Thursday. November 6th, 2008 - Holy Water

-For those who didn't see it, Stevie Franchise's slick diamond studded Barack Obama blazer. Classy, Steve.
-Tokyo is concerned with Barack Obama winning the election, stating that this could sway the decision for the host of the '16 Olympics.
-Derek Jeter's reputation takes another hit, as Fielding Bible has ranked him as the worst DSS in the game, today.
-Jermaine O'Neal needs to cool it on the tech's - love the attitude, but there are smarter ways to do it, when it doesn't cost the team points and/or possessions.
-With the Leafs playing competitive hockey, is this enough to lure Mats Sundin? Not likely, I'd say his desire to win it all will be the key factor in which team he chooses. Slam! lists the Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers, Philadelpia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks as the other teams showing strong interest in his services.
-A man and a woman were arrested for getting it on, on the john during a Bills-Jets game. There's a story to share with the grandchildren.
-With A.J Burnett gone presumably, it will be interesting to see what route J.P Ricciardi will take on finding a new #2 pitcher. Derek Lowe and Jon Garland are some notable free agent pitchers whom I wouldn't mind.
-With the U.S election in full swing, SI.com conducted a Sports Ballot and the results had Peyton Manning as the athlete with the best chance of becoming a politician - with 37.3% of the votes.
-Apparently Chad "Ocho Cinco" hid Barack Obama support signs in both goalposts before the Bengals' game against the Texans in what was supposed to be his touchdown celebration. Funny stuff. If only he had scored that game.
-Remember to place your bid on the rainwater that infamously brought Game 5 of this year's World Series to a "screeching halt".
-I'm slightly embarrassed to be a considered a fellow Raptors fan from this...um, what is it.

PTI: Big Finish for Nov. 5th - minus Kornheiser.

Sunday, July 20, 2008 - Home Field Disadvantage

-Toronto FC failed to score against the expansion San Jose Earthquakes, with multiple chances to capitalize. By the way, expect a bit more MLS, and specifically TFC commentary on my part from now on.
-Evan Longoria hit his first ever grand slam against Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay last night, on a 10-pitch at-bat, in the Rays 6-4 victory.
-Croatia and Greece will be heading to Beijing to compete - and either team could give Team USA a run for their money.
-Manu Ginobili will be playing for Argentina after his playoff injury has apparently healed, and after Greg Poppovich stated that Manu should "definitely not" participate in the tournament if he is not 100%. If I'm a Spurs fan I'm hoping this doesn't turn out the same way as Jorge Garbajosa, when he injured himself in the games, re-aggravating his injury.
-Leo Rautins' performance will be reviewed by Canada Basketball executive director Wayne Parrish, most likely meaning he's headed out the door. I say bring back Jay Triano, and maybe Steve Nash will decide to give Team Canada one more shot.
-NHL commish Gary Bettman has threatened to remove the New York Rangers from the league. MSG chairman James Dolan doesn't seem fazed.
-The Toronto Maple Leafs are giving away all of their pre-season tickets for free, for one exhibition game against the Buffalo Sabres.
-Harsh words were spoken about the turf at BMO field, and even the practice field.
-J.P Riccardi stated that not one call has been made on anybody, concerning interest in players, when asked about A.J Burnett inquiries.
-Talk about making a mammoth impact. David Beckham's arrival in the MLS has sent ESPN ratings skyrocketing up to 150% higher than previous years, while raising fan attendance of the Galaxy road games from 16,770 to 28,035. Oh, and did I mention his jersey has sold more than 300,000 - which is more than guys like Derek Jeter, Reggie Bush, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. To put in perspective, Kobe and Lebron's jersey sales were in the 70-80k range.