Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 - Prodigal Sun

-New "Bookmark" feature appearing at the end of this, and every other entry. Like what you're reading? Add it to your bookmarks by clicking the button below.
-Some images of the new Yankee Stadium, looking good!
-Mats Sundin will finally announce which team that he has chosen to play for in his return to the NHL this Thursday, and the final two teams in the long-awaited sweepstakes being the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers.
-The trend of head coaches getting canned early this season continues in the NBA as 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks and most recently the Kings' Reggie Theus were relieved of their duties after some less than spectacular starts.
-The Manning brothers headline the selections to the NFL Pro Bowl game. Brett Favre joins six other teammates for a league best, as well he will be joined by fellow old-timers John Carney and Jeff Feagles of the Giants.
-Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore are going head-to-head, so to speak, in an ongoing attempt to settle before the trial goes to court; however, Bertuzzi is expected to return to the Flames shortly. Tying this to recent news, Sean Avery gets suspended for mouthing off, while Todd Bertuzzi is allowed to play after ending another player's career in what will go down as one of, if not the, cheapest shot in the history of hockey? Unreal.
-The Philadelphia Flyers think celebrating at clubs and strip joints is so not-classy, they prefer crashing frat parties instead.
-The lay-up parade theme seems to have disappeared for the Raptors, although they allowed scrubs like Trenton Hassell and Ryan Anderson to out hustle and out rebound them all night long in a frustrating loss to the Nets. In a game that saw the Raps contain dynamic guard, Devin Harris - as well as an 0-16 drought that resulted in the lead quickly evaporating in the 4th - Vince Carter once again walked away with the last laugh at the ACC.
-ESPN has reported that the Toronto Blue Jays have dropped out of the running to lure Rafael Furcal...
-The idea that a caddy feels so high and mighty as to talk smack to an actual PGA golfer, and one of the best at that, is simply laughable. As I'm sure this has been reiterated a plethora of times by bloggers, news reporters, and anyone for that matter, I'll just say it again, "Steve, you're a freaking caddy - just shut up and caddy."
-Commissioner Gary Bettman on Sean Avery: "To be perfectly honest I wouldn't want to have to explain to my 12-year-old daughter what he said,". I really don't see the connection or relevance to parenthood, and to be perfectly honest, think this is being blown completely out of proportion.
-Plaxico Burress proving that he can go out and not shoot himself in the leg.

And finally, T.O tells Stephen A. his side of the story...

Wesnesday, November 5th, 2008 - Congratulations, Mr. Obama.

-Thus begins Barack Obama's legacy as the first African-American president of the U.S of A. How he'll do in the Oval Office remains to be seen, however the bar is set pretty low.
-Will Barack Obama be good for the NHL?
-Allen Iverson to the Pistons for Chauncey Billups and Dice. The first blockbuster trade of the season, although the timing is strange - just a couple of games into.
-Tony Romo is back practicing with the Cowboys and is optimistic about returning for their next game.
-Warning: completely disturbing topic. This is where I would 100% endorse Capital Punishment. Creeps like this don't deserve to live.
-Chris Bosh and Chris Paul were named NBA Player of the Week for their respective conferences. Both well deserved, putting up monster numbers in the first week, and leading their teams to wins.
-Mats Sundin will make his NHL comeback in one month...
-After losing to the Mavericks, the San Antonio Spurs are 0-3 for the first time since 1973.
-Winners of the NL Golden Gloves were announced today: seen here. 42 year old Greg Maddux notched his 18th. Surprisingly, not one Houston Astros player received one.
-Juicy rumour: the Angels planning on signing both Mark Texeira AND C.C Sabathia? Now that would be something, especially teamed up with Vlad and co.

Saturday, June 21, 2008 - Did you miss me?

