Tuesday's Thoughts

While not being able to handle the first winter weather of the year, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* Well, I had a feeling Brian Cashman wasn't done yet and sure enough the Yankees acquired fireballing reliever Aroldis Chapman for 4 minor leaguers, none of which were any of the team's top prospects.  With Chapman, the Yankees will have an awesome back of the bullpen with Andrew Miller, Dellin Betances and Chapman.  The only concern is whether the 3-time 27 year old All-Star will be suspended for an alleged domestic violence incident.  One would think that the Yankees would have checked out the situation and believe even if Chapman is suspended he would still be available for most of the 2016 season.  A bulked up hard throwing bullpen will help to bolster a fragile starting rotation.

* As many of you who follow me know, I have been extremely critical of Cashman but right now I would give him high marks for this off season's acquisitions as the Yankees continue to get younger and more athletic.  It will only get better as the 4 big contracts come off the books.(Beltran, Sabathia, Texiera and ARod)

* The Maple Leafs continue to shock many in Leafs Nation as they defeated the New York Islanders in the Barclay Center.  It is apparent that the team is responding quite well to Head Coach Mike Babcock and if they can get decent goaltending they will be a factor in determining who gets into the playoffs.  One only wonders where they would be in the standings if they hadn't had such a terrible October.

* What will be interesting to see is who General Manager Lou Lamiorello will try to move at the trade deadline.  Certainly it's possible that Michael Grabner and P.A.Parentau could be moved but one has to wonder if there would be any consideration to move Roman Polak or fan favorite Leo Komorov.  Of course, there is the persistent speculation about the Leaf futures of Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuf and Tyler Bozak.

* Speaking of Bozak, it has been really annoying how this guy has been a constant whipping boy.  The fact remains that he didn't ask to be the team's number one center.  He is a college free agent who has played up to his ability and has served the Leafs well.  Babcock seems to have slotted him perfectly as is the case with Dion Phaneuf.

* Watching William Nylander get knocked out of Team Sweden's game against Switzerland had me thinking that this franchise is cursed.  Luckily, the word is that he very well may play again in the World Juniors and that is good news for Sweden and better news for the Marlies and the Maple Leafs.

* It's interesting how Manzielmania continues to grow with each game that Johnny Football plays.  I guess I'm confused as to how an NFL quarterback who rushes for nearly the same number of yards as he passes for is the formula for a Super Bowl contender.  

* While I would agree that it may be unfair to evaluate Manziel with the receivers that he has to throw to, his actions off the field may be just as important when determining whether or not he is the quarterback of the future.  Of course, now we see the Christmas Eve video of Manziel with an alcoholic beverage in his hand.  Many will say what is the big deal.  But the big deal is this kid was in an alcohol rehabilitation program.  He shouldn't be drinking period.  This has to call into question his judgment. To me the Browns have 2 options: 1.) get rid of him or 2.) keep him and draft another quarterback, not necessarily with their first round pick.

* The Bleacher Report is reporting that Ray Farmer will be shown the door once the season is over but Mike Pettine will be retained as head coach.  I don't have a problem with that, particularly if Browns owner Jimmy Haslam insists that Pettine bring in some assistants who have some pro football experience.  There is also rumors that Haslam will bring in former Green Bay GM Ron Wolf to act as a consultant to rebuild football operations.  Would be a good move in my opinion.

* It didn't take long for the honeymoon to end between Bills fans and Buffalo head coach Rex Ryan.  What is very telling is how the Bills have regressed under Ryan and the Jets are on the verge of making the playoffs under Todd Bowles.

* If I were a member of the Jets and needed additional motivation for Sunday's game, all I would think about is how Ryan was jumping around on the sidelines after the Bills win at MetLife Stadium earlier this season.

