Wheel Of Eastern Misfortune

The Good. AJ got a win, and therefore got me a win for Maniwaki Fantasy. K'ing 7 in the process.

The Bad. Since he's donned his pinstripes, I've been unable to move him and have had the great misfortune of having a Bomber on the squad all year. To make matters worse today's win was against the Jays who now fall to 7.5 back of the Div leading Bosox. Was this to be expected on July 3, 2009? Sure if you asked me in the off season, I'd say it'd be about par for the course.

But.

In year's past we have traditionally played the AL East very well. And this year we got off to a big blue bang and held the lead for a few months. I know we can beat the East. You know we can beat the East. The only people who seem to think they can't beat the East is the Jays.

If this trend continues, I'm going to have a full roster of Nats on the fantasy team next year and the Jays will lead all the way up until September, but then go 0-28.

Let's get the lumber working lads.

Free Agency Fracas

So plenty to report from the brief holiday.

Some Triple A Bad News Bears antics at The Nat. A heated Canada Day ball game, in which Dice C and I revisited our Grade 5 selves. And of course the wild world of free agency, which has apparently plunged an icy dagger into the hearts of Habs fans.

This installment will focus on the recent free agency and the angst and hair pulling that goes with.

While the Skip and I conferred on the subject today, we seem to view this 2009 UFA round a tad differently. Most notably what Gainey's trying to gain in:

1. Montreal. More specifically Mike Cammalleri. While I think that this was a great pick up by the Habs, the Skip has put forth that he's over paid and only played well in a contract year having Jarome on the wing. A valid point indeed. But watching him last year against the Canucks (as well as following his play for Team Maniwaki) I have to say that this guy is not a flash in the pan. He's smart. He's skilled. And he plays with heart. He will deliver again. People of Montreal, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. Especially after having to deal with Alexei Kovalev last year.

2. Vantown. When I woke up on Canada Day and read that the Sedins and their agent had hoodwinked Gillis into signing them for five years with a no trade clause, I immediately smashed myself in the head with my cup of coffee. Which was still full. Having visions of Naslund squared three years down the road, I questioned the GM's inability to read their obvious ploy to ask large and settle in the middle, wanting the middle the entire time.

But then when I read about some of the nonsense contracts flying around the league (ie Hossa getting 12 years from Chicago!!!) I was a tad more forgiving. It's not like I don't like the twins. They put up 160 points year in, year out. They're getting better each year. However, I look at our squad and ask if this truly a team that's going to put us over the top and bring us The Cup. After watching the Pittsburgh's and Detroits of the world (and their savvy drafting and deal making) the response is a resounding, "Nay." For at least the next 5 years and 60 million.

3. Cowtown. Fuck if I have to hear one more time about how Jay Bouwmeester walks on water and is the second coming of Bobby Orr, I'm going to go down to Cowboys, take Theoren Fleury sized doses of illicit substances, hijack a mechanical bull and ride that mecha-bronco down the red mile itself. Could the guy learn to speak in full sentences for god's sakes?

CANADA DAY (RED WHITE AND) BLUES

A note was received in my inbox today, courtesy of my good friend, neighbour, confidante, and Habs fan extraordinaire, Monsieur Cole. I thought it would be most appropriate to share....

Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009
Subject: I think I am going to Barf

Saku is going to leave.

Komisarek is going to leave.

Higgins is gone.

Gomez and Kovalev are signed and maybe some pansy winer euro-winger and we are only a Carey price coke-frenzy away from the 2010 Stanley Cup.

Or maybe not.

The end of last season was the beginning of a very dark period for Montreal Canadiens fans...

I am crying inside.

Setting The Table

Ok, feverishly trying to put the finishing touches on the Skip's stag, I looked up a the calendar to see that tomorrow is Canada Day.

Thus, an agenda has been drafted for the next few days and these items will all be addressed at some point.

1. Dice, a squad, and myself are kicking things off by taking in a game at Nat Bailey tonight. The Canadians vs The Salem Kaizer Volcanoes (don't you just love minor league team names?). Bleachers, beer and banter. Good for Minor league baseball.

2. Which will be followed up by an epic inter office slo pitch game tomorrow. I'm not sure which squad has drafted Dice, the Doukhabour and I, but let's just hope it's not AIG. And that Fannie Mae is at hot corner while Freddie Mac patrols the gap.

