Come next year, World Extreme Cagefighting will be no more.
Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White on Thursday announced that the WEC will merge with the UFC in 2011.
"It's time," White said during a UFC conference call. "As we continue to grow globally, we're doing enough fights to fold [the WEC] into the UFC. It's always been in the cards to grow this sport and add every weight class."
All WEC talent will be retained, White said, including the 135- and 145-pound champions. WEC featherweight titleholder Jose Aldo will be recognized as the new UFC champion, and the same will go for the winner of Dominick Cruz's title defense against Scott Jorgensen at the promotion's final event, WEC 53, in December. White also confirmed that Aldo will defend his new UFC title on Jan. 1 at UFC 125 "Resolution," though his opponent was still not set in stone.
In regard to the lighter weight classes headlining future UFC events, White was optimistic.
"[The lighter champions will be] main and co-main events. As we grow and go into new countries, you're going to see a lot of talent coming into those divisions," White said. "A lot of people haven't seen how exciting these guys are. I'd like to [eventually] have a 125-pound championship, too."
But what about the WEC lightweights? The UFC already has its own 155-pound title and a deep stable of fighters to go with it. White said he intends to fold all the WEC lightweights into the UFC talent pool, unifying the two belts with a miniature tournament of sorts.
"The winner of Ben Henderson's [Dec. 16 title defense against Anthony Pettis] will automatically face the winner of Frankie Edgar versus Gray Maynard," said White.
Maynard and Edgar will fight at UFC 125 on New Year's Day. Soon, the speculation as to how the 155-pounders from the WEC will fare in the big show will finally become reality.
"The way it works is you win fights, and you stick around. Or if you're incredibly exciting, you stick around for a while," White said. "We're looking for great fighters and exciting fighters. If you're one of those, you're going to stick around."
Also of note was White's assertion that the UFC's Octagon would not decrease in size to accommodate the smaller fighters. Additionally, White announced that the UFC just penned a new contract with Versus to air four events on the network in 2011. While technically that doubles the UFC's exposure from 2010, the loss of several WEC events on Versus actually decreases the total number of Zuffa-owned shows airing on the network.
"It's a positive. We got [more] UFC on Versus," White said. "We're not looking at it like we lost two fights [per year]. If you ask Versus, they were happy with the WEC's ratings, but the UFC is going to pull bigger ratings."
Job security is not exclusive to the WEC's fighters, White said, as the employees behind the scenes will also have their services retained. This includes WEC general manager Reed Harris and matchmaker Sean Shelby.
"Every employee from the WEC is staying with the UFC," White said. "We have so much work to do that nobody is going to be sitting around."
If you need more, here's UFC president Dana White talking about the merger....
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Etcheverry Drops The Gloves
Riders defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry seems to be a little po'ed at some Rider alumni. He doesn't like the way TSN and CJME's Glen Suitor and CKRM's Scott Schultz have criticized his defence over the past few weeks. He let his anger be known today when talking to Rob Vanstone. Here is a snippet of that interview courtesy of Rob and his Rider Rumblings blog...
Does it filter in? You’re somewhat in a bubble as a coach, because you spend a lot of time immersed in film rooms in this cocoon, I would think. Does it trickle down and do you hear some of the things that are said? Does it get under your skin at times?
“The only thing that consistently gets under my skin — and this is a personal thing — tends to be our so-called partners at TSN, because they are supposed to be our partners. In fact, I sat in on a thing in 2008 with one of their broadcasters and I think it was a producer, and the broadcaster did all the talking. They talked about how we’re in partnership and said ‘trust us.’ Those are some of the last people in the world I would trust, because they have no idea about coaching, again. The interesting thing about all of this, to me, and something I find amusing more than anything else is that people who scrutinize don’t like to be scrutinized themselves. If you’re in the print media, it’s like misspellings and absolute inaccuracies and so on and so forth. If people wanted to buy just flat, erroneous reporting, we could start a website and have a hell of a time. We’d make all kinds of money with all the errors that are made, just commonly. To be quite frank, generally I don’t tend to read during the season. I don’t really read newspapers maybe as often as I should. With TSN, I watch it for reasons that I think can assist us — I’ll just leave it that way — not from what the broadcasters are saying, but from other sound bites that are coming, and sometimes in interviews that are being done of potential opponents. I have to suffer through what I find is said. Again, they’re all scrutinizers. There’s one exception — a glaring exception for one that has coached, and he was an abject failure as a coach. When they scrutinize, in some cases just absolutely erroneously, it’s funny. In the past, I’ve probably made the mistake of pointing out errors to them. Sometimes I think our players pay for it in the future. I probably will elect not to say that again.’
Is that Matt Dunigan you’re referring to (when you mention the coach)?
“In the national media, there’s no competition in Canada. TSN does it, period. There used to be CBC, not that they were any better. Here, there’s no competition. In the NFL, I don’t know of a coach who is on there as a coach . . . I think every one of them has been involved in at least one Super Bowl. Mike Ditka was involved in one Super Bowl as a head coach, and I think he was involved in multiple Super Bowls as an assistant coach.’’
Then there’s Bill Cowher and Jimmy Johnson and Tony Dungy.
“There’s multiple Super Bowls that they’ve been involved with, either as head coaches or assistant coaches. It’s really easy to scrutinize. We got some Rider alums who do the same thing, I’ve been told. I really haven’t heard them, but I’ve been told they do the same thing. Again, they’ve never coached where it counts. They might consider coaching their son in youth football. That doesn’t count. It’s when you can get fired for results that it starts to count. Then you maybe should really evaluate your scrutiny.’’
Some of the people who have said things about the defence lately include Glen Suitor. He hasn’t been taking a machine gun to you, but there are things he has pointed out. Scott Schultz went on the radio the other day and was quite critical. These guys did play the game.
“Never coached.’’
(Schultz) did play in your system. How much credibility do they have in critiquing the defence? “
Scott Schultz played for . . . I forget at what game number he retired, so he really hasn’t been in the system prior. He came to the team the year after I was here in 2000, so he really didn’t play in the system the whole year . . . Again, there are people who have opinions. There’s a difference between coaching and . . . (To) all the people who have opinions, I say, ‘If you walk in front a team, it’s your team, it’s your unit. The people may be respectful, but inside they’re all laughing because they don’t know what they’re talking about.’ There’s a difference when you walk in front of 30 men and you have to give them a plan and you have to detail that plan and you have to adjust that plan as you move forward. There’s a big difference between that and being behind a microphone or behind a pen and throwing opinions out there.’’
I'm guessing Schultzie will be chomping at the bit to be with Rod on the Sportscage Friday---and yes football fans, you won't have to deal with me hosting Friday as Rod won't be leaving Vancouver until Saturday morning. I'm guessing he'll have some sort of retort to this and I'm guessing Suitor will too. Both men have their opinions and they have stated them publicly and are willing to stand by their comments. Etcheverry has done the same thing. Game On!!