-I'm back! ...props to Air Canada, for providing a wide variety of movies and television shows during my 13 hour flight.
-In case you missed it, Chris Bosh as a correspondent at the NBA Finals on Leno.
-I'll give you $100.00 if you can name a colour commentator in the NBA, who is worse at his job than the Knicks' Walt "Clyde" Frazier.
-The Rainbow Butt Monkeys, or better known as Finger Eleven - made history, as their "hit single" Paralyzer became the most downloaded song by a Canadian Band, ever (according to a Toronto radio station). I for one, remain skeptical on the validity of this fact. I mean, the song isn't even that good, and this coming from a very open-minded fan of music.
-The Leafs have given long-time Ontario rival, the Montreal Canadians, one week to snatch aging future hall-of-famer and Leaf captain, Mats Sundin.
-"With the 17th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select, Chris Douglas Roberts from the University of Memphis." Make it happen, Bryan Colangelo.
-with Portugal and the Netherlands out of the Euro '08, it's now Spain's turn to keep the choke streak alive. If they're anything like Spanish NBA players, the Italians should start celebrating right now. Sorry my Spaniard readers - I couldn't resist.
-The Yankees have drafted a "switch-pitcher", and apparently he can switch which arm he throws with between batters, legally and most likely, lethally.
-Tiger Woods does it again - this time through an injury. He's clutch and undeniably, the G.O.A.T in the sport of golf.
-Well, the 07/08 Boston Celtics lived up to the hype. They dominated the Lakers, going up 2-0 and never looking back. They kept up the swagger and killer team defense throughout the season and post-season.
-Paul Pierce played like a man possessed, outplaying Kobe Bryant throughout the Finals. To think, the Raptors could've had a player with that much loyalty, heart and desire to win. Instead, they took home the half-man, half-effort; Vince Carter.
-Is there a reasonable explanation for why Maria Carey's new album is titled E=MC². Side note, the song Touch My Body will go down as one of the most annoying songs of '08.
-Is Derek Jeter overrated? His peers seem to think so.
-Thus, the John Gibbons era ends. Cito Gaston will take over as manager. Tagging along for the sure-to-be, roller-coaster ending are Dwayne Murphy, Nick Leyva and Gene Tenace. All coaches from the Blue Jays 1992 and 1993 World Series Title era. How nostalgic - particularly so, on Flashback Friday's.
--Lamar Odom at guard? Just can't see how that would work, even in Phil Jackson's Triangle Offense. It would just cause too many mismatches on the defensive end.
-Looks like Chris Bosh could be playing a lot in crunch time at the Olympics, due to Dwight Howard's free throw difficulties.
-Here's praying that Roy Halladay is okay, after that nasty looking bullet of a shot he took in last nights game against the Pirates.

Friday, May 16, 2008 - "A LeBron James Team is never desperate"

-Brandon Webb of the Diamondbacks improves to a stellar 9-0 after his victory against the Colorado Rockies
-Currently unemployed coach Avery Johnson joined the TNT crew the other night. If I were a betting man, I would wager that he will be hired by an NBA team by the end of the off-season. The man's a proven winner.
-There's way too much news highlighting Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey these days. Neither of the two are even A-list celebrities either, or even remotely interesting - so who cares.
-Can Tim Duncan and the Spurs win in New Orleans? Now, they'll have to, with the series knotted at three a piece.
-the NBA's 70 year-old cookie monster, or more commonly referred to as Dikembe Mutombo, has decided to return for an 18th run at the title.
-Home Alone: The Reality. For some reason, I don't think the phrase "oops" can cut it.
-The Toronto Blue Jays are a half game above the Yankees at this point in the season. Just stating a fact.
-Where are the Pau Gasol critics now? Of course, they'll fully credit #24 when the topic is raised.
-The Dallas Cowboys will be featured on ESPN's "Hard Knocks" this year. Headlining the show are: Pacman Jones, Tony Romo and T.O. It will be an interesting saga, to say the least.
-Lebron James brashly said, "A Lebron James Team is never desperate" after game 5's lost to the Celtics, following his "Sit your ass down, Mother" comment the previous game. Just more reasons to hate the guy.
-On the same topic, Sir Charles Barkley hit the nail on the head with his thoughts on the first quote, "How the hell can you call this your team, when the only games you've won in this series were won by your supporting cast, not you?"
-Dany Heatly becomes Team Canada's all-time leading scorer, or better known as, the NHL's biggest post-season loser.
-For some reason, those pink autographed bats being auctioned off on MLB.com don't seem all that appealing to me.
-Stephen A. Smith recently criticized both Chris Bosh's game and physical appearance, to which Bosh sent a verbal jab right back. Stephen A. should just choke on a cheese-doodle already, seriously.
-Who do I want to replace Chuck Swirsky? Anyone but Rod Black (TSN's carbon copy commentator of the Jays' Jamie Campbell)
-Speaking of replacements, is this the end of The Office's awkward, yet likeable character Toby Flenderson? Sure looks like it. Ryan Howard's character seems to be done as well, after the recent events that transpired in the finale.
-Sunday (if, even) will be the last blog, at least for a month as I will be M.I.A. Apologies to my three faithful readers.