* Would really like to see Arizona or Carolina win the Super Bowl.  Bruce Arians has done a great job and it's fun watching Carson Palmer have a chance to go far in the playoffs, particularly after the crushing injury he received a few years back against the Steelers when he was playing for Cincinnati.  What can I say about Cam Newton.  The kid is having an awesome year and Ron Rivera has this team really playing well.  Would be a great NFC Championship Game.

* I don't know what to think about the Al Jazeera report about Peyton Manning and others using HGH. It seems hard to believe that Manning would risk his reputation.  With the so-called source recanting his story, one would have to give Peyton the benefit of the doubt.

* For all of the gasbags and self-righteous morons who are slamming Mike Ditka for calling Al Jazeera not credible and garbage, I'm with Ditka.  Since when is Al Jazeera a sports reporting agency.  Credit to Da Coach for telling it like it is.

* With word that the Maple Leafs are looking to change their uniforms, one has to wonder how much of this is a result of Addidas getting the NHL contract for apparel next season.  We know that Nike was involved in the ridiculously stupid new uniforms for the Browns.  So much for tradition.

* There was an interesting article last week in the NY Post that raised the question as to whether or not Sidney Crosby is a coach killer.  Crosby has had four head coaches in his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins.  The article pointed out that Crosby has a close relationship with Penguins owner and icon, Mario Lemieux.  I'm a Crosby fan, but the article gave me something to think about.

* If the playoffs started tomorrow in the NFL, the starting quarterbacks for the AFC playoff teams would be: Tom Brady, AJ McCarron, Brandon Weeden, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Alex Smith and Brock Osweiler.  A far cry from the days of Kelly, Elway, Kosar, Marino and Esiason.

* By the way, the Browns could have had Bruce Arians or Todd Bowles as their head coach.

* Really looking forward to watching the Final Four in the College Football Playoffs and the Fiesta Bowl with Notre Dame and Ohio State.  I'm pulling for Oklahoma, Michigan State and the Fighting Irish.

* Wonder if the gasbags on WGR550 realize that these college games are taking place this weekend.  I'd bet anything I have that there will not be a segment in the morning or during drive time about them. More concerned about getting the right musical effects when they talk about Ryan O'Reilly.

* Here's hoping that you all have a Happy and Healthy 2016!!

Tuesday's Thoughts

While loving the fact that we may not have a White Christmas, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* The Cleveland Browns had an impressive win on Sunday against the Blaine Gabbert led 49ers and many are ready to anoint Johnny Manziel as THE guy to lead the Browns to the Super Bowl.  I'm not ready to go that far as the better tests will be upcoming against Seattle, Kansas City and Pittsburgh.  While I don't expect the Browns to win any of those games, it would be encouraging if they were competitive and Manziel played a part in that.

* It's amazing that the Browns were able to finally run the ball and the defense played their best game of the year.  Of course, one has to wonder how much of this was as a result of San Francisco being awful.  That's why the next 3 games will be interesting.

* I'm hearing rumblings that Browns GM Ray Farmer may be saved and that it will be Mike Pettine who will be shown the door.  For Farmer to keep his job after having blown 4 first round draft picks in 2 years, terrible free agent signings, allowing productive players leave via free agency and an inability to realize that you need playmakers to win is a total outrage.  Pettine ends up being the fall guy for an organization that is a joke.

* The Maple Leafs play tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Steven Stamkos.  Rumors are flying big time about the feud between Stamkos and Lightning head coach Jon Cooper and that Stamkos will head to free agency on July 1st.  There are many in the Toronto media who believe that Stamkos could come to the Maple Leafs as a result.  This was further fueled by Stamkos "liking" a tweet talking about the 25 year old superstar coming back to his hometown.  I am not going to get overly excited just yet.  If we get past the trade deadline on February 29th and Stamkos is still playing for Tampa Bay without a contract extension then come see me.

* Tonight's game is going to be a big one for Jonathan Bernier as this will be his first game back since coming off his stint with the Marlies.  A weak performance could be the beginning of the Garrett Sparks era for at least the remainder of this season.

