go to arbitration and use Henrique's deal as a benchmark. The Leafs cap situation is totally different than the Devils as they still also have to re-sign Cody Franson and will have to decide what they will do in 2014-15 with Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf who will both be looking for a raise.
If Kadri truly loves being a Maple Leaf and he believes this team can be a contender for awhile, he needs to accept a bridge contract similar to what P.K.Subban signed with the Montreal Canadiens. Subban stands to make a considerable amount of money after this season and with the salary cap going up next year, the Canadiens would be crazy not to give Subban a sizable increase equal to that of a Norris Trophy candidate. The same could be true for Kadri. Sign a one or two year deal at $2.5 million dollars a year and work your way up to that number one center spot. At the end of the bridge deal, Kadri would be in line for big dollars at the age of 24. That makes sense for the Maple Leafs and it makes sense for him.
It's one thing to be confident in one's abilities but it's another to be stupid. As mentioned, Kadri is not dealing from a position of strength. It is highly unlikely that another team would give him an offer sheet that would force Dave Nonis' hand. That being said, the Leafs have all the cards here and maybe that's what has sunk in to Kadri and Company.
Hal Finally Wakes Up!!
It's been reported that earlier this week, Hal Steinbrenner called a meeting down in his office in Tampa to discuss the sad state of his team's farm system. Present at the meeting was his brother, Hammerin' Hank, Randy Levine, General Manager Brian Cashman, Director of Amateur Scouting Damon Oppenheimer, Director of International Scouting Donny Rowland and Senior VP of Baseball Operations Mark Newman. Steinbrenner is now concerned about the fact that there is no one on the horizon who will be able to step in and make the big club next year when Hal wants to get the payroll down to $189 million dollars. For that, Cashman and Company need to be held accountable.
Whether Steinbrenner will clean house remains to be seen but the fact remains that Brian Cashman has had control of baseball operations since 2005 after he whined to George Steinbrenner that he was tired of being undercut by members of The Boss' Tampa Mafia. With total control, the Yankee farm system has produced only Brett Gardner as an everyday player. You want to look at pitching prospects?? Other than Ivan Nova and David Robertson, the rest have been suspect at best. It is clear that Phil Hughes is probably on his way out of the Bronx. Joba Chamberlain? He's good as gone. Remember the Killer B's? Dellin Betances might be a good reliever, Manuel Banuelos is coming off Tommy John surgery and Andrew Brackman is playing basketball in Europe. Nice job, Cash!
I have been questioning the future of this team for the last three years. Next year it is possible that the Yankees may need a third baseman, shortstop, first baseman, catcher and three starting pitchers. And they will probably need a set-up man if Robertson get elevated to be the guy to replace the great Mariano Rivera as the closer. In other words, the New York Yankees could be terrible and possibly worse than the Mets.
The Yankees are the richest franchise in all of sports. They should have the best scouting team that money can buy. They should be able to mine international talent. Instead, the Dodgers get Yasel Puig and the A's get Yoenis Cespedes. And let's not forget Yu Darvish. I'm sick of the argument that the Yankees have had a tough time getting good young players because they pick so low in the draft. Well, how do the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays do it? Both of those teams continue to bring in good young players while still being top teams in their respective leagues. They are doing something right.
I'm glad that Hal has finally woke up and realized that his team is in trouble. In my view, it's about three years too late. However, you have to start somewhere and I am somewhat hopeful that changes will take place. Time will tell and for those of us who follow this team, Hal needs to do something soon or we may be looking at a decade of terrible baseball in The House That The Boss Built.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering if there is any team that can beat the Miami Heat in a best of 7 series, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* It's been a week since the Toronto Maple Leafs were knocked out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and I still haven't gotten over it. The loss was extremely painful after having a 3 goal lead in the third period. In retrospect, I guess if someone would have told me in January that they would go seven games in the first round of the playoffs with the Bruins I guess I would have taken it. One has to wonder if they had faced Montreal in the first round if they would still be playing right now.