07/08 End of Season Grades - Toronto Raptors

End of season grades for the 07/08 Toronto Raptors...

Sam Mitchell - C+
-With an upgraded roster, the Smitch somehow managed to do worse this season, than last year. A few losses here and there, and the Raptors realistically could have missed the playoffs. Poor play-calling, misuse of players (see: Jason Kapono), unorthodox coaching tactics (Bargnani and the silent treatment), inconsistent and often perplexing line-up changes, need I say more?

Rasho Nesterovic - B
-The team's best low-post defender but isn't getting any younger. Played awesome basketball when Bosh was out.

Chris Bosh - A
-The guy needs help. Period.

T.J Ford - B-
-Lost his job due to injury (Al Horford incident), and struggled in his return. Gets unwarranted slack for his PR and overall demeanor, mainly due to the media and typical fairweather internet fans.

Jamario Moon - B
-improved his shooting % and shot-selection greatly in the second half of the season. Needs to utilize his athleticism much, much more in the areas of slashing (went to the charity stripe once in a blue "Moon") and offensive rebounding.

Anthony Parker - C+
-Has clearly lost a step, and unfortunately, isn't the same Anthony Parker from last year. He should not be a regular starter, however; coming off the bench, he could serve as a solid rotation player.

Jose Calderon - B+
-The "Derek Jeter" to Ford's "A-Rod" personality. Improved in a lot of areas of his game, but still, a defensive liability. His A/TO Ratio is impressive, but at times, he needs to be more aggressive offensively on fast-break opportunities - whether it is 3-on-3, 2-on-2, whatever. In layman's terms, he needs to take more risks and not let the assist:turnover ratio impact his decisions.

Carlos Delfino - C+
-This year's Morris Peterson, in terms of consistency. When things were going well for him, he looked like a superstar, but when his shots weren't falling, he looked like a D-Leauger. Fell in love with the 3-pointer way too often but for what it's worth, for 2 second rounders, he was a steal.

Andrea Bargnani - C
-Struggled all season long (minus the first few games). Here's hoping for a "Brandon Roy" type break-out season next year for Il Mago. He's got the skills, and just needs the PT. Fans need to be patient with the kid, he's only what, 22? Call it cliche but big men DO take some time to develop.

Jason Kapono - B
-Underutilized due to Moon playing 30 minutes a night...

Primoz Brezec - D
-Picked up on the trade deadline day, for Juan Dixon. Not much of a need to resign him, other than for entertainment purposes in garbage time. The guy learned English through conversations with Stephen Jackson and Ron Artest (in his time as a Pacer) as well as Hip-Hop. Enough said.

Kris Humphries - D
-Another garbage time player. Needs to stop taking shots like he's Kobe Bryant. You're a role-player Kris, your job is to rebound, block-shots and do the dirty work for the other Chris, you know, our true franchise player. So get it through your head, you hack.

Joey Graham - D
-Has about as much confidence as a girl with a zit on prom-night, as well as a very low basketball I.Q. At this point, I've lost all faith in Joey. His brother Stephen Graham could probably outplay the guy. No doubt, he'll be cut this off-season.

Darrick Martin - D-
-D-Mart was done, plain and simple - it was about time he retired. Chucking is not an NBA skill.

Thoughts on the first-round of the NBA playoffs...

