Leafs Get More For Kabs, NHL & Yanks Fall
Yesterday as was anticipated, Brian Burke made two trades: one that will help the team immediately and the other that hopefully will bear fruit in the future. The first trade involved the 2012 second round pick that the Leafs received from the Bruins in the Tomas Kaberle deal. That 2nd round pick was contingent upon whether or not the Bruins won the Stanley Cup. Well the Leafs used that pick to get John-Michael Liles from the Colorado Avalanche.
Liles is a 31 year old puck-moving, power play quarterback defenseman who scored 40 points last year for the Avs. The Leafs tried getting Liles at the trade deadline in February but the Avs wanted a first round pick and the Leafs declined. By waiting it out, Toronto gets the guy they wanted to replace Kaberle in the short term( as Liles has one year remaining on his contract) without giving up a first round pick. So if we look at the Kaberle trade, the Leafs sent Kaberle to Boston for Joe Colborne, a first round pick (which was used to move up in the draft to take Tyler Biggs) and John-Michael Liles. While Brian Burke gets constantly questioned on the Phil Kessel deal, it appears that the Maple Leafs won out on the Kaberle deal.
Tyler Biggs was the player taken as a result of the second trade Burke made. He packaged the Leafs second round pick and the 1st rounder they acquired from Boston to move up to get Biggs. He's a big tough right winger who's not afraid to throw his body around and has a scoring touch. This is a typical Burke-type player who will be headed to Miami of Ohio University for further seasoning. You never know with these picks but if this kid develops as Burke & Company anticipate, this could be the power forward that the Leafs have lacked for years.
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Not sure if we can expect anymore trades at the draft as we have already seen Brian Campbell, Troy Brower, Devin Setoguchi and Brett Burns all moved yesterday. July 1st is only 6 days away and as we know there will be plenty of action. Brad Richards is the big prize and the NY Rangers appear to be the favorites to land him. Tampa is indicating that they are not in the running and there are rumblings that the Flyers may be in the mix. In order for the Flyers to be serious players in the Richards sweepstakes they would have to move another salary and the rumors are that Kris Versteeg could be leaving Philly.
With Liles being moved, it seems unlikely that Colorado would be willing to move Paul Stastny because they will need to meet the floor cap amount and taking Stastny out would make it awfully hard for that to happen. It has been awfully quiet in regard to the status of RFA's Steven Stamkos and Zack Parise. There seems to be a feeling out there that teams may be willing to submit an offer sheet for both of these players or its possible that the Devils and Lightning could pull off a trade. Keep an eye on this.
And finally, there is a faint rumor that the Pittsburgh Penguins may be willing to move Evegni Malkin. This would be a major move. It's the silly season so we are going to hear a lot of things. But that's what makes it fun!!!
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The Yankees dropped a 4-2 decision to the Colorado Rockies last night missing out on another opportunity to pass the Red Sox who lost 3-1 to the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett continues to frustrate as last night he pitched well enough to lose. Today is Old Timer's Day at the Stadium and hopefully some of that old magic can find its way to the current team. You may think I'm being negative but I'm looking at October and the Yanks need Burnett. The news from Trenton on Phil Hughes was not encouraging. It doesn't look like he will be joining the Yankees soon meaning the pitching staff is still a problem. Brian Cashman will be very busy between now and July 31st.
NHL Trades & Rumors, Tiki/Mike Flap
Yesterday on the eve of the NHL Entry Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers got things going by making two blockbuster trades setting the scene for a possible wild night in Minnesota today. The Flyers sent their captain, Mike Richards to Los Angeles for Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and a draft pick. They weren't done as they then traded Jeff Carter to Columbus for Jacob Voracek and the Blue Jackets 1st and 3rd round pick. Not soon after all of this it was announced that the Flyers signed Ilya Bryzgalov to a multi-year deal.
The Flyers cannot be done because as it stands today, they are not a better team right now and that's nothing against the young players they acquired. Voracek, Schenn and Simmonds are all promising young players with Voracek and Simmonds showing some of that promise in the NHL and Schenn being acknowledged as possibly the best young player not in the NHL. However, they are currently not Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. The other thing to consider is that both Carter and Richards are only 26 years old.