* The Leaf off season will be very interesting as GM Dave Nonis has some decisions to make. I was very encouraged by his end of the season press conference. His position on Tyler Bozak is right on the money: would like to keep him but at the right price. If Bozak goes I would love to see the Leafs give Joe Colborne a shot at the center spot between JVR and Phil Kessel. That is provided they don't make a trade. Getting another top 4 defenseman should also be a need though they don't grow on trees and would have to be acquired via trade. As I have stated before the future is bright for the Blue and White: the youngest team to make the playoffs.
* Speaking of interesting off seasons, the New York Knicks will have to figure out a way to get more help for Carmelo Anthony. The Knicks were terrible in providing secondary scoring in the Indiana series. The old folks home dressed in blue and orange needs to be adjusted in a big way. From everything I read, the Knicks don't have a lot of options due to being in cap space hell so it will be very interesting to see what they do going into next season.
* Credit to Iman Shumpert for telling it like it is by saying that the Knicks didn't get the job done and as a result the season was not a success. As New York's youngest player, if Shumpert can improve his offensive game he may be a much better number 2 scoring threat than J.R.Smith.
* The NBA cannot be happy with a Final Four consisting of San Antonio, Memphis, Indiana and Miami. Hardly big market teams. Ratings should be awful.
* The Toronto Raptors kicked Bryan Colangelo up to the executive offices and out of his General Manager's position. Isn't this what Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment did with Brian Burke??
* It's really stupid how there is this allegiance on the part of some Canadians toward the Ottawa Senators because they are the only Canadian based team left in the playoffs. Like none of the other teams have Canadian born players. It's as bad as the morons in Boston chanting "USA, USA" when the Bruins were playing the Maple Leafs.
* Here's hoping the Penguins dispatch of Ottawa in short order.
* Would love to see a Chicago-Los Angeles Western Conference finals.
* Here's hoping that Norv Turner is true to his word and the Browns give Brandon Weeden an honest shot at being the number one QB for the Cleveland Browns.
* Had to laugh at all of the flutter about the Browns signing QB Brian Hoyer. Really???
* Last night's come from behind victory over the Baltimore Orioles may have been the biggest win for the New York Yankees so far this year. Travis Hafner had two big RBI's, including the game-tying 9th inning home run. Vernon Wells drove in the winning run in the 10th inning after Ichiro led the inning off with a double. Hafner plated his second RBI driving in Wells to give the Yanks a big insurance run.
* For the first time all year the Yankees have me excited about this season as some of the Baby Bombers are starting to play. David Adams has been a breath of fresh air as he has been contributing offensively including his first home run of the season last night off of Freddy Garcia. Austin Romine has been swinging the bat well and the Yanks have been getting a contribution from Preston Claiborne. It's great to see some young blood and gives you reason for some hope for better days long term.
* Kudos to Yankee Manager Joe Girardi who has done a remarkable job with a patchwork lineup. Of course, it also helps having a pitching staff that as of Monday morning was second in the American League in ERA.
* The Buffalo Bills made a good move in promoting Doug Whaley to be their general manager. Everything seems to indicate that Whaley is the type of young mind the Bills have been in need of. As many of you know, I am not a Bills fan but this could be a good move.
* As far as the other professional sports team in Buffalo, the Sabres' big announcement is that they signed John Scott to a one year contract. Whoopie!!!!!
* And finally, prayers go out to the people of Oklahoma in dealing with one of the worst natural disasters in this country's history.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering who the Toronto media will pick on for last night's loss to Boston, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* The Toronto Maple Leafs played their first playoff game at home in 9 years and dropped a 5-2 decision to the Boston Bruins and now trail in the series 2-1. The game was closer than the score indicated as the 5th goal was in an empty net. The Leafs deserve full marks for not quitting in the third period as they scored early and had numerous chances to pull the game within one goal and possibly tie it.
