Tuesday's Thoughts

While thinking about what it would be like to follow a real NFL football team, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* Well, Mike Pettine and Ray Farmer became the next in a long line of fired head coaches and general managers who have been fired by the Cleveland Browns and more specifically by that smooth snake oil salesman, Jimmy Haslam.  While there was no question that Ray Farmer had to go, I really believe that Mike Pettine could have remained as head coach.  Pettine's biggest problem was the decline of the most expensive defensive unit in the NFL.  Firing Pettine made sense if the new general manager was going to be hiring the new head coach.  But according to Snake Oil Jimmy, the head coach will be hired first and then he along with Haslam, his wife and Sashi Brown (the new V.P. of Football Operations) will hire the general manager. What a joke.

* Snake Oil Jimmy's press conference was pathetic. Oh we had to hear how he was accepting full responsibility for the failures of his team, If that is suppose to make me feel better, sorry Snake Oil Jimmy but that does nothing for me. What's clear is that Haslam has no idea what the hell he's doing. We are all suppose to be impressed because he has brought in an executive search company to assist in the hiring of the new head coach. Snake Oil tells us that this company was involved in the hiring of Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, Pete Carroll at Seattle and Andy Reid at Kansas City. Really!! An executive search company was needed to bring Harbaugh to his alma mater or Reid to Kansas City?? Give me a break!! What Haslam didn't tell us was that this company was also involved in the hiring of failed NY Jets General Manager John Idzik.

* Haslam's promotion of Sashi Brown is another example of Snake Oil Jimmy's incompetence. Brown is a lawyer who has worked for the team as its cap specialist and contract negotiator. He is not a football guy, yet Snake Oil Jimmy said that Brown will have ultimate say on the 53 man roster. Brown will also have the final say on draft day.

* Every NFL expert and former coaches have said that the Cleveland job will be the least attractive of all the current openings. But not according to Snake Oil Jimmy. His incompetence will result in the Browns settling for a guy who has never been a head coach in the NFL.

* Johnny Manziel needs to be cut. I'm tired of his defenders trying to justify this spoiled rich kid's actions. He doesn't give a damn about his team, his teammates or the fans. All he cares about is promoting himself. But here's the bigger issue, Manziel is not a pro quarterback. He's too small and his arm isn't strong enough. Couple that with him not being committed to being the best he can be and you have an Arena League QB.

* Heard Justin Gilbert, another one of Ray Farmer's disaster first round picks in 2014, yesterday on Cleveland radio 92.3. The reason why he couldn't make team meetings in his rookie season was because he was a hard sleeper. You can't make this stuff up. This clown needs to be cut too.

* I wonder what Sashi Brown thinks of the $9 million contract that Dwayne Bowe got to do absolutely nothing this year.

* What a great testament to the character of Tom Coughlin by former Giant Justin Tuck. Tuck said that not only was Coughlin a great football coach but he also taught his players how to be good husbands and good parents. Will be interesting to see who the Giants will get to replace their former soon to be Hall of Fame coach.

* So much for exciting college football playoff games. Both games were a bust and one has to wonder how good the championship game will be. In fact the bowl games on New Year's Day were also non-eventful.

* The Maple Leafs head out west for a three game road trip beginning Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks. You have to be impressed with the job that Mike Babcock is doing. The turnaround that this franchise has made since Team President cleaned house and brought in Kyle Dubas, Mark Hunter, Lou Lamiorello and Babcock has been amazing. Maybe Shanny could give Snake Oil Jimmy a call.

* With Wild Card weekend approaching, isn't it interesting that Brian Hoyer is leading the Houston Texans into the playoffs. As was pointed out by someone in Cleveland yesterday, the beginning of the end for Mike Pettine may have been when he was forced to keep Hoyer on the bench after he was injured so Johnny Boy could play.

* Here's hoping Cincy, Washington, Minnesota and Kansas City are victorious this weekend.

* Loved seeing Peyton Manning come off the bench and lead the Broncos to victory and the number one seed in the AFC. I'm not a Denver fan but I would love to see Manning lead them to the Super Bowl.