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Does it filter in? You’re somewhat in a bubble as a coach, because you spend a lot of time immersed in film rooms in this cocoon, I would think. Does it trickle down and do you hear some of the things that are said? Does it get under your skin at times?
“The only thing that consistently gets under my skin — and this is a personal thing — tends to be our so-called partners at TSN, because they are supposed to be our partners. In fact, I sat in on a thing in 2008 with one of their broadcasters and I think it was a producer, and the broadcaster did all the talking. They talked about how we’re in partnership and said ‘trust us.’ Those are some of the last people in the world I would trust, because they have no idea about coaching, again. The interesting thing about all of this, to me, and something I find amusing more than anything else is that people who scrutinize don’t like to be scrutinized themselves. If you’re in the print media, it’s like misspellings and absolute inaccuracies and so on and so forth. If people wanted to buy just flat, erroneous reporting, we could start a website and have a hell of a time. We’d make all kinds of money with all the errors that are made, just commonly. To be quite frank, generally I don’t tend to read during the season. I don’t really read newspapers maybe as often as I should. With TSN, I watch it for reasons that I think can assist us — I’ll just leave it that way — not from what the broadcasters are saying, but from other sound bites that are coming, and sometimes in interviews that are being done of potential opponents. I have to suffer through what I find is said. Again, they’re all scrutinizers. There’s one exception — a glaring exception for one that has coached, and he was an abject failure as a coach. When they scrutinize, in some cases just absolutely erroneously, it’s funny. In the past, I’ve probably made the mistake of pointing out errors to them. Sometimes I think our players pay for it in the future. I probably will elect not to say that again.’
Is that Matt Dunigan you’re referring to (when you mention the coach)?
“In the national media, there’s no competition in Canada. TSN does it, period. There used to be CBC, not that they were any better. Here, there’s no competition. In the NFL, I don’t know of a coach who is on there as a coach . . . I think every one of them has been involved in at least one Super Bowl. Mike Ditka was involved in one Super Bowl as a head coach, and I think he was involved in multiple Super Bowls as an assistant coach.’’
Then there’s Bill Cowher and Jimmy Johnson and Tony Dungy.
“There’s multiple Super Bowls that they’ve been involved with, either as head coaches or assistant coaches. It’s really easy to scrutinize. We got some Rider alums who do the same thing, I’ve been told. I really haven’t heard them, but I’ve been told they do the same thing. Again, they’ve never coached where it counts. They might consider coaching their son in youth football. That doesn’t count. It’s when you can get fired for results that it starts to count. Then you maybe should really evaluate your scrutiny.’’
Some of the people who have said things about the defence lately include Glen Suitor. He hasn’t been taking a machine gun to you, but there are things he has pointed out. Scott Schultz went on the radio the other day and was quite critical. These guys did play the game.
“Never coached.’’
(Schultz) did play in your system. How much credibility do they have in critiquing the defence? “
Scott Schultz played for . . . I forget at what game number he retired, so he really hasn’t been in the system prior. He came to the team the year after I was here in 2000, so he really didn’t play in the system the whole year . . . Again, there are people who have opinions. There’s a difference between coaching and . . . (To) all the people who have opinions, I say, ‘If you walk in front a team, it’s your team, it’s your unit. The people may be respectful, but inside they’re all laughing because they don’t know what they’re talking about.’ There’s a difference when you walk in front of 30 men and you have to give them a plan and you have to detail that plan and you have to adjust that plan as you move forward. There’s a big difference between that and being behind a microphone or behind a pen and throwing opinions out there.’’
I'm guessing Schultzie will be chomping at the bit to be with Rod on the Sportscage Friday---and yes football fans, you won't have to deal with me hosting Friday as Rod won't be leaving Vancouver until Saturday morning. I'm guessing he'll have some sort of retort to this and I'm guessing Suitor will too. Both men have their opinions and they have stated them publicly and are willing to stand by their comments. Etcheverry has done the same thing. Game On!!
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That baseball is about to be crushed by Jose Uribe and Game 1 of the World Series is about to go to the San Francisco Giants. I said the Giants had to get at least 4 runs a game if they hoped to win the Fall Classic and the team that struggles to get runs got that and a lot more. They hammered Cliff Lee and the Texas Rangers to take Game 1 11-7 in a game that not many thought would have that many runs considering Lee and Tim Lincecum were the pitchers.
Did you see Tony Bennett sing "God Bless America". The man can still belt it out in his late 80's.
I would have loved to have seen Bleeding Gums Murphy sing the "Star Spangled Banner" seeing the World Series is on FOX and they love to cross-promote. A Twitter follower of mine informed me BGM died years ago to which I replied if the Flyers can put Kate Smith on the big board to sing "God Bless America" than FOX could get BGM on the big screen. Alas, it will be another unfulfilled dream.
I still think AT and T park is the prettiest park out there. Should I put that place on my bucket list?
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Barry Bonds says he wants to come back to baseball as a hitting coach. If Mark McGwire can do it, Bonds can too. However, he's gotta come clean.
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I didn't think it was possible, but Chris Bosh may have supplanted Vince Carter as the biggest douchebag to ever wear a Toronto Raptors uniform. Bosh made it no secret that he was OK with the fact he was leaving Toronto. Yesterday, he said one of the reasons he did that was because he didn't get enough TV time in the US. OOOOOOOOOOOK! Hey Chris, judging from your performance opening night, you should be glad that act isn't on TV all the time and one other thing---you were the number one guy in Toronto, but you aren't in Miami. You are just a tag-along and soon everyone will see that.
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Now that John Farrell has become the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, there is talk that the former Boston pitching coach and former Red Sox Manny Ramirez might be re-united. I can't see that being a good thing for the Jays.
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Had enough of winter yet? Nothing like easing us in is there. YIKES!
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Graham James has been arrested. This is a great thing! Can David Frost be next? Those two should be placed in the same cell with one another as far as I'm concerned. In fact, they can rent a condo in hell together.
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TSN's decision to split up "Around The Horn" and "Pardon The Interruption" was just dumb. Why is "Around The Horn" on TSN2. I would rather put Rome's show there. I know there are a lot of Jim Rome fans out there. I can only take him in limited doses.
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WARNING: Being too open minded can lead to brains falling out-----
New DT In Town
The Saskatchewan Roughrider announced today they have signed import defensive tackle Rodrique Wright to the practice roster. Financial details of the signing were not released.
Wright (6’5 – 300 lbs) was recently released by the New York Jets after signing as a free agent in March, 2010. The Texas product was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He missed his rookie season with a shoulder injury, but went on to play 13 games with the Dolphins in 2007 where he had 38 defensive tackles and 1.5 quarterback sacks. He was released by the team in late 2009. The 26-year-old played four seasons at Texas and had 227 defensive tackles, 42 tackles for a loss and 17.5 quarterback sacks.