3. Free agency is about to kick off like a Burnley soccer riot. Mayhem will definitely ensue. Will Hank and Dan stay? Will Dany Heatly get a Canada Day surprise and find out that he'll be pouting on the Sens bench next season? Will Jay Jay Bouwmeester be able to string a sentence together?

4. And amidst all this frenzy Gagne is entering the borders of the GVRD...and it would not surprise me to see him show up at a very opportune moment.

So please do not expect too much from this site for the next few days as plenty will be a'brewing. But come July 2nd. (Or July 3rd depending on the state of the hangover) it would be safe to say that you expect a few opinions on a few things.

July 1 Deadline Ticker

...Dany Heatley to the Washington Nationals. "How?" you ask. How not? He definitely fits the Nats roster profile. Selfish? Yup. Incarcerated? Just about. How has GM Jim Bowden not signed him before? Oh wait...

....Hank and Dan sign with Modo of the Swedish Elite League? Who else is going to field their ridiculous 12 year a piece offer?....

....Markus Naslund comes out of retirement and signs with Modo of the Swedish Elite League. Who else is going to Captain this squad?....

...Hurricanes sign Jokinen to two year deal? Why two years? Because his first name isn't Oli. If it were he'd be the first NHL player to get a game to game contract....

...Nats inquire about Oli Jokinen...

...Flames can't sign Bouwmeester. And it turns out no one can as not only does he not understand the terms of the contract, he doesn't understand the concept of a contract itself. When asked for clarification Bouwmeester responded, "Hey it is what it is. I Play. Hockey."...

...Holy smokes let's cut the shenanigans for a second. Scott Neidermayer might actually be available??!! I can honestly say I'm looking now at July 1 with great interest. A Neidermayer signing by the Canucks would be the only thing that gives me hope...

...Canucks GM Mike Gillis reminds everyone that he made a huge pitch for Mats last Canada Day. Hope is slowly returning to Maniwaki HQ...

....Modo of the Swedish Elite League joins the NHL and wins The Cup in their first season. How does this not happen?...

Sunday Bloody Good Show!

So I even flipped over from the Jays (as they did their best Jays of old impression, stranding runner after runner) to that Confed Cup final to see what all the hubub was about. And what was this? The Yanks were up 2-0? On Brazil?

I'm telling you. The King Of Pop passes away and chaos circles the globe.

Here were Landon Donovon and the US lads making a case for themselves and the continent as they pressed and fired on the undisputed world's best soccer squad. Had to say I was pretty impressed. But when Brazil put one in early in the second half, you knew where things were headed.

They assembled like a pod of orcas about to close in on some unsuspecting seals. And wow did they chow down. Every time I switched back to the Jays and back, the Brazilians had put one in. It was crazy. Three unanswered goals to win the tourney, the last one coming with only a few minutes left in regulation. It was insane. It was astounding. It was exciting.

It was Brazil.

And ultimately predictable. Definitely more believable than a US upset. Got to say I was rooting for the Yanks and felt bad for them. They were playing like their lives depended on it and were able and unafraid to strike. Unfortunately they just couldn't defend. But then how do you defend against Le Futbal Diablo himself?

Had the US won, the ensuing "Miracle On The Pitch" media onslaught would definitely been grating. But it would have been a much needed boost for the the North American game and the still growing MLS. (Both of which I find myself keeping more of an eye on lately.)

Still though, a spirited match in the final against the mighty Brazil is nothing to merely turn the page on and leave on the table next to an empty coffee cup. Hopefully it will spark a few lads in the Northern CONCACAF to get a ball and boot it around their neighbourhood lot.

Papi's Back!!!

I have a confession to make. It's difficult to admit but I feel that I must come clean to you, the Maniwaki faithful, in order to continue enjoying this '09 ball season.

...well, a few weeks ago, and after an incredibly painful and very drawn out drought,...I, well....


I dropped Big Papi from the Maniwaki fantasy roster.

...whew!