Obviously, Paul Holmgren has decided that the team needed to go in a different direction. The Flyers in the past 2 years had signed Carter and Richards to long-term multi-year contracts. That's why I can't believe that the Flyers are done making trades because they are in no way a top 3 team in the East as they currently sit today. L.A. and Columbus have made major improvements. The Kings have appeared to be on the cusp of being a dangerous team in the West and showed flashes of that this year in its playoff series against the Sharks. Richards will provide veteran leadership and offensive skill which can only help this young hockey club. The Blue Jackets now have a center to pair up with Rick Nash that gives them a comparable 1-2 punch with any of the other Western Conference top teams.
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The Flyer moves have probably set the market for what could be more trades before the July 1st free agency date. The Maple Leafs were in on the Mike Richards talks, having reportedly offered Nazem Kadri, Nikolai Kulemin and a first round pick for Richards. The Flyers opted to take the Kings deal and it is reported that they did not want to deal Richards to an Eastern Conference team. Brian Burke has indicated that he would be willing to move both of the teams 1st round picks and their high second round pick to get a player who can help them now. It's rumored that they are in on talks with Tampa regarding Steven Stamkos and that they had a deal in place to acquire Brad Richards, however Richards turned down the Stars' request for him to waive his no trade clause. Its also rumored that the Leafs are looking to make a move with the Devils to get Zach Parise.
The NY Rangers seem to be the favorites to get Brad Richards. Reports out of New York indicate that the Rangers are prepared to do whatever it takes to get the 31 year old former Conn Smythe winner. The Calgary Flames have asked Robyn Regher to waive his no trade clause so that they can move him to Buffalo. No report as to what the Sabres would be giving up in order to get Regher. Its also reported that the San Jose Sharks are also interested in Regher.
Jason Spezza's name is being mentioned in possible trades with the Canucks and Sharks. Paul Stastny's name is floating around as possibly being on the move, along with Kevin Bieska and Christian Erhoff. For the next week if you are a hockey fan, hang onto your seat because it has the makings to be a wild one.
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If you have a chance go onto YouTube and type in Mike Francesa/Tiki Barber. You'll get the clip of Mike's interview with Tiki Barber on Wednesday. It's a classic. Francesa basically called Barber out as being a failure in the broadcast world, particularly with his stint on NBC. Barber took exception to Mike's criticism and Tiki's agent also gets in on the act. But, despite having to deal with the two, Francesa had them both on their heels. Take the time to go to YouTube. It was great!!!!
Yanks 4-2 On Road and Big Time For The Leafs
The New York Yankees split yesterday's doubleheader with the Cincinnati Reds ending their Midwest road trip with a 4-2 record and pulling 1/2 game behind the Boston Red Sox. Since being swept by the Red Sox at home for the second time this year, the Yanks over their last 13 games are 10-3. They now head home where they will be hosting the Rockies with Jason Giambi and then the Milwaukee Brewers. The Yanks will need to take care of business before heading to Citi Field for a weekend series against the Mets July 1-3. They then head to Cleveland for a series against the Indians that begins on July 4th before heading home to take on the Rays before the All-Star break.
Over these next 15 games, the Pinstripers need to go 11-4. Over this same time period, the Red Sox hit the road against the Pirates, Phillies and Astros before heading home to take on the Blue Jays and Orioles. Beyond the Phillies and possibly the Pirates, the other teams could be cannon fodder for the Red Sox so the Yankees will need to be on their game. After the All-Star Game, rumors will be flying as we approach the July 31st trade deadline. For the Yankees we should also know more about Phil Hughes and Rafael Soriano. It's going to get interesting.
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Friday will be Round 1 of the NHL Entry Draft and it will officially begin the most important time for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they begin to prepare for the 2011-12 season. As I have stated many times, this off season will be the biggest one yet for Brian Burke and his management team as they try to get the Leafs back into the post season and be a legitimate Cup contender. With two first round picks, a high second round pick, plenty of money to spend under the newly increased salary cap, Burke is in a position to make some moves that could achieve these goals.
One thing is for sure, the Leaf GM and President will not be afraid to make a move to improve his hockey club. In my opinion, he has done a great job in adding young talent and putting on the ice a team that captured the imagination of many starving Leaf hockey fans from February through the end of last season. With the coaching changes that recently took place, its clear that Burke & Company are expecting playoff hockey next April. However, in order to accomplish that Burke will need to push the right buttons beginning on Friday.
Races Shaping Up In MLB
As we are officially into Summer 2011, a look at the Major League Baseball standings indicate that we may be in for some exciting pennant races. Over in the National League, the West Division is led by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dbacks lead the 2010 World Series champion SF Giants by 1/2 game. The Giants have dropped 5 games in a row, including being swept by cross bay rival Oakland A's. Lurking in third place are the Colorado Rockies, 2 1/2 games off the pace and a team which has a history of making late season runs.