* The Leafs failed to use their speed when breaking out of their own zone and made way to many passes which resulted in giveaways or missed opportunities. Tyler Bozak possibly had his worst game of the season as he lost face off after face off and made some terrible passes. The Leaf power play was awful and Cody Franson seemed to have all kinds of trouble handling passes. Seems that the Bruins are really pressuring the points so the Leafs may have to cycle more down low when they have the man-advantage.
* Nazem Kadri was a no-show for most of the game and one has to wonder if the playoff experience is overwhelming the young center. One youngster who does not seem to be overwhelmed is Jake Gardiner. His offensive ability was evident last night and it is clear that the Bruins can't skate with this kid. Would like to see him get more power play time.
* The New York Knicks face a must win situation tonight as they face the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 at MSG. The Knicks are successful when there is ball movement as opposed to everything revolving around Carmelo Anthony. It's very frustrating watching Anthony dribbling up top and the four other guys just standing around.
* Before the playoffs started, I thought the Knicks were going to be hurting next year if they could not re-sign JR Smith. However, after seeing his last four games, I wonder if the Knicks truly would be hurt if Smith takes his act elsewhere. JR can be an electric player if he drives to the basket. When he just sits out there and takes 20 to 30 foot jump shots, it's difficult to watch.
* Tonight's Game 3 of the Montreal-Ottawa series should be very interesting. The Canadiens were pathetic Sunday night getting whipped on the scoreboard and in every fight. Montreal needs to get themselves emotionally under control otherwise this series could end in 5 games.
* By the way the bush league antics of Chris Neil & Company after the third period brawl on Sunday night is one of the reasons why they are one of my least favorite teams. Waving their arms to exhort the crowds is wrestling-like. I would love to see them get their clocks cleaned.
* Felt bad for the New York Islanders on Sunday as they played their hearts out against Pittsburgh only to lose in overtime.
* The Yankees have been staying afloat with a makeshift lineup but one has to wonder how long this will last. It appears that some of the walking wounded may be getting ready to comeback which will certainly help.
* I'm beginning to wonder if Eduardo Nunez is injury prone. This being his first shot at being the full-time shortstop has been marred by being out of the lineup on several occasions. Remember, this was the guy that Brian Cashman would not part with for Cliff Lee.
* A caller to Mike Francesa yesterday was critical of the Yankees not developing any homegrown players. Francesa defended the Yankees by saying that because they have been in the playoffs 16 out of the last 17 years that they have not been in a position to draft top line talent. Please!!! The Yankees are the richest team in all of sports. With that in mind, they should have the best scouting staff available to find talent all over the world. How does a team like the St. Louis Cardinals do it???
* Don't know why but I have grown to admire the play of the Chicago Bulls. Their intensity is unmatched and their head coach is underrated.
* If I read one more time in the Cleveland Plain Dealer that Jason Campbell has a legitimate shot to be the number one QB for the Browns I am going to spit blood. Campbell is not the answer and anyone who believes that is out of their minds. I don't know why but I'm thinking it will be another long season for my Brownies.
* And finally, the Buffalo Sabres handling of Mikhail Grigerenko is a glaring example of the ineptitude of Darcy Reiger. If they wanted to expose him to professional hockey they should have given him more time in the American Hockey League. Keeping him with the big club and giving him limited minutes or putting him in the press box did him no good. But what do you expect from a GM who signed Ville Leino to a six year $27 million contract.
Leafs Need To Bounce Back Tonight
Tonight we will find out a lot about the 2012-13 Toronto Maple Leafs. After having been thoroughly dominated by the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night, the Maple Leafs must try to find a way to straighten out their game and give themselves a chance to win. Reports are that Leaf Coach Randy Carlyle will be making some line-up changes for Game 2. It would appear that Jake Gardiner will make his first NHL playoff appearance to replace the injured Mike Kostka. Carlyle should go one step further and replace John-Michael Liles with Ryan O'Bryne. O'Byrne has playoff experience and provides toughness on the back end. He also is a good penalty killer.