It was only for a matter of seconds mind you, perhaps a the better side of a minute in total, but for that brief period, the '04 titan, sat on the waiver wire. Immediately seeing this byline flash across the fantasy ticker "Maniwaki Maulers drop David Ortiz," I got an immediate feeling in my stomach as if someone had cracked me in the mid section with a Louisvile Slugger. And realized that I really just couldn't do it.

Papi was the #1 overall draft pick ever for my fantasy squad. The Skip and I cheered for him like we were possessed by demons during '04, turning La Pistol into a very rowdy sports bar for the duration of the 04 ALCS.

Like many members of the Nation, I was rooting for Papi during his recent slump. Amidst A- Rod and Manny, (still can't believe I just had to put them in the same sentence) the .197 average was really amounting into being a big red elephant that no one was talking about.

But after a few good at bats, he worked his way back into regular rotation in the Sox lineup, and back in the active utility spot on the Maniwaki lineup.

And look who's he's up right now against Javy Vasquez.

And no this isn't a Hollywood script so no, he didn't blast a Roy Hobbsian light shattering shot.

But he worked a 3-2 count with two outs to draw a walk.

That's as good enough for this fan.

Never Mind Tavares...

....here's the number 10 pick by the Edmonton Oilers....

Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson!!!

I don't know one thing about the Swedish forward but I do know that if for whatever reason he doesn't make the big ice, it will be an absolute crime for the game of hockey as we will all surly miss out on one of the best European names to play the game since Jyrki Lumme.

It would be like if Tom Brady was drafted but didn't make the NFL. A crime to the game I say. Good pick Oil.

We on the other hand are in the midst of signing Luongo to a contract extension while trading away top goalie prospect, Corey Schneider. An extension that will most likely see us

******BREAKING NEWS FLASH****BATISTA HAS JUST TAKEN THE HILL FOR SEATTLE****STAY TUNED FOR IMMINENT POST MELTDOWN ANALYSIS****

An extension that will most likely see us Cupless for it's term. Now don't get me wrong. I think the world of Bob. I really do. But after this last post season performance, as much as it pains me to say, I must make the following claim:

He is not the guy.

If you give up 7 goals in a

****BATISISTA UPDATE**** HE JUST WENT 1-2-3 IN THE SEVENTH***UNBELIEVABLE***FIRST THE KING OF POP PASSES AWAY***NOW A 1-2-3 BATISTA INNING*** THE WORLD HAS TRULY GONE MAD***

If you give up 7 goals in a potentially season ending game, you're not the guy. And you won't be next year. Or the year after. Bob has just entered Marty Turco territory and barring a miracle he will most likely build a nice big house on the foundation he has layed there.

The Maniwaki plan to fix the Canucks has us going the Maple Leafs route, completely blowing up the team and working on our solid young core, Schneider being groomed to be the guy.

What I would like to see if Mike Gillis make a huge play for character vets like Scott Niedermayer (who was apparently interested in playing here. Until today.) and surround them with the young guns. Winners breeding winners. That's the only realistic soloution I see in town.

What will most likely happen is that we will sign Bob to an over inflated, and over extended contract, which will handcuff us in being able to secure other

***UPDATE***ANDRE ETHIER HAS JUST HIT HIS THIRD BOMB OF THE NIGHT***THIS ONE COMING OFF A VERY SWEATY BATISTA****BELTRE HAS JUST FOLLOWED UP WITH A SINGLE***THE BALANCE OF THE UNIVERSE HAS BEEN RESTORED****STAY TUNED FOR MORE MOUND MELTDOWN REPORTS****

What will most likely happen is that we will sign Bob to an over inflated, and over extended contract. Which will handcuff us in being able to secure other key players. Every playoff round he will be hounded with questions as to his ability to win the big game. Which he won't be able to shake, thus we will be privy to many more first and second round exits.

Detroit will continue to draft well, continue to not overpay their players in order to keep them together, and continue to appear in more Cup Finals. We will continue to finish in the middle of the pack with Luong and the Sedins signed to 5 year extensions. We will ship off Schneider to some scrubby south eastern squad.

And he will hoist the Cup long before Luongo does.

Where Were You When?

Wow. Well here's where I was.

Went to leave for work, and was late. Usually I leave before the hour, but today for whatever reason I left on the hour.

Right on the hour.