As for what happened at Rider practice today, this is what the Leader-Post's Craig Slater is reporting on "Rider Rumblings"
* The snow and gusting wind forced the Riders to practise indoors at the Credit Union Event Plex, much to the delight of the players, coaches and media. The team is planning to return outdoors to Mosaic Stadium for Thursday’s practice.
* Slotback Weston Dressler participated in practice and said his groin was feeling a lot better than it was last week. He was running routes at full speed and anticipates playing in Sunday’s game against the B.C. Lions.
* Cornerback Omarr Morgan missed practice due to a family issue. He is expected back this week.
* Defensive end Brent Hawkins wasn’t operating at full speed during Wednesday’s workout and is considered to be day-to-day.
I'll Never Get Used To This
They say the three R's in education are writing, reading and "r"ithmetic. In Saskatchewan today, people are doing the three "S"'s of winter. Shovelling, scraping and swearing. I'm sorry, but we shouldn't be doing this until at least after Hallowe'en if not Remembrance Day. Who's kidding who, after the summer we had, we don't deserve this until New Years Day. Its days like this that I'm glad I work out of home, but I did have to take Annika to school this morning and that was a chore. It took 20 minutes just to clean the car off and more importantly get inside the car. OK, 19 minutes because my seven year old had to help Daddy clear off the car. My street is a mess (surprise, surprise) and the other roads aren't that great either. It was so bad out there that thankfully there was a huge lineup of traffic on my school's street so parents were just stopping their car in the middle of the road and letting their kids out because they couldn't pull over for fear of A) losing their spot in line or B) getting stuck in the snow that was on the side of the road. It is ridiculous, but we do have to endure this from time to time and we should get used to it, but I'm not and I never will. At least I didn't have to get up at 330 AM to do morning radio. You have no idea how much I hated those days of getting up early knowing there was piles of snow on uncleared streets or it was 40 below or whatever. It makes me wonder why people like Willy Cole (who has done it for years), Bill Toffan, Michael Ball, CC and Lorie, etc. etc) want to keep doing it---especially in the winter.
The city of Regina is telling people to stay off the streets today. I can't see that request being made seeing it is a workday. It is days like this that I'm glad I work out of home. I can just pour another cup of coffee and look out the window saying I don't have to go out in this. However, I may have to meander the streets and go to Rider practice today. Thank goodness, they are indoors. Hopefully conditions have improved by the noon hour.
The question now is where the hell is my shovel. I had this opinion last night that I'm not shovelling the driveway because it will warm up, but it appears it may not be until next week. What happened to plus 12 on Hallowe'en. That's now been downgraded to plus 2. Its going to be a cold night for the kiddies and it could be a rough one too---especially if the Riders lose in BC. I can just see kids knocking on the door and being greeted by some grumpy Rider fan. I hope no one decides to go out dressed up as Jim Daley!!
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What better way to sit back on a night where its crappy outside by watching Game 1 of the World Series from beautiful San Francisco. Tim Lincecum will face Cliff Lee in what will be an outstanding pitching matchup. I have heard some people say this will be a boring World Series because its Texas and San Francisco. I think that's a load of crap. I like seeing different teams get in or at least one different team getting in. A Phillies-Yankees rematch would have been a waste of time. We endured a season of baseball to get the same two teams in the final. No thanks! Dallas and San Fran are good TV markets so I don't think there will be a big drop in TV ratings. It would be nice though if FOX and MLB would start this game at 7 Eastern instead of 8 because it will be a late night for many on the East Coast and that never translates well. I guess you can't have it all.
When I look at this World Series, I see an intriguing matchup between two very good baseball teams that don't have the "big" superstar. Here's what you should watch for courtesy of the Sporting News....
The slow vs. the sleek. Giants manager Bruce Bochy calls his club a collection of "castoffs and misfits." While he means it affectionately, he has a point. Pat Burrell was dumped by Tampa Bay. Cody Ross was claimed off waivers, possibly to keep him from the rival Padres. Journeyman Aubrey Huff was San Francisco's big offseason acquisition. Juan Uribe resembles an aging linebacker -- and moves like one, too. In the other dugout, the Rangers have a lineup full of athletes who live up to the antlers on the back of those T-shirts. Josh Hamilton, Elvis Andrus, Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler all have shown their ability to run like deer this postseason. The Rangers won Game 5 against the Rays with their baserunning, and a double steal in the first inning of Game 2 against the Yankees might have been the biggest play in the ALCS.
The bearded wonder. Only Brian Wilson knows for sure how much of his bizarre behavior is an act. We see the Mohawk haircut, the blackening beard, the wild shoes and the unusual postgame interviews. But if the Giants' closer really is a wild man, he is an effective wild man. Wilson has dominated not only this postseason (0.00 ERA in nine innings) but the past three regular seasons (a major league-best 127 saves). He is an old-school reliever, too, as Bochy rarely hesitates to call on him for saves of more than one inning. Considering how many tight games the Giants play, we should see plenty of Wilson in this series. That could mean trouble for the Rangers, who are a combined 0-for-19 with one walk against Wilson.
The home-field non-advantage. For the first time since 2001, the NL will have home-field advantage in the World Series. But Texas is 5-1 on the road this postseason. While AT&T Park could neutralize the Rangers' power -- they have at least one homer in every postseason game -- Texas can win with speed and defense. The Rangers used their DH, Vladimir Guerrero, in the outfield for 18 games this season to prepare him in case they reached the World Series. When the Series switches to Texas, the Giants can call on Pat Burrell to DH. Burrell struggled as the Rays' DH but is familiar with the role.
The Rangers have the better hitting, but the Giants have the better pitching. If Texas can find a way to get four runs or more, they will win this series because San Francisco struggles to score runs. Lincecum could throw a masterpiece tonight and lose 2-1. Because of that, I take Texas to win it all in 6.
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What did England ever do to the NFL? The NFL's latest London game is a matchup between Denver and San Francisco. Bring John Elway, Karl Mecklenburg, Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott back! I would not be excited over that game.
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How about the Pats? I was thinking about checking that game out last night but stayed home because of the weather. By all accounts, they played very well in beating Saskatoon 5-2 for their 3rd straight "W". Have their fortunes charged?
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Jordan Eberle gets his 3rd for the Oilers and while it was a nice goal, it looked rather routine compared to his first two. What was nice is that Ebs burned Calgary's Ian White on his marker last night and you may remember it was White that he beat on his spectacular first goal on opening night against the Flames. White grumbled after that Eberle was lucky on that play. Whaddaya sayin now Ian???
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That's all I got. I gotta try and find the snow shovel. SIGGHHHHHH!!!! At least its not 40 below.
The city of Regina is telling people to stay off the streets today. I can't see that request being made seeing it is a workday. It is days like this that I'm glad I work out of home. I can just pour another cup of coffee and look out the window saying I don't have to go out in this. However, I may have to meander the streets and go to Rider practice today. Thank goodness, they are indoors. Hopefully conditions have improved by the noon hour.