* The best that could happen to the Browns is if Hue Jackson or Jim Schwartz were hired as their new head coach. Both have head coaching experience in the NFL.

* And finally, it was really nice listening to former Browns Head Coach Sam Rutigliano yesterday. Brought back many great memories of the Kardiac Kids Days. Not sure if we will ever get back to Cleveland being relevant in the NFL again under Snake Oil Jimmy.

Leafs Reach .500 with 4-1 win

With four unanswered goals, the last one into an empty net, the Toronto Maple Leafs reached .500 for the first time this year completing a 2 game sweep of the St. Louis Blues with a 4-1 victory at the Air Canada Centre.  For the second game in a row, Jonathan Bernier was solid as he came up with several big saves and withstood a furious attempt by St. Louis at the end of the game.  With the status of James Reimer up in the air, the Leafs will need Bernier to continue his recent play.

Peter Holland looked the part of a former first round pick scoring the ultimate game winner on a bullet of a shot that Blues goalie Jake Allen had no chance on.  Holland led all Leaf forwards with seven shots and really has stepped up his play since being sent up to the press box earlier this season.  You have to be impressed with the overall play of Nazem Kadri as he scored a key insurance goal last night that gave the Leafs a 3-1 lead that pretty much salted the game away.  What is most impressive is his play defensively as Coach Mike Babcock matches Kadri's line against the other team's top line.

As was pointed out last night during the telecast, it is remarkable to look at where the Leafs were last year compared to this year.  While last year's team was seventh overall in the East, it was evident to many that they were not as good as the record showed.  That became very clear after the firing of Randy Carlyle and the awful record under Peter Horachek.  The biggest difference with this year's team was described by Tyler Bozak. Bozak indicated that last year when the team fell behind they knew they would lose. This year, according to Bozak, they expect to win every game and never feel they are out of a game. That has been clear to me even in October when the team could not post a win.

Many in Leaf Nation seem to be confused as to whether they should be happy with the team's play or upset that they are not losing more.  My thoughts on this: 1.) Mike Babcock is developing a culture that will be long lasting.  Accountability and being defensively responsible are the key along with not being afraid to go into the dirty areas offensively.  When the Nylanders and Marners are ready to put the Leaf uniform on there will be no confusion as to what the expectations are if you want ice time and 2.) If we take Leaf management at its word, many current Maple Leafs will not be with the club after February 29th.  I will be surprised if some of the players signed to one year contracts and pending free agents are not moved for draft picks thus further stocking the team's young talent pool.  In the end, we need to appreciate the turnaround that is taking place.  With a draft class that may be one of the deepest, the Leafs are certain to get a very talented player with their first round pick.

As the team heads out West this week, Leaf fans have to be optimistic with the direction of the franchise. What a difference a year makes!!!

Tuesday's Thoughts

While trying to stay warm, here's what is on my mind this morning:

* The Toronto Maple Leafs are limping home after a terrible 2-7 road trip which leaves them hanging on to the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. There has been plenty of discussion about what needs to be done to turn this team around. There are those who believe that the coach should be fired and there are others who say that some of the core players should be moved. But another piece that should be considered is the general manager. If you want to talk about the core players, it was Nonis who re-signed Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel to their current contracts. It was Nonis who gave the ridiculous contract to Mimico's own David Clarkson. And it was Nonis who signed 37 year old Stephane Robidas. Maybe the first person that needs to go is Dave Nonis.

* While many like to get on Kessel and Phaneuf, the fact of the matter is that both of them are players who are miscast. Phaneuf is not a true number one defenseman. He's a good number 2 or 3 but he is expected to be the shut down guy. Kessel is a goal scorer. He's not a Selke Trophy candidate but neither is Patrick Kane. Kane has Toews, who does Kessel have? Both of these players are miscast and I have more of a problem with the contract that Clarkson has than Kessel's and Phaneuf's. Let me ask who would have more value on the trade market: Kessel, Phaneuf or Clarkson?

* In my mind, Randy Carlyle needs to go. Carlyle's teams have historically declined in the area of puck possession. This includes his time in Anaheim. In the three seasons that Carlyle started as head coach, the Leafs have had monumental collapses. Players certainly share in the blame, but so does the head coach.