* The announcement that the Maple Leafs are going to change their logo and uniform for their 100th Anniversary season next year has me on high alert.  The Leafs are an Original 6 franchise and the Maple Leaf logo is iconic.  While a uniform re-design is one thing, playing around with the logo and the colors is another.  Would the Green Bay Packers, New York Yankees, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Black Hawks or Detroit Red Wings change their logos and team colors?  If the plan is to go back to the early 60's logo I'm ok with that.  But any Star Wars type change is a disgrace. Besides, I still haven't got over the Browns stupid uniform changes!!!

* Someone should tell LeSean McCoy to keep his mouth shut.  His rant against Eagles head coach Chip Kelly during the week got rammed down his throat after the Eagles defeated the Bills on Sunday essentially ending Buffalo's chances to make the playoffs.  Then he shows no guts by storming off the field, throwing his helmet and blowing off reporters after the game.  What a great role model!!!

* I'm beginning to wonder about Rex Ryan.  I believed that he got a raw deal in New York and that he would be a good fit for the Bills.  But, his team's performance this year calls into question his coaching abilities.  What's most troubling is the lack of discipline which has resulted in an alarming number of penalties.

* Despite his ability, the Bills need to move Jerry Hughes.  His stupid uncalled for penalties week after week are an embarrassment.

* Take a look at this Sunday's NFL schedule.  There is only one game, Denver vs Pittsburgh, where both teams are over .500.  What a joke and it shows that the product being put out there every weekend is inferior to what it used to be.  But it doesn't matter as ratings are up and the NFL continues to make money hand over foot.  I'm so glad I canceled The Sunday Ticket.

* Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has determined that Pete Rose's reinstatement request has been denied.  Manfred's decision is based upon the fact that Rose has shown no remorse and he continues to gamble.  Noble reasons indeed however hard for me to swallow when Major League Baseball are partners with Draft Kings, the fantasy sports website which has been outlawed in a number of states because it has been determined as a form of gambling.

* Let me start out by saying that I was never a Pete Rose fan.  But, he is the all time hits leader and deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.  What has never been proven is that Rose threw games in order to win a bet.  In fact, he bet on the Reds.  In the Black Sox Scandal, it was determined that members of the White Sox threw games in order to get paid.  As a result, Shoeless Joe Jackson has been barred from the Hall even though many believe that Jackson was not directly involved with the plot.

* I still believe that Brian Cashman will make another move or two to shore up the Yankee pitching staff.

* And finally, take a look at the nationally prime time games coming up this week.  Tampa Bay - St. Louis on Thursday, NY Jets - Dallas on Saturday, Arizona - Philadelphia on Sunday and Detroit - New Orleans on Monday.  In this group, only the Jets and Cardinals are over .500.  Yet, people will watch.  Enjoy!!!

Tuesday's Thoughts

While hoping El Nino' never leaves Western New York, here is what's on my mind:

* As many of you may know, I have been very critical of Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman.  But his trades this off season have been good ones acquiring Aaron Hicks in November and this evening getting Starlin Castro from the Cubs for Adam Warren and Brendan Ryan.  Castro is 25 years old and a 3 time All-Star and immediately answers the second base question.  These moves continue to make the Yankees younger which has been long overdue.  

* I have a feeling that Cashman is not done as it has been reported that the Yanks are looking for another young pitcher.  Ivan Nova and Brett Gardner are possible trade chips and with the acquisition of Castro, Rob Refsnyder could also be available.  It also could set up the possibility for Refsnyder to go back to the outfield which is the position he originally played.  It's about time that the Yankees realize that they must avoid these long term mercenary contracts to older players.  

* The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to be fun to watch as they turned in a 3-2 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils.  The Leafs outshot the Devils and young goalie Garrett Sparks earned his 4th win since coming up to the big team from the Marlies.  The kid has filled in admirably with James Reimer injured and Jonathan Bernier being sent down for a conditioning stint.