The NL Central, possibly the worst division in baseball, has the Milwaukee Brewers leading the way by 1/2 game over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers certainly have the personnel to be in the hunt and possibly win the division. The Cardinals will have to figure out a way to deal with the loss of Albert Pujols. The defending Central Division champs, the Cincinnati Reds are only 2 1/2 games out and will be a factor. And a surprise team right now are the Pittsburgh Pirates who are only 4 games out of first and are one game under .500.
The division leader with the largest lead in Major league baseball are the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phils have a 4 game lead over the Atlanta Braves and may have the ability to run away with the divisional crown. What makes this very possible is that the 3 other teams in the East are not so good, particularly the Mets and Marlins.
In the American League, the West is vying with the NL Central to be the worst division in baseball as 5 1/2 games separate the 1st place Rangers from the last place A's. The Rangers are 2 games ahead of the second place Seattle Mariners, who are only one game over .500. A team to watch could be the Angels who are 4 games off the pace.
The AL Central sees the Cleveland Indians come back down to earth as their early season lead has been cut to one game over the Detroit Tigers. The Indians have been a nice story this season but I don't see them having the ability to hold off the Tigers. Also still in the picture are the Chicago White Sox who are 2 1/2 games behind the Indians. You would have to think that this will come down to the Tigers and White Sox. A team that has made a recent surge and could be a factor down the stretch are the Minnesota Twins who are only 6 1/2 games out of first place.
The AL East finds the Red Sox holding a 1 game lead over the Yankees and a 4 1/2 game lead over the scrappy Tampa Bay Rays. The Red Sox hold an 8-1 lead in the season series against the Yanks and still only remain 1 game ahead of the Pinstripers. Both teams have flaws but this one will go down to the wire with the 2nd place team probably being the wild card team.
A quick examination of the standings also illustrates something rather interesting. In the American League, 7 out of the 14 teams are under .500 and in the National League 8 out of the 16 teams are below .500. 50% of the teams in major league baseball are under .500. Not sure how this stacks up with past seasons but it says to me that season records are one thing and dominant teams can really make hay during the regular season. The true test comes in the playoffs where the teams are more even. That's why pitching is key and that's why both the Red Sox and Yankees are not necessarily shoo-ins to be the AL representative in the World Series.
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???
Wrigley Filled With Yankee Fans
Plenty of Yankee fans here. Batting practice over. Saw Buck & McCarver in their booth. Getting ready for 1st pitch
At The Billy The Goat Tavern
The Billy Goat Tavern is named after the famed goat that was not allowed into Wrigley and a curse was placed on the Cubs. Had a double cheeseburger which is what the SNL skit is based on. Will be heading to Wrigley shortly.
We Are Online From Chitown
Looks like I've got this down. Will be posting from Chicago through the weekend. Bad loss today meaning Cubbie fans will be pumped tomorrow. Should be fun.
Waiver Gems Come Through For Yanks
Have to give Brian Cashman his due. Temporarily it seems he has found some stop-gap measures to the team's pitching problems in the name of Brian Gordon and Cory Wade. Gordon held down a good hitting Texas Ranger team to 2 runs over 5 1/3 innings and allowed the Yankees to send the game to extra innings with Jorge Posada's run scoring double. The eventual game winner, Cory Wade pitched a solid two innings including a big inning ending strikeout of Josh Hamilton.
Of the two, Wade could really be a long-term gem. Wade was a top prospect with the Dodgers and had a fabulous 2008 before injuries derailed his career. If this guy can regain that 2008 form, the Yanks may really have found something. Gordon may be able to fill the Aaron Small role until Cashman is able to pull off a trade to bring in another pitcher or if Phil Hughes is able to come back into the rotation.
What has been evident with the team is that there seems to be some renewed energy. The infusion of youngsters and guys looking to take advantage of a second chance may have lit a fire under the established stars. As the Yanks head off to Chicago, they are not out of the woods yet but its possible that Cashman may have stabilized the ship. The key is to remain close and gear up for a long hot summer. A summer that hopefully sees the Yankee GM pull more rabbits out of his hat so this team can have a fighting chance in October.
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Heading to Chicago tomorrow morning for Saturday/Sunday games at Wrigley Field. Not sure how much I'll be able to post but also check out twitter. I will definitely be back for Tuesday's Thoughts which will probably be filled with plenty of Chicago references and who knows what else.
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