* I find it interesting how in love so many Leaf fans are with Cody Franson. He certainly has a great shot from the point but he is slow and I don't find him all that great defensively. If history tells us anything, the Leafs will overpay to keep him. In case anyone realizes it, Franson is part of the core.

* In the end, the problem stills circles back to Dave Nonis.

* The National Football League should be ashamed of itself for a lot of reasons but one of them has to be the state of the performance of their referees. Officiating this year has been awful and the Detroit-Dallas playoff game really put a spotlight on this sad state of affairs. I have been watching football for over 50 years and all I have ever heard was that a defender needs to be looking at the ball in order to potentially make a play. The Dallas linebacker never looked back toward the ball and he made contact with the Detroit receiver. How the flag could be picked up on that play is a joke. But it doesn't end there. At the end of this play, Dez Bryant goes on the field without his helmet on and was screaming at the officials. This is a blatant unsportsmanlike penalty but apparently no offical saw this. The NFL is the most popular major sport in North America but it is the only sport of the four major ones that employs part-time officials. The integrity of the game is being called into question with such terrible officiating.

* Of course, no one should think that the NFL cares about integrity when money is what drives it. Case in point, the owner of the St.Louis Rams has announced that he is going to build a new stadium in Inglewood, California which would lead to the franchise moving to Los Angeles. How does a current St.Louis season ticket holder re-up for the 2015 season? And where is Roger Goodell looking out for those fans? He could careless because it is all about the money.

* But for the Dallas game, the other three wild card matchups were not very exciting. 

* The situation with the Buffalo Bills has really gone south. While everyone wants to blast Doug Marrone, it was Russ Brandon who gave him his contract with the $4 million dollar guaranteed opt out and it was Doug Whaley who traded away the team's first round draft pick in 2015 in order to acquire Sammy Watkins. The problem is there is only one person currently on the roster who could throw to Watkins and that is EJ Manuel.

* Speaking of the Watkins trade, it seems that Marrone was extremely opposed to the trade as he and Whaley argued over the move. While Bills fans may feel that Marrone is a control freak jerk, he was right about the trade as the Bills could have drafted an Odell Beckham Jr. and still had their number one draft pick this year. 

* Reports out of New York is that the interview with the Jets did not go very well for Marrone. One has to wonder how much of that was as a result of the New York media, particularly the Daily News, slamming the Jets if they settled on Marrone. In the end, Marrone may find himself sitting out this season while he collects his $4 million dollars from Terry Pegula.

* Johnny Manziel was involved in another bar incident, this time in Houston, Texas. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said that the team would not put up with players who are not committed to winning. What more does this organization need to see that this kid is a media creation who is nothing more than a cartoon character. Manziel needs to be removed from the Browns organization.

* While very painful to watch, Phil Jackson is doing the right thing by tearing down the New York Knicks. With only 5 wins, New York is going nowhere this season and so it is imperative to clear cap space and be in position for a top pick in this year's draft.

* It has been reported that the Yankees have interviewed Willie Randolph for the first base/infield coaching job. I have been calling for this to happen since Mick Kelleher was fired. This is a no-brainer and Number 30 should be in the first base coaching box this season.

* When is the NCAA going to start looking into the lawless college football program called Florida State. Jimbo Fisher is an enabler who condones all of the various misdeeds. If you want a window in the mindset of this program, just look at the end of their game against Oregon when the team went straight to their locker room without congratulating the Ducks.

* I pity the team who drafts "Crablegs" Winston in the 2015 NFL Re-entry Draft.

* Here's hoping that Jim Harbaugh restores the Michigan football program.

* Love the fact that the SEC had a terrible bowl season. The smugness of its fans and the ESPN connection is enough to make anyone get sick.

* As someone pointed out yesterday, if there was no playoff format the national championship game would have been between Florida State and Alabama.

* I'm not an Urban Meyer fan, so I will be rooting for Oregon to win the national championship.

* And finally, congratulations to my Canadian friends in the big win for Team Canada in the World Juniors Tournament.