From another blog of mine,

East:

Celtics vs. Hawks
-7 games? Don't make me laugh. Wait, nevermind.
-real physical series - both sides. Nice to see Zaza Pachulia not back down from Kevin Garnett. It's the NBA playoffs, show some emotion.
-Josh Childress in a Raptors uniform next season. Make it happen B.C. The guy's been compared to Tayshaun Prince in terms of team value, which is a fair comparison. Just a solid, underrated player who could fill a lot of the Raptors' gaping holes.
-Hawks get crushed in game 7. Way to show some passion and desire. Marvin Williams pulls a "Horford" on Rajon Rondo - that's not passion - that's pure bush league.

Cavaliers vs. Wizards
-the much anticipated match-up between Soulja Boy and Jay-Z.
-would I call this a rivalry? No, the Wizards need to actually win a series for it to be a rivalry.
-Lebron gets roughed up by the Wizards and that's how it should be. You don't allow players to waltz in the paint coming out unscathed in the playoffs. Foul them hard. Dare the wimps (such as Vince Carter) to enter the paint again.
-are the Wizards a better team without Arenas?
-the Deshawn Stevenson, "I can't feel my face" thing got old, real fast.

Magic vs Raptors
-Dwight Howard averaged 20 and 20 in the series. The guy's a beast, man-child, Superman, whatever.
-finally, Sam Mitchell decides to play Jason Kapono. A little too late Smitch.
-some of the bi-polar Raptor fans on the team forums are requesting the trade of Chris Bosh. Ridiculous.
-This could be the end of either T.J Ford or Jose Calderon. If you're the G.M, who would you choose?
-if indeed Sam Mitchell gets the axe, word is Mike D'Antoni is on the market.

Pistons vs. 76ers
-Sixers steal game one, yet the Pistons didn't seem fazed at all.
-Tayshaun Prince did an excellent job defending Andre Iguadala. He's tall, about 6'9, and really lanky. A match-up nightmare for most SG/SF's in the league, on both ends of the floor.
-Mo Cheeks did an amazing job this year coaching the young Sixers. Big time ups.

West:

Lakers vs. Nuggets
-Nuggets get swept which was a little surprising. I had them getting at least one game at home. Lakers did what they were expected to do, and there's not much more to say.
-Allen Iverson wants the team to focus on defense next year. I laugh at the thought of Carmelo, AI and J.R Smith playing gritty defense for 48 minutes. Camby, K-Mart and Najera are the only true defensive minded players on the team, so I wish them luck.

Jazz vs Rockets
-T-Mac still remains a second-round virgin.
-But I've gotta give the Rockets some credit, they didn't go down without a fight. Skip, Scola, Battier and the crew, scratched and clawed all the way through the series, however, in the end - Jerry Sloan's boys executed like they always do - and put an end to the Rockets' semi-magical season.*
-It will be interesting to see (depending on Yao's health, as always) how the Rockets will play next season.

*Aside from the Yao season ending injury, it was an amazing season for the Rockets' organization.

Spurs vs. Suns
-Phoenix TO's late in the final game were painfully costly.
-After the thrilling game one of the series, I thought for sure this game would go at least 7.
-So who's to blame, Shaq? Nash? Steve Kerr? Pat Burke? Why must there always be just one guy to blame, is this not a team sport?
-The window of opportunity for the "Nash era" of Suns is closing quickly, and I think that next season is their last legit chance at contending.

Hornets vs. Mavericks
-Huge Jason Kidd fan, but I'll be the first to admit that he's lost a step. No way he can play heavy minutes dueling MVP candidate Chris Paul in the playoffs.
-Dirk the choke? If Dirk doesn't get to at least the conference finals next year, I might start believing the Dirk haters' in that "he's not a winner".
-Mark Cuban's wasn't too thrilled with the second consecutive first round playoff loss, and Avery Johnson became the scapegoat. Saw that coming from a mile away.

And, finally:
Second round series to watch: Spurs vs. Hornets. Should be a fun series to watch, especially the Chris Paul - Tony "Longoria" Parker match-up.