Up front it appears that Ryan Hamilton may be in the lineup. In my opinion, this is a good move as Hamilton was in the lineup in the last two games against the Bruins in the regular season where the Leafs went 1-1 and were every bit as good as Boston. Hamilton is a rugged forward who has some scoring touch and is a good penalty killer. Coach Carlyle should make another move, one that I know that he won't. Clarke MacArthur should be replaced by Matt Frattin. MacArthur has been slumping and Frattin is not afraid to take the body, has speed and can score.
There are some who confuse fighting with toughness. The Leafs had both Colton Orr and Fraser MacLaren in the lineup on Wednesday yet the only one to fight was Leo Komorov. If it were me, I'd keep Orr in the lineup and take MacLaren out. How about these lines: Kessel-Bozak-JVR, Lupul-Grabovski-Kulemin, Frattin-Kadri-Komorov and Hamilton-McClement-Orr. Carlyle wouldn't have a problem rolling these four lines and would have enough players in the lineup who will finish their checks and not be afraid to use their body.
The Leafs need to use their speed as they are much faster than the Bruins. Utilizing their speed should help them to have an aggressive forecheck. They need to test Tuukka Rask and put a body on the Bruins defense every chance they get. This team has exceeded all expectations this year. No one had the Leafs making the playoffs this year. For a young team, this is a learning experience. Hopefully, they have learned from the lesson of Game One. They have an opportunity to minimally lay the groundwork for seasons to come. It starts tonight. Anything is possible, just ask the Islanders.
Special Time When Leafs Are In The Playoffs
As the clock wound down in Ottawa on Saturday night and the Leafs were on their way to clinching a playoff spot for the first time in 9 years, I began to think about how special it is when the Leafs make the Stanley Cup Tournament. My first playoff memory goes back to the 1968-69 season where the Leafs would be squaring off with the Bobby Orr-led Boston Bruins. A Leaf playoff tradition began that year when my grandmother made blue ice cubes for Game One.(the tradition will continue next week) She, along with my brother and I, had a Seven-Up with our blue ice cubes in honor of the Leafs. Unfortunately, things didn't turn out well as the Bruins swept the Leafs 4-0 and as a result Punch Imlach was fired.
The next Leaf playoff series that sticks out in my mind was the 1970-71 series against the New York Rangers. The Leafs had a 2-1 lead in the series and I was convinced that they were going to knock out the Rangers behind the goaltending of Bernie Parent and Jacques Plante. The series had a wild game at Madison Square Garden where a bench clearing brawl broke out and Parent's goalie mask was thrown into the crowd by Ranger Vic Hadfield. Parent didn't have another mask so Jacques Plante had to finish the game. The Leafs won the game but eventually lost in 6 games, losing the last game in overtime on a Bobby Nevin goal that beat Jacques Plante. The loss resulted in a heated discussion between me and my Dad who was a Ranger fan the next evening at the dinner table.
The 1975-76 season saw the Leafs take on the Philadelphia Flyers in the playoffs. The year before the Leafs gave the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Flyers all they could handle taking the series to 7 games. This time around, Leaf Coach Red Kelly invoked Pyramid Power to give his team the edge over the Broad Street Bullies. As a result, we constructed our own blue and white pyramid and we placed the Stanley Cup from our table top hockey game inside. Again another seventh game and another Leaf loss. The pyramid was smashed to pieces but the Cup was saved.
The 1977-78 playoffs saw the Leafs take out the Los Angeles Kings in the preliminary round. I remember Game One was in L.A. and Tiger Williams was taking on everyone who wanted to go. The Leafs would advance to take on the New York Islanders and would win an exciting Game 7 in New York when Lanny McDonald scored the overtime winner. I was watching the game at my cousin's house with a bunch of Leaf fans and the place exploded. Found out a few days later from my cousin that the neighbors weren't too happy. The Leafs would eventually lose four straight to Montreal with the last game decided by a Cam Connor goal in overtime.
The 1982-83 playoffs had the Maple Leafs taking on the Minnesota North Stars. This series marked the first time that I would attend a playoff game at Maple Leaf Gardens as my wife and I attended Game 3 as we scalped tickets out on Carlton Street. The Leafs would win that game and the place was absolutely crazy as they staved off elimination. But they would lose in Game 4 at the Gardens.