The question now is where the hell is my shovel. I had this opinion last night that I'm not shovelling the driveway because it will warm up, but it appears it may not be until next week. What happened to plus 12 on Hallowe'en. That's now been downgraded to plus 2. Its going to be a cold night for the kiddies and it could be a rough one too---especially if the Riders lose in BC. I can just see kids knocking on the door and being greeted by some grumpy Rider fan. I hope no one decides to go out dressed up as Jim Daley!!
-----
What better way to sit back on a night where its crappy outside by watching Game 1 of the World Series from beautiful San Francisco. Tim Lincecum will face Cliff Lee in what will be an outstanding pitching matchup. I have heard some people say this will be a boring World Series because its Texas and San Francisco. I think that's a load of crap. I like seeing different teams get in or at least one different team getting in. A Phillies-Yankees rematch would have been a waste of time. We endured a season of baseball to get the same two teams in the final. No thanks! Dallas and San Fran are good TV markets so I don't think there will be a big drop in TV ratings. It would be nice though if FOX and MLB would start this game at 7 Eastern instead of 8 because it will be a late night for many on the East Coast and that never translates well. I guess you can't have it all.
When I look at this World Series, I see an intriguing matchup between two very good baseball teams that don't have the "big" superstar. Here's what you should watch for courtesy of the Sporting News....
The slow vs. the sleek. Giants manager Bruce Bochy calls his club a collection of "castoffs and misfits." While he means it affectionately, he has a point. Pat Burrell was dumped by Tampa Bay. Cody Ross was claimed off waivers, possibly to keep him from the rival Padres. Journeyman Aubrey Huff was San Francisco's big offseason acquisition. Juan Uribe resembles an aging linebacker -- and moves like one, too. In the other dugout, the Rangers have a lineup full of athletes who live up to the antlers on the back of those T-shirts. Josh Hamilton, Elvis Andrus, Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler all have shown their ability to run like deer this postseason. The Rangers won Game 5 against the Rays with their baserunning, and a double steal in the first inning of Game 2 against the Yankees might have been the biggest play in the ALCS.
The bearded wonder. Only Brian Wilson knows for sure how much of his bizarre behavior is an act. We see the Mohawk haircut, the blackening beard, the wild shoes and the unusual postgame interviews. But if the Giants' closer really is a wild man, he is an effective wild man. Wilson has dominated not only this postseason (0.00 ERA in nine innings) but the past three regular seasons (a major league-best 127 saves). He is an old-school reliever, too, as Bochy rarely hesitates to call on him for saves of more than one inning. Considering how many tight games the Giants play, we should see plenty of Wilson in this series. That could mean trouble for the Rangers, who are a combined 0-for-19 with one walk against Wilson.
The home-field non-advantage. For the first time since 2001, the NL will have home-field advantage in the World Series. But Texas is 5-1 on the road this postseason. While AT&T Park could neutralize the Rangers' power -- they have at least one homer in every postseason game -- Texas can win with speed and defense. The Rangers used their DH, Vladimir Guerrero, in the outfield for 18 games this season to prepare him in case they reached the World Series. When the Series switches to Texas, the Giants can call on Pat Burrell to DH. Burrell struggled as the Rays' DH but is familiar with the role.
The Rangers have the better hitting, but the Giants have the better pitching. If Texas can find a way to get four runs or more, they will win this series because San Francisco struggles to score runs. Lincecum could throw a masterpiece tonight and lose 2-1. Because of that, I take Texas to win it all in 6.
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What did England ever do to the NFL? The NFL's latest London game is a matchup between Denver and San Francisco. Bring John Elway, Karl Mecklenburg, Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott back! I would not be excited over that game.
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How about the Pats? I was thinking about checking that game out last night but stayed home because of the weather. By all accounts, they played very well in beating Saskatoon 5-2 for their 3rd straight "W". Have their fortunes charged?
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Jordan Eberle gets his 3rd for the Oilers and while it was a nice goal, it looked rather routine compared to his first two. What was nice is that Ebs burned Calgary's Ian White on his marker last night and you may remember it was White that he beat on his spectacular first goal on opening night against the Flames. White grumbled after that Eberle was lucky on that play. Whaddaya sayin now Ian???
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That's all I got. I gotta try and find the snow shovel. SIGGHHHHHH!!!! At least its not 40 below.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The SJHL This Week
The Humboldt Broncos are showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, they are getting better and better. The Broncos, who are the Canadian Junior “A” Hockey League’s number one ranked team for the third straight week continue to pile up the wins as they recorded three over the past week giving them a record of 12-1-0-1.
Look no further than the line of Justin Buzzeo, Jeremy Boyer and Nick Keller as to why this team is rolling. Buzzeo, a 20 year old forward from Windsor, Ontario, is tearing the league apart. Buzzeo had 14 points (3g, 11a) in the three victories giving him 32 points on the season which is nine better than his nearest competitor—Flin Flon’s Ryan Fox.
While Buzzeo had 14 points on the week, Boyer had 10 points while Keller had 9. Anyone who had questions at the start of the season about what Dean Brockman’s game plan was at the start of the season have been answered. The message has been sent that the Broncos would love nothing more to host the 2012 RBC going in as defending champs. Time will tell.
While the Broncos are doing their thing, the Melfort Mustangs are still in the Broncos rear-view mirror. Melfort won all three of its games this week and are within striking distance of Humboldt in the Bauer Conference as they are five points back. They are looking forward to a big home and home series with the Broncos that starts Friday in Humboldt. One reason for the fine play of the Mustangs is that of Adam Wihak. The 1991 born forward from Regina had four goals this week. Head Coach Darrell Mann says Wihak has been their most outstanding forward this season when you take everything into account.
While Mann is happy with the results of his team, he’s not happy with having to pay up a bet. Mann made a bet with Mustang radio voice Gino De Paoli. De Paoli is a big Calgary Stampeders fan, so the two made a friendly bet on the outcome of the CFL game between the two teams in Regina on September 17. With Calgary winning, it meant Mann had to take to the ice for practice this week wearing a Nik Lewis Stampeders jersey.
The Battleford Stars looked like they were starting to get their act together after a pair of wins this week, but they were brought back to earth with a thud on Saturday when they were embarrassed 11-1 in Humboldt. The Stars had a comeback this week that isn’t seen too often. Ken Pearson’s crew trailed the La Ronge Ice Wolves in La Ronge by a score of 5-2 with four minutes to play, but the team roared back with four goals in three minutes to win the game 6-5.
In the Sherwood Conference, the Yorkton Terriers lead the way with 19 points, but they are in the midst of a nine game road trip. The Terriers are 1-1 so far on that trip.