Tuesday's Thoughts

While wondering if anyone under the age of 45 in Western New York knows what "The Little Three" is, here's what is on my mind this morning:

* Well I wonder if Joe Thomas still thinks that Brian Hoyer gives the Cleveland Browns the best chance to win. If he does then he has taken too many blows to the head while playing on the offensive line. The Browns confounded Andrew Luck for a good portion of the game, scored two touchdowns on their own and set up a field goal with an interception but it was still not enough as the Indianapolis Colts came from behind to defeat the Browns 25-24. The defense forced the Colts into four turnovers but the most the Browns could get out of that was three points. But this has been a problem for weeks and the blame lies with Hoyer and Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan. 

* Hoyer had good field position throughout most of the game but was unable to capitalize on it. I'm not sure what more needs to be seen to realize that Brian Hoyer is not a starting quarterback let alone a franchise quarterback. You saw one on Sunday in Andrew Luck. Even when they are having a bad day, they make plays to win and Luck did just that particularly in the second half. 

* Really disturbed over reports by Jay Glazer that the Browns were not happy with Johnny Manziel because he was at a Cleveland Cavaliers game. According to the report, the Browns are concerned over Manziel's lack of preparation and that he should have been spending his time getting ready for the Colts' game because there was a chance he might start. Are you kidding me? If this is true then the Ray Farmer/Mike Pettine era may rank up there with the list of dumb regimes that have ran the Cleveland Browns since 1999. The Browns knew that this kid marches to his own drumbeat. His off the field exploits should not be a surprise. Besides, two hours at a Cavs game is going to make the difference in whether Manziel is ready to play? Give me a break!!

* Saw Coach Mike Pettine's press conference and I'm still not sure who will be starting against Cincinnati this Sunday. If the Browns have no intention of bringing Hoyer back or they don't feel they can keep him at what they consider fair, then Johnny Manziel should be the starter. By the way, in my opinion, he should have been the starter against the Colts. 

* The Toronto Maple Leafs have a big week coming up with two sets of back to back games. The first set begins tonight at 7:30 as the surprising Calgary Flames roll into the ACC. The Leafs are 4-1 on this current homestand and they would like to close it out with a victory. Then on Wednesday they go over to Detroit to take on the Red Wings. The Wings have been playing well as of late and the Leafs must be ready from the opening face off in both of these games. I would imagine that James Reimer will play one of these two games. Jonathan Bernier has really asserted himself as the team's number one but Reimer should get one of these two games. The weekend sees the Leafs hosting Detroit on Saturday and the defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings on Sunday. No doubt that both goalies will see action over the weekend. 

* It had been reported a week or so ago that Phil Kessel is fending off some nagging injuries and it looks it. Kessel never wants to come out of the lineup but he doesn't seem to have his usual spark when he has the puck in open ice. He seems to be laboring quite a bit. If he is hurting, the team needs to step in as missing a couple of games in December isn't a big deal but missing 5 or more in February and March could be a big problem. 

* It is really a pleasure to see the Leafs utilizing all four lines. The off season acquisitions have panned out as Mike Santorelli, Daniel Winnik, Richard Panik, Leo Komorov and David Booth are giving the Leafs forward depth that they have not had in quite awhile. Wonder if Randy Carlyle misses Colton Orr and Fraser McLaren. 

* Nazem Kadri really impressed me Saturday night against Vancouver. Carlyle had Kadri centering a line with Mike Santorelli and Daniel Winnik. Their assignment was to battle the Sedins and Kadri was every bit up to the task. The defensive side of the game has been a concern pertaining to Kadri's play. But, it's obvious that the young center has received the message and is starting to round out his game. This bodes well for the Leafs along with the development of their other young center, Peter Holland. Both of these former first round draft picks are giving the Leafs some hope at the center position. 

*The Baseball Winter Meetings began yesterday and it will be interesting to see what the New York Yankees do as they still have some holes to fill. Last week, the Yanks traded Shane Greene in a three team deal to acquire shortstop Didi Gregorius. Gregorius will fill the shortstop position vacated by the retirement of Derek Jeter. This 25 year old youngster is an excellent defender but has a weak bat. Moving Greene creates another hole in the starting rotation that has Masahiro Tanaka (fingers crossed he doesn't need Tommy John), Ivan Nova (won't be ready until May-June coming off Tommy John), CC Sabathia (coming off knee surgery) and Michael Pineda. If Adam Warren and David Phelps round out this rotation, I don't care who they have in the bullpen. 