* You would have to be blind to not see the difference in the Leafs from last season.  Nazem Kadri has really picked up his play and that has also been the case with Peter Holland.  The Mike Babcock effect is evident.

* With the way William Nylander and Mitch Marner have been playing, the future is looking brighter for the Blue & White.

* Well it's official: Johnny Manziel will be the starting quarterback Sunday for the Cleveland Browns against the San Francisco 49'ers.  I'm glad he's starting because I'm tired of hearing the Manzealots whine and complain.  As far as I'm concerned, Head Coach Mike Pettine was right in sitting him.  What hurts Pettine is he doesn't have the pedigree that a more experienced coach has because no one would be questioning the move if this was Bill Belchick or Tom Coughlin doing this.

* The Browns organization is a total joke and the man who needs to be held accountable is Jimmy Haslam.  It's obvious he doesn't have a clue and must get rid of General Manager Ray Farmer and Pettine.  Farmer had an opportunity to move this franchise forward as he had 4 first round draft picks.  Instead he has set this franchise back at least 3-4 years by his terrible drafts and questionable free agent signings.

* I agree with a caller from the Drennan Live show that Haslam needs to overpay for an established current general manager and name him President of Football Operations and give that person total control.  Anything short of that will continue this disaster.

* Was interested to see on Twitter someone calling for a boycott of the Browns game on Sunday.  It's about time.

* The number of bowl games is a complete joke.  What's worse is that there are 3 teams with 5-7 records playing in a bowl game.  

* Really looking forward to the Ohio State - Notre Dame game at the Fiesta Bowl.  Go Irish!!

* The NFL continues to alienate long time fans like yours truly by the ridiculous rule interpretations that seem to change weekly.  By far this season has been the worst for officiating in the NFL.  

* There are so many mediocre teams in the NFL that the NFC East and AFC South division winners could be below .500.

* And finally, only at Orchard Park can people be having sex in the parking lot after a Bills game.  Hence, Buffalo being called the City of Good Neighbors.

Leafs: What A Difference A Coach Makes

For those people who don't believe that a coach makes a difference, I submit to you the 2015-2016 Toronto Maple Leafs.  No, Head Coach Mike Babcock is not going to coach this team to the Stanley Cup Finals.  Hell, the Leafs may not even make the playoffs.  But what he has done is instill the importance of hard work, paying attention to detail and competing every night.

One only has to look at Toronto's last two games to see the Babcock effect.  The Leafs were blown out by the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday night.  They traveled to Minnesota to take on the Wild the following night.  Last year's team would have gone through the motions after a rough front half of a back-to-back.  Not Babcock's team.  While they lost 1-0 to Minnesota, the Leafs played a good road game and could not cash in on their chances.  That had more to do with a lack of skill players than it did with a decrease in work ethic.

You can also see what I'm talking about during a game.  This team has fallen behind in games only to come back and give themselves a chance to win.  That just didn't happen last year.  The most important acquisition the Leafs made this off season was getting Mike Babcock.

In the last 20 years, the Leafs reached the Stanley Cup semi-finals four times.  In those seasons, their head coach respectively was Pat Burns and Pat Quinn.  Quality hockey men who the players knew meant business.  That's where we are now with Babcock behind the bench.  

Brendan Shanahan and Babcock have said that there will be pain during this rebuilding process.  But with Babcock as their coach and Lou Lamoriello as their general manager, the Leafs are setting the stage for a resurgence.  With William Nylander and Mitch Marner in the wings and other youngsters like Connor Brown, Stuart Percy and others ready to emerge to partner with Morgan Reilly and JVR, the future looks bright.  In the meantime, the Leafs have become a team that the fan base can rally around.  Hard work, paying attention to detail and competing every night is what Leaf fans are looking for at this point as we know that better days are around the corner.