The Kindersley Klippers and Estevan Bruins are nipping at Yorkton’s heels. The Klippers hired an assistant coach this week as local product Rocky Zinger joins Larry Wintoneak on staff. Zinger had been most recently an assistant coach with the Alberta Junior League’s Okotoks Oilers. Wintoneak also had some moves to make this week as goalie Scott Hellyer informed the team he had lost his desire to play while Brett Penner asked for a trade. Hellyer was sent to Cowichan Valley of the BCHL for goalie Alexandre Peck. Peck had not arrived in time for games this weekend, so Patrick Johnson from the Saskatchewan Midget Triple A Saskatoon Contacts stepped in. The 1993 born goalie from Saskatoon got the start in Nipawin Saturday night and stopped 36 shots to record the victory.
Three SJHL’ers will be off to Penticton, BC for the World Junior “A “challenge. Yorkton’s Clarke Breitkreuz, Weyburn’s Drew George and Kindersley’s Sean Flanagan will all play for Canada West. The tournament starts November 8.
84 games have been played in the SJHL this season. 43 of them have been decided by one goal. That is over half and means that the chances of SJHL fans seeing an exciting, entertaining game is very high.
SHERWOOD PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Justin Buzzeo (Humboldt)
The 1991 born forward from Windsor, ON was unstoppable. He scored in overtime to give the Broncos a 5-4 win in Estevan while adding two assists. The next night he had two goals and four assists in an 8-2 over Weyburn and then had five assists in an 11-1 pounding of the Battlefords at the Elgar Peterson Arena Saturday.
SHERWOOD DEFENCEMAN OF THE WEEK – James Howden (N. Dame)
The Hounds have the best defensive group in the SJHL. One of the leaders of the Hounds blueline is James Howden. The 1991 born defenceman from Edgeley, SK had a goal and four assists in three games as the Hounds went 2-1 over the past seven days to crawl out of the Sherwood Conference basement.
SHERWOOD GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK – Andrew Bodnarchuk (Humboldt)
The 1990 born goalie from Saskatoon was in goal for all three of Humboldt’s three victories this week. He stopped 63 of 68 shots and posted a goals against average of 2.42 this week.
POWER RANKINGS
1. HUMBOLDT BRONCOS – Can this really be argued right now?
2. MELFORT MUSTANGS – Darrell Mann believes his team can compete with the Broncos. We will find out when the two teams play a home and home this weekend.
3. KINDERSLEY KLIPPERS – The Klippers are already a good team, and they will get better when Andrew Dommett returns.
4. YORKTON TERRIERS – The Terriers are atop the Sherwood Conference right now. Will they be once their nine game road trip is over.
5. FLIN FLON BOMBERS – Ryan Fox is having a great season and will gain some more notoriety if the Bombers can make the Bauer Conference a three-way race.
6. LA RONGE ICE WOLVES – They were four minutes away from having a perfect 3-0 week, but their meltdown against the Battlefords prevented that from happening
7. ESTEVAN BRUINS - With a little puck luck, the Bruins would have had a better fate this past week after losing in overtime to Humboldt, losing in a shootout to Weyburn and dropping a one goal decision to Melville.
8. BATTLEFORDS STARS – The Battlefords may have been destroyed in Humboldt this past Saturday, but Ken Pearson’s moves finally appear to be paying off. The Stars won’t be in the bottom half of the rankings for long if their recent play continues.
9. NOTRE DAME HOUNDS – Kevin White’s team has had a problem scoring goals. They got six in La Ronge which was great. The problem was the team that makes the opposition work for goals most night gave up eight in the same game.
10. WEYBURN RED WINGS – Once the Wings settle their goaltending problems and find someone they can rely on, they will be a formidable foe. The question is when will they settle their goaltending problems.
11. MELVILLE MILLIONAIRES – The Millionaires are in a stretch where they play four of five at home including a pair against Flin Flon. Positive results are needed and things started well with a victory over Estevan
12. NIPAWIN HAWKS - The Hawks have lost four in a row all at home. OUCH!
Look no further than the line of Justin Buzzeo, Jeremy Boyer and Nick Keller as to why this team is rolling. Buzzeo, a 20 year old forward from Windsor, Ontario, is tearing the league apart. Buzzeo had 14 points (3g, 11a) in the three victories giving him 32 points on the season which is nine better than his nearest competitor—Flin Flon’s Ryan Fox.
While Buzzeo had 14 points on the week, Boyer had 10 points while Keller had 9. Anyone who had questions at the start of the season about what Dean Brockman’s game plan was at the start of the season have been answered. The message has been sent that the Broncos would love nothing more to host the 2012 RBC going in as defending champs. Time will tell.
While the Broncos are doing their thing, the Melfort Mustangs are still in the Broncos rear-view mirror. Melfort won all three of its games this week and are within striking distance of Humboldt in the Bauer Conference as they are five points back. They are looking forward to a big home and home series with the Broncos that starts Friday in Humboldt. One reason for the fine play of the Mustangs is that of Adam Wihak. The 1991 born forward from Regina had four goals this week. Head Coach Darrell Mann says Wihak has been their most outstanding forward this season when you take everything into account.
While Mann is happy with the results of his team, he’s not happy with having to pay up a bet. Mann made a bet with Mustang radio voice Gino De Paoli. De Paoli is a big Calgary Stampeders fan, so the two made a friendly bet on the outcome of the CFL game between the two teams in Regina on September 17. With Calgary winning, it meant Mann had to take to the ice for practice this week wearing a Nik Lewis Stampeders jersey.
The Battleford Stars looked like they were starting to get their act together after a pair of wins this week, but they were brought back to earth with a thud on Saturday when they were embarrassed 11-1 in Humboldt. The Stars had a comeback this week that isn’t seen too often. Ken Pearson’s crew trailed the La Ronge Ice Wolves in La Ronge by a score of 5-2 with four minutes to play, but the team roared back with four goals in three minutes to win the game 6-5.
In the Sherwood Conference, the Yorkton Terriers lead the way with 19 points, but they are in the midst of a nine game road trip. The Terriers are 1-1 so far on that trip.
The Kindersley Klippers and Estevan Bruins are nipping at Yorkton’s heels. The Klippers hired an assistant coach this week as local product Rocky Zinger joins Larry Wintoneak on staff. Zinger had been most recently an assistant coach with the Alberta Junior League’s Okotoks Oilers. Wintoneak also had some moves to make this week as goalie Scott Hellyer informed the team he had lost his desire to play while Brett Penner asked for a trade. Hellyer was sent to Cowichan Valley of the BCHL for goalie Alexandre Peck. Peck had not arrived in time for games this weekend, so Patrick Johnson from the Saskatchewan Midget Triple A Saskatoon Contacts stepped in. The 1993 born goalie from Saskatoon got the start in Nipawin Saturday night and stopped 36 shots to record the victory.
Three SJHL’ers will be off to Penticton, BC for the World Junior “A “challenge. Yorkton’s Clarke Breitkreuz, Weyburn’s Drew George and Kindersley’s Sean Flanagan will all play for Canada West. The tournament starts November 8.