In the 1985-86 playoffs, the Maple Leafs would take on the high-flying Chicago Black Hawks in the preliminary round. After winning the first two games in Chicago, the Leafs came home for the opportunity to knock off Chicago. My 2 brothers and I made the trip to Toronto and scalped tickets for the game and what a game it was as the Leafs buried the Hawks and eliminated Chicago. It was pandemonium at the Gardens but the best was when we got out onto Carlton Street. The street was wall-to-wall people and a sound truck was blaring out the song, "The Night Chicago Died." It was unreal. St.Louis was Toronto's next opponent and had the opportunity to see another Leaf win at the Gardens. But the series would go seven games with the last game in St.Louis. After regulation the score was tied. The Leafs had a glorious chance to win when Wendel Clark hit both goal posts and the resulting play led to a Blues goal which ended the series. I was enraged and punched a door waking up my two year old which didn't make me too popular with my wife.
The 1992-93 playoffs were for me the most exciting of all Leaf playoff seasons. The Game 7 victory over the Red Wings set off a wild celebration at my house. Next up was the St. Louis Blues and I can remember being all out of sorts when the Leafs played the Blues on a Sunday afternoon. The Leafs would win that series and next was the LA Kings. The Game Six loss was difficult, especially since Kerry Fraser was blind in one eye and couldn't see out of the other. But I still BELEAFED that the Leafs would prevail. My brother and I had the opportunity to go to Game 7 at the Gardens. We got to Toronto early and the city was electric. A bed sheet was hanging out on a balcony on Yonge Street saying: Beleaf In The Dream! Even with the Leafs down and the goalie pulled I thought they would tie it up but it didn't happen. Without a doubt the most devastating loss I have experienced as a Leaf fan. With a tear in my eye we left the Gardens before they gave the Kings the Clarence Campbell Trophy.
The 2000-01 playoffs saw the Leafs sweep the Ottawa Senators and go on to face the New Jersey Devils. I was convinced that the Leafs would advance especially when they were up 3-2. But the Leafs dropped Game Six at home and then were trapped to death in Game Seven to lose the series 4-3.
The following season was a special one as the Leafs were without a few regulars, including Captain Mats Sundin. They would defeat the New York Islanders in a very physical series and then head to Ottawa hurting big time. But they would come from behind several times and defeat the Senators once again to go on to the Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes. Once again, I felt that they were the better team and they were getting some of their regulars back, including Sundin. However, they would lose in six games.
The Leafs entered the 2003-04 playoffs after acquiring Brian Leetch and Ron Francis. I was convinced that this would put them over the top to get to the Stanley Cup. They would defeat the Ottawa Senators once again and move on to face the Philadelphia Flyers. After dropping the first two games in Philly, the Leafs came back to the ACC and won the next two games. I had the opportunity to be at Game 4. But the Leafs would lose Game 5 and set up a must win Game 6 at the ACC. After tying the score to send the game to overtime, they would eventually lose which led to quite a terrible scene at my house as my son and I were stunned.
Throughout the years, the thing that is consistent is the fact that everything centered around the Leafs success in the playoffs. A loss usually meant that the next day would be miserable. A win always meant having a little extra spring in my step the next day. There has been rage, tears, elation, screaming (in joy and outrage) and nervousness. There is undoubtedly lucky shirts worn, the same rituals set and the need for no interruption for 60 minutes. You can bet that come next week I will be wearing a Leafs lapel pin to work, maybe even Leaf cuff links. I have a blue sapphire and diamond ring that usually comes out come playoff time when the Leafs are in it. Take it to the bank that it will be on my finger next week.