And when I flicked on the usual CBC Radio for the dog to listen to, as I do every time I leave for work, I caught the top of the hour headlines. Which had a "breaking news flash" (which usually I write off, as breaking headlines happen every day now. ie Barack Obama just ordered a latte at Starbucks...)

But there was something in the announcer's voice that made me tune in to find out.

It's not like I was a huge fan of Michael Jackson, or anything. I mean, I definitely respect his work. But in today's Twittered, facebooked, blogged, instant e-world there was something incredibly powerful and profound about hearing a news bulletin on the radio that the King Of Pop was dead.

Life Imitates Art

Ever read Watchmen? Issue #5 to be exact entitled, "Fearful Symmetry." Aside from being an insanely compelling read, the issue's panels are laid out in a fashion that mirror each other. Hence page 1, mirrors page 28, 2 reflects 27 and so forth.
The issue is pretty damn dark as well and definitely doesn't end with out some hurt feelings.

Which is how the Bronson Arroyo and the Cincinatti Reds must feel after getting crushed by the Jays for the second straight year, to the day. Yep, it was exactly one year ago that the corn rowed one got shelled for 10 earned runs and three runs in one inning and when the dust finally cleared it was a decisive T.O. win 15-1.

Today? I turn on the top of the first to find Aaron Hill circling the bases, cashing in Scutaro and n'ary an out to be seen. Then Vernon vaults one, as does Lind (sending Rolen around as well) and it's 5-0. With Bronson Arroyo getting the feeling that he's been set up like Rorshach in issue 5, and hearing the cops blaring at him over the loudspeaker. I fully expected him to take the mound in the second, armed with a grappling gun and a flaming can of hairspray.

Which still wouldn't have helped as he got taken into custody in the fourth, setting the panel layout of pages 9-28 in the remainder of this Jays rout.

"Give me back my face!!!!!!!"

Bullpen Blues

So Johnny Moustache, Brian Tallet, goes and pitches 6 strong and leaves the lads with a healthy 6-0 lead.

And then what was once the pride of the organization in 08, the bullpen, gave the 09 showing and shit the Rogers mound for a few innings, making things a very antsy 7-5.

Not good. As any longtime Jays fan will tell you, that the set up man has always been one of the keys to success in the Dot. Would Dennis Lamp and Mark Eichhorn be caught tossing inter-league middle frame BP? Would John Cerutti and Jim Acker be throwing away leads like they were Exhibition Stadium Chipwhich sandwich ice cream wrappers?

Of course they wouldn't. They'd bear down and strike out the American League A league out and go on to win the div.

Maybe Tallet has the right idea with his throwback moustache. Barajas seems to think so stating to the TSN feedsters:

"It seems to be growing and getting darker at the same time. I don't know how that's possible. He's got great facial hair, great hair and I think maybe that's distracting the hitters, getting their eyes of the ball and on him."


And can you really argue with him?




Robin Yount and the meat of the Brewers order is coming up in the sixth. And you know who doesn't care? This guy.

Hanging It Up

Not much going on today, so a few cats are now marching into the sunset.

1. Donald Fehr. Yup. The head of the MLB Players Union finally threw up his hands and said, "I've had enough." Hey, it's been a mighty tough last couple of years. I don't blame him. Now if only the Commish could take a cue....

2. Mats Sundin. Didn't formally step away from hockey, but did say that we won't be playing for Team Sweden in 2010. I'm sure though he'll still be able to wrangle a few cap space bucks away from us for next season. Hey, I won't complain. I know he won't be looking for a 12 year contract.

3. Chris Chelios. Didn't step away from anything but the Red Wings threw up their hands and said, "We've had enough!" and won't be issuing him a contract for next year. Just watch though. Not only will he get picked up by the Islanders, he'll crack camp and be playing on the first line with Tavares.

Looking On The Bright Side Sunday

Ok we got one in DC, thank god. And still we sit only five back of the Red Sox, and a game out of the WC leading Yanks. Not bad when you consider:



Who gets the call next? Graeme Lloyd from the New South Wales Rec League?

Wake Me Up When September Starts...

...because after two straight extra inning losses to the worst team in baseball (and also the most despised) I don't know how much more of this I can take.

Understand. Jays losses irritate me. Runners left on base annoy me. Not making the post season since '93 grates on me.

