R.I.P.

I remember there were billboards in Boston saying , “Jesus saves, but Espo scores on the rebound!”

In other news, congrats to the Blue Jays for clinching a berth in the playoffs. Guerrero & Springer poppin’ the corks….

Hmmm,, only two/2 former TeePees/Blackhawks….

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Originally posted by chuckv97

Too much baseball left to play - my enthusiasm for hockey usually begins after the World (?) Series. Go Hawks Go!

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I will admit to being a fair-weather Red Sox fan. Many of my favorite childhood memories include my paternal grandfather and watching the Sox with him - but that was during the nearly century-long drought. Was a believer for a while in the early Aughts, faith misplaced due to knuckleheaded management decisions. Including riding with Alex Cora, who should have been banned from the sport.

Jackie thinks so, too. Go ahead, try to disagree with her.

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Originally posted by Owen

R.I.P.

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Legend.

I agree with Jackie completely .... matter of fact on seeing her ^^ expression/makeup/aura/vibe/?? the first thing that came to my mind was that she had been giving serious consideration to the plight of the Sox.  

As y'all know I don't follow things closely .... I thought Cora was reasonably well-regarded ... a "players' manager." ???   What's what?

Cora and Springer and others re Houston sign-stealing scandal

thestar.com/sports/blue-jays/t...819e.html

"Because every time any baseball fan thinks of the Astros, the fact that they cheated their way to a World Series victory is the first thing they should think of."

I guess it's a good thing I'm barely a casual fan.... being told what I "should think [of]" doesn't generally get rave reviews from me. 

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Originally posted by chuckv97

Cora and Springer and others re Houston sign-stealing scandal

thestar.com/sports/blue-jays/t...819e.html

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And he had to sit out a subsequent season after getting caught violating league policy on electronic gadgets in Boston.

Bottom line is that the guy has twice been disciplined for cheating. And if he's twice guilty, one can only presume that he's willing to keep cheating if he discovers a method that minimizes his chance of being caught.

Team managers often make boneheaded moves, but sometimes I think they’re throwing mud at a wall, hoping something will stick. Some first round draft choices don’t pan out,, other grey-bearded veterans acquired for a stretch run can’t cut the mustard anymore.
Take the Blue Jays, for instance, , they never imagined in April that Straw, Clement, or Barger would come through like they have (they were minor leaguers last year),, then putting this kid Tresavage on the hot seat lately and watching him pitch like a veteran. Ya jest never know…

... like a veteran???    Didn't we just watch a veteran not make it through the 1st. inning? 

Not that anybody asked, but I thought when they signed him it was a case of him having already shot his wad ... but he was proving me wrong  [up 'til that last outing].

My jury's still out on the CFL shortening the field to 100 yd.    IF/when/?? they make it narrower I'll be doing even more ZzzZZh--zZ--Zzz ---ZzZhZ-ing.

Well, by veteran I thought of a “wily” veteran with an unflappable demeanor, which Tresavage exemplifies. As for Mad Max (he doesn’t know me from Adam, btw) I’ve been leery of using him in critical games,, but who am I to throw him on the trash heap of broken-down hurlers who stayed far too long at the fair, hoping upon hope that some of their 23 year-old magic will miraculously reappear?

As for any and all Canadiana , including the gridiron adventures, bending the knee to all things American in this climate of sneering rivalry, well, good luck with that. Might as well send the Ottawa team to Baltimore or Birmingham as a Canuckian export, sans tariffs.

Panthers Captain Alexander Barkov had knee surgery today. There's speculation he's out for the season, and having seen a vid of being helped off the ice yesterday, it wouldn't surprise.

Dallas Stars Captain Jamie Benn is out at least four weeks, following surgery for a collapsed lung yesterday.

Jeez, captains are dropping like flies. I'm even happier the Broons haven't named one yet.

Is Johnny Bucyk available?

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Originally posted by chuckv97

Is Johnny Bucyk available?

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He still shows up from time to time... God bless him!

In case you folks don't know, The Flower will play for a final time in Pittsburgh this evening, when the Penguins take on the Blue Jackets in pre-season. Game starts at 7. My understanding is that he'll play one period.

Seen some video of him from yesterday's practice. He's the same as he ever was. What a legend both on and off the ice, and what a career!

As understand things Fleury richly deserves all the accolades coming his way .... but for me, "The Flower" is Guy Lafleur.   

& then there’s Theo Fleury….

Yeah, well, you guys is old farts.

So, obviously…. if the Yankees and Blue Jays both win tomorrow,, the Jays win the division and get a by , avoiding the wild card playoff. If the Yanks & Jays both lose ,, the Jays also win the division. If the Jays lose and the Yanks win, the Jays have to play the wild card playoff. If the…. well, you know the drill by now. But there are things we know we don’t know.

Gotta love the lone Expos fan at the Nationals game ,,,, never forgotten, eh?
(how ‘bout those Boston Braves…!)

Richest NHL contract in history just signed: Karill Kaprizov with Minny-Soda. 8 year extension with an AAV of $17 million.

Crosby, Ovi, McDavid , etal will be lining up at the GM’s office soon.

"a rising tide lifts all boats"

"loose lips sink ships"

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Originally posted by chuckv97

Crosby, Ovi, McDavid , etal will be lining up at the GM’s office soon.

"a rising tide lifts all boats"

"loose lips sink ships"

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Others certainly will, but these guys aren't likely to - at least not at these numbers (and term).

Crosby will be torn between his loyalty to the City of Pits and a chance to get his name stamped in silver once again. He won't ask huge money either way.

Ovi has already teased that this may be his last season in the Great Swamp - and has also made clear that when he retires from the NHL he'd like to play a season or two for hometown fans in the KHL before hanging them up altogether.

McDavid is more interesting. He's got his F-U money already, and REALLY wants has name stamped in silver. My prediction is a two-year deal close to where he his, to give the Oilers a bit of cap space to acquire other talent, and to give himself term space to jump elsewhere if conditions appear good elsewhere for a serious Cup run.

In other news, I actually watched a baseball game yesterday. Always fun to see the Sox take down the Yankees in the Bronx.