* Speaking of the bullpen, letting David Robertson go is a huge mistake. Brian Cashman has said that they don't have a proven closer and that they might go after someone like Jason Grilli. Are you kidding me? There is something terribly wrong with this organization as it seems coming up through the farm system means nothing when it comes to free agency. 

* Its being reported that the Yankees and Giants are the team's most interested in Chase Headley. 

* The Cubs signed Jason Hammel and appear to be in on Jon Lester. According to Jon Heyman, the Cubs and the Giants appear to be the favorites to sign the 30 year old left-hander. If the Cubs get Lester look out!!

* The other Chicago team, the White Sox have made two huge moves signing Yankee closer David Robertson and acquiring Jeff Samardzija. 

* The Seattle Mariners seem to be the favorites to sign Miquel Cabrera. You know Robinson Cano will be lobbying for the Melkman. If they get Cabrera, the Mariner lineup bulks up big time with Cabrera, Cruz and Cano. 

* The Oakland A's appear to be in sell off mode as they have moved Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays and Brandon Moss to Cleveland along with letting Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija go. Apparently, Billy Beane believes he needs to re-tool with youth. 

* Interesting story about how the relationship between David Ortiz and Alex Rodriguez has soured ever since ARod's attorney questioned Ortiz's use of PEDs. If the shoe fits, wear it Big Papi. 

* The NCAA Playoff Committee got it right by knocking TCU out of the final four and putting Ohio State in it. The Buckeyes deserve the opportunity after defeating Wisconsin in convincing fashion 59-0 in the Big Ten Championship Game. What made it more impressive was that the Buckeyes did it with their third string quarterback. 

* Really looking forward to watching Marcus Mariota and his Oregon Ducks take on Crablegs Winston and Florida State. Here's hoping the Ducks do the job on the lucky Seminoles. 

* Paul MacLean was fired yesterday as head coach of the Ottawa Senators. Rather strange since this guy was the darling of the hockey world two years ago. Maybe the powers that be in Ottawa should realize that they don't have a very good team. I'm sure MacLean will find a job somewhere next season. 

* There is a report that Cubs starting shortstop Starlin Castro may have been involved in a firefight in a nightclub in the Dominican Republic. I really like Castro and think he could be a star shortstop for years to come but if he is involved here this won't bode well for him with GM Theo Epstein. 

* Two of the most sought after head coaches in the NFL may be Jim Harbaugh and Rex Ryan. I've seen Ryan's name mentioned with Atlanta and Chicago. Harbaugh is rumored to be coveted by Oakland and the NY Jets. 

* And finally, The Little Three consisted of the three Catholic independent basketball teams in Western New York: Niagara, Canisius and St.Bonaventure. The schools would play a home and home series each year, though Niagara's home games were played at Buffalo's War Memorial Auditorium because the Student Center (now named the Gallagher Center) was too small. These three schools regularly played Syracuse, Villanova, St. John's and Providence. In fact, all three programs were better than Georgetown. 

Tuesday's Thoughts

While wondering who will win a World Series first, the Yankees or the Cubs, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* Well, the Cleveland Browns once again won a game yet somehow many weren't overly excited. You see, as against the winless Oakland Raiders last week, the Browns struggled to win 22-17 over the 1-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While throwing for 300 yards, Brian Hoyer still had enough moments to make one wonder if he is the quarterback of the future. Once again the Browns sputtered inside the red zone in the first half. These last eight games of the season will be important for this franchise to determine if Hoyer is the guy. If he's not, then there is a decision that will have to be made: go with Johnny Manziel or draft another quarterback.

* Really like the undrafted wide receiver from Abilene Christian, Taylor Gabriel. He is a part of a receiving corp that has stepped up in the absence of Josh Gordon. I really think they should try this kid on kick and punt returns.