But I absolutely loathe losing to the Nationals. It is like letting evil itself win. It is like helping to usher in Damien or the next Anti-Christ into our realm. Losses to the Nats actually, physically hurt me. They are like jabbing Kryptonite daggers into my heart.

And walk offs wins? Even worse. Last night Dice, a doukhabour and myself slogged it out into extras after watching the Jays strand three runners in the 8th. And then proceeded to choke on our chicken wings as Adam Dunn knocked in the winning run in the 11th as the chain gang Nats jumped in celebration at home plate.

And tonight? Even worse. Willie Harris (who?) provided a 12th inning walk off bomb, and did a lap to join the home plate gang for a second night.

Tomorrow? Who knows. Probably a 13th inning grand slam courtesy of Elijah Dukes and when he rounds the bases he'll meet Selig at home plate, who will announce Toronto's relocation to Albuquerque.

Chirping The Nats

Jays in DC at the very new and very empty 600 million dollar Nationals Park. Let's get to work.

Jamie Campbell: If you're unfamiliar with this line up there is an all star at the top of the order in Christian Guzman.

Me: Holy fuck what is this? 2001?

Jamie Campell: And the only member of the Nationals to play for the Expos, Nick Johnson.

Me: Only one to go. Then my hatred can be complete.

[defensive positions shown on screen]

Me: Look at that fucking outfield. A clubhouse cancer (Dunn), and a convicted felon (Dukes) who's playing centre? Bernie Madoff?

JC: Is this a home run hitters park?

Me: It's just and empty park.

JC: (speaking about Tallet) He's the ace of the staff right now with all the pitching injuries.

Me: Good god.

Me: Then again it's ok. We're we're playing a team that Rick Vaughn probably faced in the California Penal League.

JC: Zimmerman is up. The face of the franchise.

Me: Does he have a mug shot too?

Darrin Fletcher: The Nats are 18 -46. On pace to lose 120 ball games here.

Me: [snicker, snicker]

DF: (after a grounder bounces off the pitcher) Looks like the ball went off Zimmerman (Jordan) and right over to Zimmerman (Ryan).

Me: Are they married?

DF: When I got to the ball park today, I was surprised how little attention was given to the Montreal Expos. You'd think that they'd hold onto something Expos. But apparently they've just held onto the stats. They've included the Expos stats in the media guide. But if you look around the park, all the memorabilia is devoted to the Senators.

Me: Just when you thought you couldn't hate them anymore...

JC: It's a shame that Montreal could have had a facility like this had things gone differently (alludes to '94 strike).

Me: It's a shame that Jeffery Loria is not in jail and that he and Bud Selig are still allowed to be in baseball.

DF: My favourite memory is the first time the Expos and Blue Jays faced off in interleauge. Canada Day 1997. Roger Clemens vs Jeff Juden. Juden had a no hitter going for most of the game. The roof was off, the place was packed.

Me: [single tear]

Me: Barajas bloop! Game tied at one! 2 out and Joel Inglett pinch hitting for Tallet! Fucking National League double switch! I usually like it, but not when it's working against us! Tallet was pitching great!

JC: You'd think that since the Jays just swept the Phillies they should sweep the Nationals. No disrespect to the Nationals.

Me: No disrespect? Quit being such a wuss and call the game like it should be called. Dis away!!!

Me: Ok fuck this noise, I'm going to go get pissed with Dice and a Doukhabour.

Maniwaki Mobile - The Fix Is In

How else do you explain TFC's "miracle" 6-1 Canadian Club Champ
clincher over Montreal tonight? Never mind shady calls in La Liga,
looks like Canada can compete with any country when it comes to match
throwing. When was the last time you saw a 6-1 tally in a non North
American football game?

Huh?

Just when things were starting to get ugly again, with the two more DL announcements today (one of which is Roy so it might as well count as the whole staff) the lads do the unthinkable by going out blasting the World Champs 7-1.

And add to that, the second win against the Phills in a row. Get swept by the Marlins and follow up by sending Ryan Howard packing. Go figure.

The parallels between this Jays squad and the Canucks' last season are really starting to give me the heebeejeebees. Two teams pegged to tank in the regular season, only to surprise by going strong out of the gate, while easily handling the defending champs, yet go on a mass losing streak and have their star player go down.