84 games have been played in the SJHL this season. 43 of them have been decided by one goal. That is over half and means that the chances of SJHL fans seeing an exciting, entertaining game is very high.
SHERWOOD PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Justin Buzzeo (Humboldt)
The 1991 born forward from Windsor, ON was unstoppable. He scored in overtime to give the Broncos a 5-4 win in Estevan while adding two assists. The next night he had two goals and four assists in an 8-2 over Weyburn and then had five assists in an 11-1 pounding of the Battlefords at the Elgar Peterson Arena Saturday.
SHERWOOD DEFENCEMAN OF THE WEEK – James Howden (N. Dame)
The Hounds have the best defensive group in the SJHL. One of the leaders of the Hounds blueline is James Howden. The 1991 born defenceman from Edgeley, SK had a goal and four assists in three games as the Hounds went 2-1 over the past seven days to crawl out of the Sherwood Conference basement.
SHERWOOD GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK – Andrew Bodnarchuk (Humboldt)
The 1990 born goalie from Saskatoon was in goal for all three of Humboldt’s three victories this week. He stopped 63 of 68 shots and posted a goals against average of 2.42 this week.
POWER RANKINGS
1. HUMBOLDT BRONCOS – Can this really be argued right now?
2. MELFORT MUSTANGS – Darrell Mann believes his team can compete with the Broncos. We will find out when the two teams play a home and home this weekend.
3. KINDERSLEY KLIPPERS – The Klippers are already a good team, and they will get better when Andrew Dommett returns.
4. YORKTON TERRIERS – The Terriers are atop the Sherwood Conference right now. Will they be once their nine game road trip is over.
5. FLIN FLON BOMBERS – Ryan Fox is having a great season and will gain some more notoriety if the Bombers can make the Bauer Conference a three-way race.
6. LA RONGE ICE WOLVES – They were four minutes away from having a perfect 3-0 week, but their meltdown against the Battlefords prevented that from happening
7. ESTEVAN BRUINS - With a little puck luck, the Bruins would have had a better fate this past week after losing in overtime to Humboldt, losing in a shootout to Weyburn and dropping a one goal decision to Melville.
8. BATTLEFORDS STARS – The Battlefords may have been destroyed in Humboldt this past Saturday, but Ken Pearson’s moves finally appear to be paying off. The Stars won’t be in the bottom half of the rankings for long if their recent play continues.
9. NOTRE DAME HOUNDS – Kevin White’s team has had a problem scoring goals. They got six in La Ronge which was great. The problem was the team that makes the opposition work for goals most night gave up eight in the same game.
10. WEYBURN RED WINGS – Once the Wings settle their goaltending problems and find someone they can rely on, they will be a formidable foe. The question is when will they settle their goaltending problems.
11. MELVILLE MILLIONAIRES – The Millionaires are in a stretch where they play four of five at home including a pair against Flin Flon. Positive results are needed and things started well with a victory over Estevan
12. NIPAWIN HAWKS - The Hawks have lost four in a row all at home. OUCH!
Who To Choose
From Al Maki-Globe Sports
Let's knuckle down and be brutally honest: There hasn't been a clear-cut most outstanding player in the CFL this season - not one guy you'd give it up for without hearing an argument.
There are top players having really good years just as there have been some remarkable one-game performances. But a definitive, that's the man? From the start of the season till now? Pick one and you'll get an earful from someone else claiming his pick is the obvious choice. Try it.
Cory Boyd, the Toronto Argonauts' sensational running back, is the league leader with 1,291 yards. There's no doubt the Argonauts wouldn't be the same 8- 8 team without him, which makes him both outstanding and valuable and all-East, all-CFL, all ...
Arland Bruce, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' equally sensational pass catcher, is the league leader in receiving yards with 1,303. There's little doubt the Ticats wouldn't be the same 9-7 team without him, which makes him ...
Anthony Calvillo, the Montreal Alouettes' quarterback, is always in the pick mix. He may have missed two games with a bruised sternum but he has thrown for 4,427 yards, 29 touchdowns, just seven interceptions and holds the highest quarterback efficiency rating in the CFL.
It's the same I say-you say debate in the West, where you have to believe the MOP nominee comes from the 11-5 Calgary Stampeders. But which player? Slotback Nik Lewis thinks it should be quarterback Henry Burris. Burris likes Lewis because, "He's our leader."
Burris has thrown 34 touchdowns (also 20 interceptions). Lewis has 81 receptions for 1,151 yards, almost half of which have come after he's made the catch. He has nine touchdowns, too. Plus a thing for Twitter.
So who gets it? Right.
Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant.
The most outstanding player award, like all the other individual player honours presented during Grey Cup week, is voted on by the Football Reporters of Canada (motto: "What was the final score again?"). But to help clarify things, we contacted a handful of CFL team officials and asked them to name the top player, East and West.
Naturally, this led to a spirited discussion, beginning with a GM who said his top choice in the West was, "Durant. I just like him, dynamically, better than Burris. Poised [but] he has been inconsistent."
Overall, the consensus was the 2010 MOP nominee from the West would be Burris.
Here are some reasons why, with names withheld so everyone could speak freely:
"So what if Burris has thrown all those interceptions [and fumbled six times]? Calgary is in first place with him," a general manager said.
"If it doesn't go to the quarterback then who has been more outstanding?" a coach asked. "Has there been a receiver with more than 2,000 yards or a running back with more than 1,700? No. And you know it's not going to a defensive player. The MOP award is like the Heisman Trophy? It goes to quarterbacks, then running backs, then receivers."
Burris has never won the MOP title. The last Stampeders to win individual awards were kicker Sandro DeAngelis (2006 outstanding special teams player) and Lewis (2004 outstanding rookie). The last Stampeders player to claim the top prize as outstanding player was Dave Dickenson 10 years ago.
"We get nominated," Lewis said. "We just don't win."
In the East, Boyd versus Bruce versus Calvillo had one coach remarking, "[Hamilton quarterback] Kevin Glenn has had a quietly good year. He's been real effective."
But from the start of the season until now, the overall nod went to Calvillo as the East's MOP because, as one GM noted, "He's too consistent, always in command. [Boyd and Bruce] are good but I like Calvillo."
The same GM also liked middle linebacker Juwan Simpson as Calgary's top player, which pretty much says it all about this season. Just when you think you're comfortable with how a team is performing, it makes a mess of itself.
Just when you think you know who the best player is, he falters - even a little - and another guy grabs your attention.
Burris and Calvillo are the experts' choices. The rest of us want to know, what was the final score again?
Let's knuckle down and be brutally honest: There hasn't been a clear-cut most outstanding player in the CFL this season - not one guy you'd give it up for without hearing an argument.
There are top players having really good years just as there have been some remarkable one-game performances. But a definitive, that's the man? From the start of the season till now? Pick one and you'll get an earful from someone else claiming his pick is the obvious choice. Try it.