There is nothing like the playoffs when the Leafs are in it. It will be interesting to see who becomes this year's playoff villain. Over the years there have been: Ken Hodge, Wayne Cashman, Dave Schultz, Don Saleski, Steve Webb, Daniel Alfredsson, Marty McSorley, Dino Ciccareli, Steve Payne and the list goes on. The fact that this year's Leaf team is the youngest in the league really has me excited. There are players that I really like and if they have some success it will be even more gratifying. One thing is for sure, I will be living and dying with them come Game One. Batten down the hatches, the Leafs Are Back In The Playoffs.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering if Hal Steinbrenner recognized all of the empty seats Sunday night at Yankee Stadium during the Yankee-Oriole game, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* James Reimer stole the show last night leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 2-0 victory over the slumping New Jersey Devils at the Air Canada Centre. Reimer stopped 31 shots and made two huge saves in the third period prompting the normally sedate ACC crowd to go wild giving the young backstop a standing ovation. If there is any doubt that this kid is a number one goalie then it should be put to bed after last night's performance as Reimer was the sole reason why the Leafs managed to get a victory. So much for Roberto Luongo and Mikka Kiprusoff.
* Can we finally put to bed the constant criticism of Phil Kessel? If you've watched Leaf games this year, it is easy to see that the 25 year-old sniper has changed his game and has bought into Coach Randy Carlyle's style of play. While he will never be an overly physical player, Kessel has been more defensively responsible. By the way, he leads the team in points with 16 goals and 27 assists.
* The New York Yankees have managed to weather the storm as they are 6-5 heading into a three game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Big start tonight for Ivan Nova as this kid has shown the potential to be a solid big league pitcher but has taken a huge step back starting at the midway point last season. The Yanks have to be concerned about this coupled with the early season ineffectiveness of Phil Hughes.
* By the way, have I said before that I hate Interleague play?
* Watched the Masters on Sunday and found it very compelling as Adam Scott and Angel Cabrera battled it out heading into their two hole playoff. What was really annoying was Jim Nantz's melodramatic commentary. The guy is terrible and unfortunately he will remain the number one voice at CBS.
* Wonder if Gary Bettman was in charge of the Masters would we have a longest drive contest to see who would win if it ended in a tie?
* For the second game in a row, Montreal goaltender Carey Price was pulled from a game.
* Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula is finally feeling some heat for his team's performance. When he took over the team, Pegula said in three years the team would win a Stanley Cup. Well this is year three and they will not make the playoffs. If Pegula wants to right this ship he needs to get rid of Darcy Reiger.
* I'm really tired of all of the NFL Mock Drafts. Let's just make the picks and get on with it.
* The New York Knicks will begin their playoff series with the Boston Celtics on Saturday and it will be interesting to see how Tyson Chandler and Kenyon Martin play. The Knicks need these two big men if they are to go far in the playoffs.
* Really enjoyed watching the 1973 Game 5 lost tape of the Knicks-Lakers game which marked the last time the Knicks won the NBA Championship. The game was truly different then and it brought back some great memories. It was also Wilt Chamberlain's last game.
* What are the odds Ryan Miller gets traded next season?
* In case anyone didn't notice, Jason Pominville scored two goals last night for the Minnesota Wild.
* And finally, let's keep the people of Boston in our prayers and hope that the scum responsible for this are caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering if Buffalo is Hockey Heaven what must Hockey Hell be like, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* The Toronto Maple Leafs survived two Rick Nash goals by getting two goals from Phil Kessel in defeating the NY Rangers 4-3 last night at the Air Canada Center. The victory gives the Leafs a six point lead over the Rangers and NY Islanders and a four point lead over the Ottawa Senators. The win ensures that the Leafs would maintain at least a four point lead over the 8th place Rangers if New York wins Wednesday at MSG in the return match against Toronto.
* It's really time for Toronto media and fans to stop the Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf bashing. Kessel has 38 points in 39 games with 12 goals and 26 assists. Kessel has been a playmaker this season and I'm not sure who the Leafs would get to replace him. As far as Phaneuf goes, this guy logs big minutes against the other team's top line. Once again who replaces him.
* The Leafs will have a tough decision to make at the end of the season as it relates to UFA Tyler Bozak. While I believe that Bozak is not a number 1 center, he is an excellent face-off man and has developed his offensive game. The big question, once again, who replaces him. Depending upon the price tag, I think it may make some sense to bring him back.