[brrrrrrrrrrrrr]

If by a miracle, the Jays make the playoffs and get bounced by the White Sox, I will officially start pouring sand pentagrams around the floors of HQ in protection against ju-ju.

...And Back To Baseball

So the Cup has been hoisted, and Phil and Kobe are have been pencilled into the record books. Looks like summer is truly here, as baseball highlights will now be front row centre on your sporting feed of choice. Let's see what's going on in MLB land.

1. Uggghhh. In perhaps their worst inter-leaugue campaign yet, the Jays are trying to "get back on track." Against the World Champion Phillies. How will they most likely fare? Well let's see. The Jays have been swept by Atlanta and Florida (fuck.you.) this season, not winning a single inter-leauge contest in the process, looks like Ryan Howard and co. are going to definitely be putting on a sequel to last year's "MLB -The Show" X-box offering. Oh look. It's 1-0 Philly.

2. Ugggghhh. Again. Hop...hop...hop...look who else has added to "The Era" by jumping on over to the growing roster of past steroid offenders. Heeeeeeeeeeere's Sammy!

Post Cup Weekend Weigh In

So back from Le Côtes D'Sunshine. Let's observe and report.

1. Pens Win! My god I just saw the highlights and I think I would've had a heart attack if I actually watched it. Sid gets carted off only to return in the 3rd? The Wings hit the crossbar late in the game? Maxime Talbot with two goals? Fleury with an insanely late Cup winning save? I was tense watching, even knowing how it turned out.
And also. I don't care if you like Sid or you don't like Sid. The Pens dethroning the defending champs is great for hockey. Why? Here.


2. Whining Wings. So you had to stand around a little longer on the ice whilst the Pens celebrated? And still won't shut up about it? Weak. Go hang out with LeBron James.

3. Balsillie Gets Bounced. Of course the judge said no. No court is going to allow renegade billionnaire owners to hi jack teams in pro sports leagues with no input by said league. Except for the judge's surprising "NBA Clause" which actually mandates it. No worries. Jim's already set the table in Southern Ont, and it won't be long until hockey comes to Copps Coliseum for good.

Not That He Needs Anymore Rings But...

Ok. Kobe got one without Shaq. Can we all now finally give it a rest?

Maniwaki Mobile - Cup Presentation Post Game

From Gagne:

"'dear hockey god. I hate you.

Sincerely,

Marion Hossa

Maniwaki Mobile - Live From Molly's Reach

Yup. In the greatest Canadian cove with a great Canadian squad. What better place to usher in the Pen's Game 7 Cup clincher?A good job to Sid and co.

Why I Love The NBA Playoffs

Look, I don't watch a ton of hoops. I'd like to sit here and regale you with analysis of the career the stats of John Stockton and Peja Stojakovic. I'd love to be able to to expound the merits of a high post defence. Hell I'd be thrilled if I knew what a triple double is.

But as far as basketball is concerned, I am relegated to the corporate box, a member of an out of town group of prospective clientele, being wined and dined by the host organization in hopes of creating some future partership. A casual observer randomly catching 3 point jump shots in between crus d'étés and sips of Michelob.

However in between said sips I have been privy to some pretty amazing hardwood endeavours. Some being:

1. Reggie Miller Sinking 40 3 pointers In 4 seconds. This is what drew me in way back in 19-90-whatever. My god how did he do it? How did the Pacers keep feeding him the ball? And how did he keep draining those 3's? And how did Patrick Ewing not crumple into a sack and break down in tears on the court? And how did Spike Lee not make a movie about Patrick Ewing not crumpling into a sack and breaking down into tears on the court? And;

2. How Did Larry Seem So Calm On The Bench? Etched into my brain forever. An insanely lunatic tight game, in which Reggie Miller somehow managed to garner the blessing of the Hoops Gods, and looking damn near deified himself, and what's coach Bird doing? Sitting on the bench looking beyond stoic, like it was Sunday afternoon lay up practice. I was losing my shit in my living room watching this nonsense and Larry's chewing gum!!!!????? With 0.000000004 seconds left!!!!?????? How?????!!!!!!!!!!