Cory Boyd, the Toronto Argonauts' sensational running back, is the league leader with 1,291 yards. There's no doubt the Argonauts wouldn't be the same 8- 8 team without him, which makes him both outstanding and valuable and all-East, all-CFL, all ...
Arland Bruce, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' equally sensational pass catcher, is the league leader in receiving yards with 1,303. There's little doubt the Ticats wouldn't be the same 9-7 team without him, which makes him ...
Anthony Calvillo, the Montreal Alouettes' quarterback, is always in the pick mix. He may have missed two games with a bruised sternum but he has thrown for 4,427 yards, 29 touchdowns, just seven interceptions and holds the highest quarterback efficiency rating in the CFL.
It's the same I say-you say debate in the West, where you have to believe the MOP nominee comes from the 11-5 Calgary Stampeders. But which player? Slotback Nik Lewis thinks it should be quarterback Henry Burris. Burris likes Lewis because, "He's our leader."
Burris has thrown 34 touchdowns (also 20 interceptions). Lewis has 81 receptions for 1,151 yards, almost half of which have come after he's made the catch. He has nine touchdowns, too. Plus a thing for Twitter.
So who gets it? Right.
Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant.
The most outstanding player award, like all the other individual player honours presented during Grey Cup week, is voted on by the Football Reporters of Canada (motto: "What was the final score again?"). But to help clarify things, we contacted a handful of CFL team officials and asked them to name the top player, East and West.
Naturally, this led to a spirited discussion, beginning with a GM who said his top choice in the West was, "Durant. I just like him, dynamically, better than Burris. Poised [but] he has been inconsistent."
Overall, the consensus was the 2010 MOP nominee from the West would be Burris.
Here are some reasons why, with names withheld so everyone could speak freely:
"So what if Burris has thrown all those interceptions [and fumbled six times]? Calgary is in first place with him," a general manager said.
"If it doesn't go to the quarterback then who has been more outstanding?" a coach asked. "Has there been a receiver with more than 2,000 yards or a running back with more than 1,700? No. And you know it's not going to a defensive player. The MOP award is like the Heisman Trophy? It goes to quarterbacks, then running backs, then receivers."
Burris has never won the MOP title. The last Stampeders to win individual awards were kicker Sandro DeAngelis (2006 outstanding special teams player) and Lewis (2004 outstanding rookie). The last Stampeders player to claim the top prize as outstanding player was Dave Dickenson 10 years ago.
"We get nominated," Lewis said. "We just don't win."
In the East, Boyd versus Bruce versus Calvillo had one coach remarking, "[Hamilton quarterback] Kevin Glenn has had a quietly good year. He's been real effective."
But from the start of the season until now, the overall nod went to Calvillo as the East's MOP because, as one GM noted, "He's too consistent, always in command. [Boyd and Bruce] are good but I like Calvillo."
The same GM also liked middle linebacker Juwan Simpson as Calgary's top player, which pretty much says it all about this season. Just when you think you're comfortable with how a team is performing, it makes a mess of itself.
Just when you think you know who the best player is, he falters - even a little - and another guy grabs your attention.
Burris and Calvillo are the experts' choices. The rest of us want to know, what was the final score again?
Monday, October 25, 2010
This Surely Must Be The End
I probably wouldn't be writing this if Percy Harvin had kept both feet in bounds. In fact, if he had done that, everyone would be talking about how Brett Favre led the Vikings to a win at Lambeau Field on a broken ankle.
Favre's chances at being a hero one last time at Lambeau came to an end Sunday night and I have to think that perhaps his career may be over as well.
I said that Favre had that look on his face when it was over. One that suggested he had played his last down on the field where he became an icon. Word is now that Favre has two fractures in his ankle. His consecutive starts streak looks like it will end at 291 games--315 if you include playoffs.
While Brett has flashes of brilliance as was indicated Sunday night, his body is sending him a message. He can't do it anymore on a consistent basis. The Vikings can't afford to have Brett be good one series and not the next. If he should play for some reason, why? He will be a sitting duck in the pocket and he will be hurting his team. He knows this. He has to. There's nothing more he can do. Even if Brett should come back this year, the Vikings need to win the Super Bowl and I don't see that happening.
With all the talk around Brett being negative right now because of his play and the situation involving Jennifer Sterger, it is time to get back on the tractor in Mississippi and wait for the call to Canton.
Speaking of Sterger, this story is getting ridiculous. At what point is someone going to come out and call this woman out for the little gold-digging whore that she is. Did Brett call her. Yeah, he probably did. Sterger's lawyers say they are trying to find who gave Favre her cell-phone number. Here's a start----ask Sterger. I'm guessing she got herself into a situation that escalated out of control. She is just as guilty as Favre and she knows it and that is why she is not talking to the NFL. She is probably afraid that her career at Versus and wherever might go down the toilet if she is seen to be a fraud. Right now, she is playing the victim, but as is the case in many of these cases, she is probably the one to blame. If some do some proper digging and not just take words, they will likely find the truth.
-----
Still with Favre, FOX's Michael Strahan was on "The Dan Patrick Show" Monday morning to talk about a variety of things. Patrick asked Favre if the situation for him is worse on the field or off of it. Strahan's reply was "That's easy. Off the field. On the field, Brett can get battered around, but he is still loving what he is doing. Off the field, Brett has to go home to an angry woman and that isn't good at all. I can't disagree with that statement. How about you fellas?
-----
Still with Dan Patrick, I just about drove my car off the road when former Colts coach and NBC football analyst Tony Dungy said the Seahawks were the best team in the NFC. What? Really! ESPN's Mark Schlereth then said it in the afternoon. You know I'm a huge Seahawks fan, but I don't think they are the best team in the NFC. All I know is they are proving a lot of people who thought they might be the worst team in the league wrong. I had them finishing 9-7 at the end of the year and winning the division. I stand by that. My best friend is off to Vegas this week. Do I give him $20 to put on the Seahawks to win the Super Bowl. Damn right I will.
-----
If you listened to "The Sportscage" Friday, you heard me play props and pools with a contestant. The rules were we pick 7 games--a combo of both. Whoever gets more wins. If I do, I get nothing. If the contestant wins, he gets a prize pack from the WCLC. Imagine my surprise when I heard RP say today during the show that I selected all six games right. I had asked who would throw for more yards--Ray or Durant on Saturday but that became void when Ricky didn't start. I picked all six right. I should have bought a damn ticket with those selections---alas I didn't.
-----
Tony Romo is done for the season after the Cowboys quarterback suffered a broken clavicle in the Giants Monday night win. Poor Jerry Jones. He has a 1.8 billion dollar stadium and a team that is now being led by Jon Kitna. Maybe Jerr-ah can take tickets on Super Bowl Sunday. I can't stand the guy and I just want to see someone smack that smug smile right off his mug with a pillowcase full of crap.
-----
Sign him if you want, but I don't see Kerry Joseph playing a down for the Eskimos. They still have Jared Zabransky, they still have Jason Maas.
