This And That

Another work week is upon us and people are angry. The 0-2 start by the Saskatchewan Roughriders has many people up in arms. I certainly didn't think that team would be 0-2, and I know a lot of others didn't either. Yes, with two road games coming up the football team is digging a rather large hole for itself, but I would be shocked if they come back here to play Calgary sitting at 0-4.

It would seem as if Richie Hall is the main scapegoat over what has happened and you can certainly understand that seeing the team has given up 80 points in its first two games. Gary Etcheverry wasn't very popular either and he got his defences to back to back Grey Cups. Championships aren't won in July---just remember that.

I think what has become evident though with this football team though is that the combination of injuries and defections have finally taken its toll. At one time, the Riders could see player after player after player go down, but a replacement was there. That is no longer the case. There is still a lot of talent on this team, but that talent is young and has to grow much like Darian Durant did. Players like Terrence Nunn, Marc Parenteau, Nick Graham, Chris Graham and Jerrell Freeman are still learning this game and when they do, they will be solid at their positions. The rebuilding phase has started.
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If you haven't heard, there is a new feature on "The Sportscage". You can now phone 546-CAGE and leave your thoughts after hours. Why am I thinking Rod could just play comment after comment after comment and fill up the two hours allotted if not more on Monday's show.
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What's with Premier Brad Wall? I read in Saturday's paper that he has a Minnesota Vikings helmet. The vaunted "Grand Poobah" who is as big a Raiders fan as I am a Seahawks fan has a Vikings helmet in his posession? Shame!!!!! At least he doesn't have a Bombers helmet in his office------or does he?????
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The Regina Red Sox and Medicine Hat Mavericks met in a battle of the top two teams in the WMBL Sunday night. As expected, it was a great contest with the Mavericks finally prevailing 3-2 in what was a fantastic game on a fantastic night to watch a game. The Mavericks will be back at Currie Wednesday night at 705. On Tuesday, the team that beat the Red Sox in the WMBL championship last year---the Swift Current Indians will be in Regina. Go check one of those games out if not both.
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Baseball ( and all sports for that matter) have to scrap their all-star games. Its become evident that many players don't want to play in the game even though they are voted in by either the fans or managers. Cubs 3rd baseman Aramis Ramirez was asked to play in Tuesday's game at Arizona, but he said no because he wanted to go back to the Dominican to spend some time with his family. Others want injuries to heal and others just want time off. I don't blame them. The hockey game is the same way and many in the NFL are tired of the bumps and bruises sustained after 18 games if not more and don't want to play in a glorified exhibition game.
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I watched the first game of the Womens World Cup of Soccer between Canada and Germany and I was hoping I would watch more. I haven't and from all accounts, I've missed a great tournament. Many were talking about the USA's upset of Brazil on Sunday as one of the best soccer games they've seen men or women. I'll have to try and catch the semis and final.
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High Impact Wrestling was once again a tremendous way to spend a Friday evening. Luminaries such as Tony Playter, Locker Talk co-host Pete Paczko, and a late arriving Rob Vanstone were there to take in the frivolity. As much as I don't like Rex Roberts, I may have found someone to hate a little more. Some little French dude who goes by the name of Rich. He's wrestling's equivalent of Dwight Anderson. OK, he's not that bad, but he's close. Seeing him get thrown onto Victoria Avenue wouldn't disappoint me any. 
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I know many are hoping that Craven is a huge success again this year, but many are thinking it will be a huge disaster because of the flooding situation. I know a lot of people are wondering why organizers didn't cancel it for this year and bring it back better and stronger for next year. Time will tell how the weekend goes, but at least it looks like the weather will co-operate. With the Riders gone for two weeks, there was a thought that everything would move to Mosaic. It would have been cool, but I don't know how well that would go over and where would you put all the campers.
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When the Blue Jays and Cubs both see their games start before noon and end at 3, it just makes me cry out for Sunday football. Speaking of which, I expect the NFL lockout to be over by this time next week. If it isn't, you can kiss goodbye to one week of exhibition games and the owners don't want that. They want guys in camps so they can start making some money.
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Congrats to all Rider fans who voted for "Thunderstruck" to be the 4th quarter stretch song on Saturday. Anything as long as its not "Last Saskatchewan Pirate" works for me.
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Who hires a head coach first---the Warriors or the Pats? I have heard Jeff Truitt's name pop up to once again call Moose Jaw home. Does that mean the Dave Barr rumours are over?  How about the name Tim Kehler. The former Swift Current assistant just left his job in the BCHL as the head man with Salmon Arm to pursue other coaching opportunities. I keep hearing Cory Clouston's name in connection with the Regina job. Would Clouston want to be coach only. I would think he would want both coach and GM.
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Tiger Woods is making a major announcement on Monday. Many are speculating Tiger will say he is done for this season and will be back on the Tour next year. There is also talk that he might just call it a career. He wouldn't retire would he? That would send shockwaves throughout the sporting universe.
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5 things you can't do......1. Sneeze with your eyes open. 2. Tickle yourself. 3. Put your fist in your mouth. 4. Fly. 5. Take your own advice.