* The New York Yankees built off the great performance Sunday by CC Sabathia in spoiling the Cleveland Indians home opener with an 11-6 win. Robinson Cano finally broke out of his post-WBC slump going 3 for 4 with 2 home runs. Hiroki Kuroda battled back after a terrible first inning to get his first win of the season.
* The Toronto Blue Jays are struggling early which should come as no surprise to anyone. How often to we see pre-season World Series winners struggle.
* Kudos to Coach Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals for winning the NCAA National Championship. The Cardinals were truly the best team in the tournament and I love the way they play defense. Of course that defensive philosophy has been the trademark of Pitino's coaching career.
* Sunday's road victory over Oklahoma City should hopefully answer the critics that the New York Knicks are for real. Since JR Smith has started to take the ball to the hoop, the Knicks have been very dynamic offensively and their defense has improved dramatically. Smith and Carmelo Anthony have been a Dynamic Duo offensively and Melo has been a force on the offensive backboard. It was also good to see Tyson Chandler back on his game.
* The Rutgers basketball situation is really a disgrace. Being a tough coach is one thing but being a sadistic tyrant is another. Can't see how Mike Rice gets another head coaching job. It's also interesting that we have heard absolutely nothing from any of the Rutgers players.
* Watched the Sabres-Devils game on Sunday night which was on the NBC Sports Network and realize that why I can't stand watching Sabre games is Rick "Pork Chop" Jenneret and Rob Ray. Without those two babbling, the game was enjoyable to watch.
* Nearly died from laughter when I read a letter to the Buffalo News sports page on Sunday advocating Rob Ray to be the next Sabres Head Coach.
* Did anyone else find Clark Kellogg's screaming at every commercial break annoying?? Seems like CBS asked all of their broadcast teams to try to imitate Dick Vitale. Unfortunately for CBS, there is only one Dickie V.
* And finally, how long will it take for the gasbags at GR550 to turn on Kevin Kolb??
Do You Remember Felix Potvin?
The 1992-93 Toronto Maple Leafs captured the hearts of Leaf Nation as they made their way to the Western Conference Final and but for a blown call by Kerry Fraser should have been in the Stanley Cup Finals. The goaltender for that team was a 21 year old by the name of Felix Potvin. Potvin played well enough that the Leafs were able to trade Grant Fuhr to Buffalo for Dave Andreychuk and Darren Puppa. The Leafs were one high sticking call away from the Finals and a date with Montreal with a 21 year old inexperienced goaltender and a defense that was anchored by veterans Jamie Macoun, Dave Ellett, Bob Rouse, Todd Gill, Sylvain Lefebvre, and Dmitri Mironov.
Why am I bringing this all to light?? Rumors are hot and heavy that the Leafs are interested in acquiring Miikka Kiprusoff. Many are saying that Toronto needs an experienced goaltender but as history shows that is not the case. If the current edition of the Maple Leafs could add an experienced defenseman to go along with Dion Phaneuf, Mark Fraser, John Michael-Liles, Carl Gunnarsson and Cody Franson, the Leafs would be able to bring Jake Gardiner and Mike Kostka into the fray if necessary.
James Reimer and Ben Scrivens have led the Leafs this far and to now add a Kiprusoff or a Luongo would make no sense. Combined their salaries don't come close to either Kiprusoff's or Luongo's and would allow the Leafs greater flexibility in the off season. Moreover, how can these kid goalies gain playoff experience if they don't play. Being in a playoff spot is great and certainly anything can happen but logic would say that the Leafs will not win the Stanley Cup this year so why not allow these kids to grow by experiencing what it means to play goal in the playoffs.
This morning Darren Dreger said that the Leafs getting Kiprusoff would make them a better team. I disagree. Getting a player like a Keith Yandle would be much better than getting Kiprusoff. Here's hoping Dave Nonis sticks to the plan and doesn't mortgage the future. Does anyone remember Owen Nolan??
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