3. He's Been There Before. Some of my first b-ball memories were of watching him as a player face off against Magic and the Lakers during the '80's, watching from the hallowed cable TV in town at our cousin's house. See on the plains, we only got two channels that came in intermittently on rabbit ears, and a trip to town was like going to Disney World as we got to hang with our cousins and watch Knight Rider. Anyways I remember rooting for Larry and the lads when I happened to catch them, and they won quite often from what I remember. Larry always being the difference maker. And if we're going to talk about difference makers.

4. We Have To Save The Best For Last. And we all know that there are two letters which could sum as close to sporting dominance as there is. M. and J. Holy smokes where to begin? Having watched the majority of my NBA playoffs during the '90's, naturally I've seen a few Bulls games in my time. And to see Jordan do his thing like he did. In season's regular and post, was a thing of utter beauty and complete mastery. Whilst there are many top of the key take offs and fade away 3's, the great MJ memory that stands out the most for me is the Finals clinching shot in '98 that looks like it should have won a cinematography Oscar. What a way to go out. (... let's just never mind that cold cup of coffee with the Wizards)

And now to add the latest piece of late game tape to the Maniwaki All Time Greatest NBA Playoff Ender Enders...[roll tape please]...May we present...Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers Of Los Angeles...

Rain Out Ticker

Ok, the Jays/Rangers got rained out in Texas. Let's look around the wide world of sport and see what's what.

...The judge says to Jim, "You want a team? Fine. It's probably going to cost 100 mill." Jim replies, "Great I've just unveiled the Blackberry Bold 2 - Make Gary Look Like An Ass." Early projections say the device will be the most profitable to date...

...Red Sox route Yanks. Claim tie for AL East lead. Jays remain 1.5 back. It's June 10th. Fuck steroids. I love the 09 season...

...Usain Bolt rolls into the Dot. Grabs award. Sticks out tongue, claps feet together and zips off back to Jamaica to prepare for next meet. His competitors flood the Acme online store....

...Beep! Beep!....

Maniwaki Mobile - Not Live From Fenway

But it sure feels like it. Got the Sox/Yanks on before the Cup game
and Papi stepped up to bat. And i swear to god it felt like 04.You
just knew he was going to hit and there was no way he was walking back
to the dug out. Even if the ticker read .194. And sure enough he
vaulted one over the Monster. And sure enough everyone in Fenway went
bonkers like they just won the World Series. I just love when the Game
says "I'm not done yet."

Papi Can See!

But unfortunately he still can't hit. Like many, many ball fans, I too am a HUGE Big Papi supporter (03/04 sealed the deal. How could it not?) and like the Manny-less masses, I too am more than mildly concerned about his drastic drop off.

I mean, hitting .197 on the season with only 2 bombs... it can't be over yet can it? We don't want to admit it. I don't want to admit it. And I'm rabidly cheering for a compelling, contending Jays squad. Hell, I was even happy to see him hit his first jack of the year even though it was at SkyDome. But even that jack couldn't get him on pace. The guy that once looked absolutely indestructible at the plate now looks very, very, depleted.

It's like he's been shot with a Kryptonite bullet or something.

Or it's like his spinach has been taken away. Or something else that starts with "S" that no one dares utter, even myself. But with the events over the last few seasons, and especially this year, we have our horrid, nagging, creeping, ugly, lurking suspicions that we just can't seem to shake.

Because if Papi gets pinched, it will probably be the darkest day that baseball will have seen for ages. No one would be able to handle it. I certainly wouldn't. It would be too much. It would be like Superman turning out to be in cahoots with Luther all along. We won't allow this to happen.

And that's why Francona, the Red Sox, the Nation, every Papi supporter and hell, every baseball fan for that matter, wants to see Ortiz in the lineup still, even if he is batting ninth and hitting .092. We believe desperately that he'll come back and prove to everyone that despite all the A-Rod, Manny, Rocket, Barry-nanigans, there is a bright spot in this dark era. One that shows that pure skill, a big bat, and an infectious grin can still trump all the syringes and shady shipments.

We desperately do not want Papi mighty Papi to strike out. Because if he does, it will only make those nagging, lurking voices in our collective bleacher consciousness a little bit louder.

Maniwaki To JP! Get Us A Vet!