-----
There's a lot of talk about what the Riders should do with the lineup over the next two weeks and whether or not regulars should be rested. What about the Stamps? Do you rest Burris, Reynolds, Lewis, Browner, etc. etc to make sure they are fine for the Western final. Is Montreal going to rest their top players down the stretch. The worst thing for the Riders is knowing they have a home playoff game sewn up. Montreal always struggles at this time of year when they know where they are going to finish and Calgary isn't lights out right now knowing they have finished first. Its not over yet.
-----
A lot of cars had their tires slashed on Dewdney Avenue near the RCMP barracks on the weekend. Dewdney is a pretty well travelled area at all times of the day. No one saw what was going on? C'mon! Seeing it and making a quick call to police might have stopped a lot of this. Hell, if you got caught on your cellphone while driving, you could tell them face-to-face. You probably wouldn't get that ticket either.
------
The Raiders take on the Seahawks this Sunday. I may have to get hold of my good Raiders friend Brad. You might know that person as Premier Wall. I will know if its time for the SaskParty to start looking for a new leader or that the NDP is about to take power if I see the Premier come out for a scrum looking like Al Davis complete with the windsuit. He must be pretty happy after his team rolled up 59 on the weekend. I wonder if he got a hold of Vanstone. I would have.
-----
As I write this, my driveway is wet. When I wake up, will it be white?
----
We are now less than two months until Christmas. Started shopping yet?
----
Part of me wants to buy Smackdown vs Raw 2011 that comes out today for the PS3. Another part of me says NO! What to do, what to do?
----
The NBA season starts to-YAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWNNNNNNN!!!!!!
-----
A picture speaks a thousand words, but with photo-shop, it tells a thousand lies.
Favre's chances at being a hero one last time at Lambeau came to an end Sunday night and I have to think that perhaps his career may be over as well.
I said that Favre had that look on his face when it was over. One that suggested he had played his last down on the field where he became an icon. Word is now that Favre has two fractures in his ankle. His consecutive starts streak looks like it will end at 291 games--315 if you include playoffs.
While Brett has flashes of brilliance as was indicated Sunday night, his body is sending him a message. He can't do it anymore on a consistent basis. The Vikings can't afford to have Brett be good one series and not the next. If he should play for some reason, why? He will be a sitting duck in the pocket and he will be hurting his team. He knows this. He has to. There's nothing more he can do. Even if Brett should come back this year, the Vikings need to win the Super Bowl and I don't see that happening.
With all the talk around Brett being negative right now because of his play and the situation involving Jennifer Sterger, it is time to get back on the tractor in Mississippi and wait for the call to Canton.
Speaking of Sterger, this story is getting ridiculous. At what point is someone going to come out and call this woman out for the little gold-digging whore that she is. Did Brett call her. Yeah, he probably did. Sterger's lawyers say they are trying to find who gave Favre her cell-phone number. Here's a start----ask Sterger. I'm guessing she got herself into a situation that escalated out of control. She is just as guilty as Favre and she knows it and that is why she is not talking to the NFL. She is probably afraid that her career at Versus and wherever might go down the toilet if she is seen to be a fraud. Right now, she is playing the victim, but as is the case in many of these cases, she is probably the one to blame. If some do some proper digging and not just take words, they will likely find the truth.
-----
Still with Favre, FOX's Michael Strahan was on "The Dan Patrick Show" Monday morning to talk about a variety of things. Patrick asked Favre if the situation for him is worse on the field or off of it. Strahan's reply was "That's easy. Off the field. On the field, Brett can get battered around, but he is still loving what he is doing. Off the field, Brett has to go home to an angry woman and that isn't good at all. I can't disagree with that statement. How about you fellas?
-----
Still with Dan Patrick, I just about drove my car off the road when former Colts coach and NBC football analyst Tony Dungy said the Seahawks were the best team in the NFC. What? Really! ESPN's Mark Schlereth then said it in the afternoon. You know I'm a huge Seahawks fan, but I don't think they are the best team in the NFC. All I know is they are proving a lot of people who thought they might be the worst team in the league wrong. I had them finishing 9-7 at the end of the year and winning the division. I stand by that. My best friend is off to Vegas this week. Do I give him $20 to put on the Seahawks to win the Super Bowl. Damn right I will.
-----
If you listened to "The Sportscage" Friday, you heard me play props and pools with a contestant. The rules were we pick 7 games--a combo of both. Whoever gets more wins. If I do, I get nothing. If the contestant wins, he gets a prize pack from the WCLC. Imagine my surprise when I heard RP say today during the show that I selected all six games right. I had asked who would throw for more yards--Ray or Durant on Saturday but that became void when Ricky didn't start. I picked all six right. I should have bought a damn ticket with those selections---alas I didn't.
-----
Tony Romo is done for the season after the Cowboys quarterback suffered a broken clavicle in the Giants Monday night win. Poor Jerry Jones. He has a 1.8 billion dollar stadium and a team that is now being led by Jon Kitna. Maybe Jerr-ah can take tickets on Super Bowl Sunday. I can't stand the guy and I just want to see someone smack that smug smile right off his mug with a pillowcase full of crap.
-----
Sign him if you want, but I don't see Kerry Joseph playing a down for the Eskimos. They still have Jared Zabransky, they still have Jason Maas.
-----
There's a lot of talk about what the Riders should do with the lineup over the next two weeks and whether or not regulars should be rested. What about the Stamps? Do you rest Burris, Reynolds, Lewis, Browner, etc. etc to make sure they are fine for the Western final. Is Montreal going to rest their top players down the stretch. The worst thing for the Riders is knowing they have a home playoff game sewn up. Montreal always struggles at this time of year when they know where they are going to finish and Calgary isn't lights out right now knowing they have finished first. Its not over yet.
-----
A lot of cars had their tires slashed on Dewdney Avenue near the RCMP barracks on the weekend. Dewdney is a pretty well travelled area at all times of the day. No one saw what was going on? C'mon! Seeing it and making a quick call to police might have stopped a lot of this. Hell, if you got caught on your cellphone while driving, you could tell them face-to-face. You probably wouldn't get that ticket either.
------
The Raiders take on the Seahawks this Sunday. I may have to get hold of my good Raiders friend Brad. You might know that person as Premier Wall. I will know if its time for the SaskParty to start looking for a new leader or that the NDP is about to take power if I see the Premier come out for a scrum looking like Al Davis complete with the windsuit. He must be pretty happy after his team rolled up 59 on the weekend. I wonder if he got a hold of Vanstone. I would have.
-----
As I write this, my driveway is wet. When I wake up, will it be white?
----
We are now less than two months until Christmas. Started shopping yet?
----
Part of me wants to buy Smackdown vs Raw 2011 that comes out today for the PS3. Another part of me says NO! What to do, what to do?
----
The NBA season starts to-YAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWNNNNNNN!!!!!!
-----
A picture speaks a thousand words, but with photo-shop, it tells a thousand lies.
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