* With the performances of rookie wide receivers Mike Evans, Odell Beckham and Sammy Watkins, I don't know what Browns GM Ray Farmer was thinking in passing up on any of them.

* Thursday night's game against Cincinnati may well decide the direction of this season for the Browns. With the bunched up AFC North and wild card teams, the Browns will need as many wins as possible. A loss would not be devastating but it will make the road to the playoffs all that much harder. 

* The Toronto Maple Leafs begin a four game stretch tonight against the Arizona Coyotes where they will play 3 out of the next 4 on the road. It will be imperative that the Leafs continue their recent play in this 4 game stretch. 

* It is really tiring to hear the constant goaltending debate both in the media and in Leaf Nation. I think it is clear that Leaf management considers Jonathan Bernier the number one goalie. If both Bernier and James Reimer play well, it only benefits the team. In spite of Reimer's great performance against Chicago, I would expect Bernier to play 3 of the 4 games with Reimer playing Sunday against the Ottawa Senators in the back end of a back-to-back weekend. Reimer has a very good record against the Sens. 

* One has to wonder what is going on with the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers lost to the St. Louis Rams on Sunday and the rumors are really heating up about the future of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. The most popular rumor has him going to his alma mater, Michigan. But keep an eye on the situation in Chicago where questions are being asked about Marc Trestman. The Seahawks held on to defeat the winless Oakland Raiders. Things were so bad that the 12th Man booed the World Champs off the field at halftime. There seems to be plenty of internal issues in that locker room and one wonders if Pete Carroll is the right guy to deal with the situation. 

* Kudos to Mark Sanchez for a nice game filling in for the injured Nick Foles in Philadelphia's 31-21 win over the Houston Texans. Foles will be out 6 to 8 weeks, so Sanchez will have an excellent opportunity to further prove what a moron NY Jets General Manager John Idzik is. It was Idzik who drafted Geno Smith and basically pushed Sanchez out of New York. 

* The New England Patriots continue their winning ways by dominating the Denver Broncos 43-21. The Patriots own the best record in the AFC, so much for the demise of Belichek and Brady. 

* Really felt bad for Ole Miss on Saturday as they lost their star receiver with a broken leg and lost the game against Auburn all on the same play.  

* I'm amazed at the amount of hate being directed at Knicks head honcho Phil Jackson. Funny how I don't remember hearing anything when he was coaching the Bulls and Lakers. By the way, I think Derek Fisher is going to make a good NBA coach. 

* If the Yankees don't re-sign David Robertson, Brian Cashman is a bigger idiot than I thought. Robertson replaced the greatest closer in the game and did an excellent job. To allow him to leave and place the closing role on Dellin Betances is a huge mistake but what do you expect from a GM who stockpiles past their prime players. 

* Reports out of New York also indicate that the Boy Genius Cashman is considering bringing back Stephen Drew to play shortstop. What a joke!!

* The Alex Rodriguez story continues as it is being reported that A-Rod paid his cousin, Yuri Sucart, $1,000,000 million dollars for his silence about A-Rod's PED use. Apparently, A-Rod is a key witness in the government's case against Sucart and Anthony Bosch.

* Monday the Chicago Cubs announced the hiring of Joe Maddon as their manager. This was a great move by Theo Epstein as the Cubs and their young stars appear to be ready to be contenders in the National League Central Division. The Cubs are being mentioned as being big-time players in this year's free agent market with Jon Lester and Max Scherzer being on their shopping list. Maddon should be the right guy to bring playoff dreams to the North Side.

* Wrigley Field is undergoing renovations so the Cubs held the Maddon press conference at the iconic Cubby Bear Lounge which is across the street from Wrigley. At the end of the press conference, Maddon called on a bartender to give everyone a shot and a beer and that it was on him. My kind of guy!!

* This past Friday was Halloween and the Western New York Sport's Leader, WGR 550, had a Candy Draft on Stupe & the Bulldog Show. Not that anything else was going on in the world of sports. Oops, I forgot the Bills had a bye so the NFL didn't exist this past weekend.

* And finally, whatever happened to The Coach, Chuck Dickerson.