Now here's JP talking some sense about Roy. There is no way in hell the Jays compete without Doc. Especially after today, where he became the Big's first 10 game winner.

Since this season has already been more than anyone could have hoped for, we need to make a move before the trade deadline. And as far as I can see the biggest ticket item that we can go get is a proven veteran starter. A guy with plenty of pennant race experience as well as play off experience. A guy that's seen more October innings than bunting itself. A guy that might have even won a Cy Young or two in his time, and maybe even a WS Championship.

I wonder where we'd find a guy like that?

Two Things I Wish For

1. That MLB would finally fucking allow embedded vid. Greedy, greedy, bastards.

2. That Johnny Mac would hit .275. This latest infield stab/flick of his is just pure filth.

Redemption For The Release

So the Maniwaki lines alerted me to the Jays dismantling of one Zack Greinke and the Royals and was I ever happy to hear it. I walked through the door, flipped on the Sportsnet, only to have Rance and Jamie provide the "Game In A Flash" with the first words uttered being:

"Well the story here tonight is definitely the Jays getting to Zack Greinke early and making him pay."

Music to my ears. About as pleasing as a new Rise Against record.

If this isn't Maniwaki Fantasy redemption, I don't know what is. Not to mention that Maniwaki hurler, Ricky Romero, is in line for the win.

Oh look, Rod Barajas just hit one out to the Barajas peninsula. 9-3 with only the high ninth to be played...

You Get'em Glavine!

"If you are running a fantasy team, this is the move you make."

You bet Buster. As the ESPN baseball brass analyst takes out the jaws of life and dismantles the train wreck of a front office decision that was Tom Glavine's release by the Braves yesterday. While I was planning to hunker down in HQ and furiously type/spew e-venom at the Braves for basically treating a Hall Of Famers and one of the greatest pitchers in their franchise like some college call up, the above article has done a far better job than I could ever hope to.

Let's just say that the Jedi Council that served as the Braves staff of the '90's and beyond was by far one of the most formidable ever assembled. And often I found myself rooting for the squad in the off season many time for this reason catching a lot of flak for it. But never mind Chipper. If you can't root for Smoltz, Maddux and Glavine, you probably just don't like pitching. Or even baseball. Especially when they're facing off against the Yanks in the World Series. Glavine, along with the aforementioned , was a true master on the mound.

So usually, I would probably give the obligatory tip of the hat to Tom's career, but in this case I won't. Why? For the simple fact that he's not done yet. And I hope he ends up another NL squad that puts the nail in the Braves playoff coffin down the stretch.

Braves bastards...

The Final Chop?

Never mind the Jays dropping an 8-1 tilt on the 20th anniversary of the Dome...the Braves unceremoniously released Tom Glavine today in a move that was about as classless as a Jerry Springer marathon. Is this how you say goodbye to an era?

More tommorrow...

The Good News Ticker...

...Pens still alive!!!! Gonchar gets the go ahead goal, in addition to an assist!!Malkin notches up another three assists!!! Sid finally gets on the Final scoreboard as well!!! Maxime Talbot nets two goals!!! Mario drops the puck in the ceremonial face off!!!! Jagr storms the ice after the third and fires in another empty netter for good measure!!! Euro mullets make a comeback in Pittsburgh!!...

...Roy hits a career high with a 14 K game!!! A complete match to boot!!!! Moves ahead of Greinke for the League lead in wins!!!! Jays remain a only a game and bit back of the Yanks despite a recent nine game losing streak!!! Cito doesn't horse around by giving the game over to the bullpen to blow!!! Kevin Millar gives the post game interview with his kid in tow!!! The kid says that the catcher equipment came today!!! Is there a correspondence with the Jays good fortunes and Kevin Millar in the lineup??? Darn tootin'!!!!...

...Vancouver Whitecaps roll over Toronto FC in the Nutrilite National Championship!! Increase their chances at repping Canada in the CONCACAF Club Tourney!!! I don't even watch soccer!!!!...

...Never mind the Canucks!!! Often call up, Jason Jaffray, gets a hat trick for the Manitoba Moose in the AHL Final!!! Series is tied at two with the Hershey Bears!!! Where the Hell is Hershey?? And who's the mayor???!!! Willie Wonka??!!!!...