Maniwaki NBA Free Agency Scenario

Ok so everybody's pitching Lebron to go to the Gardens and make the Knicks relevant again or now their saying that he's going to join Bosh and Wade and set up in Miami with David Caruso as head coach and blah, blah, blah...

I'm sick of reading all of this basketbullshit. It's all as up in the air as Vince Carter 3 point attempt. How about this scenario?

Brian Colangelo shocks the basketball world by shipping off Hedo Turkoglu and Jose Calderon and considerations to the Heat for a resigned Dwyane Wade, and then dips into the vast MLSE coffers and throws out a damn near quarter of a billion dollars for LeBron. Throwing in some prime Queen's Quay property to boot. In fact how about all of it. He then naturally resigns Bosh and the Raptors change their name and all go off to form the next NBA dynasty winning four banners in five years.

Ok. Not a hope in hell I realize. But it's better than speculating how another sporting superstar, on a squad in a struggling market is about to get scooped up yet another Big Apple franchise with a big sense of entitlement.

Ideally, what would be the best for basketball is if Lebron resigned in Cleveland, and the Cavs got their shit together and got him some legitimate help. Even Bosh, if it could be done. How about Paul Pierce?

The last thing any of us need to see is C.C. Sabathia Part II.

Maniwaki Match Notes - SPA/POR

So Spain vanquished the Ronaldos and will now face Paraguay in the quarters. Finally, a story we can get behind in this World Cup.

Now, not like I'm standing up in defense of Christiano Ronaldo but should he bear the brunt of the blame in the Portuguese press? Some of course. But not all. As I can't believe I'm saying this, but what soccer super star has really come through for their country?

Rooney? Nope. Drogba? A goal. I mean the number two goal scorer in the World Cup is out of the tourney and probably getting ready to get back to his Turkish club team.

You could make the arguement for Messi, as although he hasn't scored, he's definitely made his presence known and is leading in assists. But wasn't he immaculately conceived in some mountain village in Argentina, miraculously springing up from the clay underneath a soccer pitch after it rained for forty days? He's definitely a cut above so far.

So far, like in hockey, one superstar a squad does not make. And from what I can surmise it really seems like the game to watch will be Argentina vs Spain in the semis to see who gets the privilege of getting sambad by Brazil in the final.

Maniwaki Match Notes - CHI/BRA

Brazil blah, blah, blah. After truly believing that the Chileans could knock off the world's supreme soccer super power, only to see them SYIP (shit your international pitch) I'm debating skipping the remainder of matches in this bracket as we'll be seeing Brazil Kaka over everyone in the final anyway.

Maniwaki Running Match Notes - ENG/GER

71st minute. 4-1 Germany.

Right. Now I realize that I know very little about soccer, and admittedly like many North Americans, I really tune in every four years. And yes, throughout this World Cup, I thought that the English fans were waaaay to hard on their players.

But that all ended about 21 minutes ago when Lampard hit the cross bar for what seems like the 465th time I've seen in international competition. Never mind the disallowed goal. That one's to pay back the soccer gods for 1966. In the grand scheme of what's going on, it really only adds to the complete and utter comedic tragedy occurring right now on the pitch.

The defense? What happened to the Lord Stanley style shot blocking against Slovenia? Holy god, this match looks about on par with one I played for the Burlington Bruins in Grade 1. If my daschund, Arthur suited up for Germany he could split the English d, dance around Terrry, and score for his homeland.

Oh look, Lampard finally got a shot on net...

Sod my former Pollyanna outlook. I now officially put myself in the ranks of the dreary, disgruntled and downtrodden.

See you in the tabloids.

Maniwaki Pre Match Notes - ENG/GER

The similarities are scary. All I'm going to do right now is remind everyone of Canada's first elimination game in the Olympics. The game which truly proved to the world and most importantly to themselves that the supreme hockey power had finally found its legs and had at long last woken right up.

All to the tune of an 8-2 trouncing. Against the Germans.

I expect nothing from Rooney this morning. Nor from Lampard. But the rest? Just watch.

Maniwaki Match Notes - GHA/USA

Tuned in just before the half and kept half an eye on the game. Then after the break, complete and undivided attention. As much as everyone (myself included) wants an African squad to do well in the tourney, these Yanks have provided some of the most thrilling soccer I've seen so far.

Some post match randomness:


1. Another Emerging Power. The US soccer squad really reminded me of the Olympic hockey squad. They're fast, they drive to the net and they have a solid goal tender. After watching so many dreary minutes from many teams during the group stage, it was refreshing to see the Yanks break through and get legit scoring chances what seemed like every few minutes.

2. I'm Starting To Dislike Donovan. Before this World Cup, I really only new his name from reading the feeds. However after seeing his interview after his late goal against Algeria, and then his extended pause before scoring on the penalty kick today, I have to say that is level of Diva is approaching Ga Ga.

3. I'm Starting To Like Donovan Again. Divaness aside, if I was forming an international Maniwaki soccer squad and was forced to choose between Donovan and Lampard, I'd definitely take Donovan. Not only does he find the net when he shoots, he scores in ridiculously clutch situations.

4. Ghana Looks Good. Of course I'm rooting for England. But should they've got a very tough row to hoe. Should they not make it, I'm throwing my lot in with the rest of the African Continent and pulling for the Black Lions. Maybe it was just the match, but Ghana seems to favour a direct style of play rather than fancy. And if you follow these e-pages at all, you know how I feel about fancy. Not so much. I know there's a lot of hype behind Argentina and Brazil, but I'm predicting that these footloose squads are going to get stoned in this tourney.

Time For A Ticker...

Holy fuck it's been a while since we had a ticker. Let the scrolling begin.

...Drogba out. Damn because the Côte d'Ivoire had a pretty respectable tourney with a win, a loss and a draw. In a group with Portugal and Brazil that's not so bad. After Portugal bombed North Korea with 7 goals, it was looking pretty rough for the Ivorians. But you have to hand it to them, putting together a 3-0 win over the same squad today. So you're going to tell me a squad full of Brazillians couldn't beat Portugal? Couldn't even score a goal? Was the the FIFA fix in? And now I have handle at least another round of Christiano Ronaldo? Uggh...

...shit maybe it's better that the Phills game got G-8'd out of Toronto. Talk about vintage Doc. Talk about vintage interleague Jays...

....your 2010 NHL #1 Draft pick, Taylor Hall, selected by the Edmonton Oliers. Ok whatever. But this one, I'm really going to enjoy typing. Your 2010 NHL #2 draft pick, Tyler Seguin, selected by not the Toronto Maple Leafs, because they traded that pick to Boston for Phil "I have maybe 2 healthy years in the league left" Kessel. HAHHAAAHAHAHHAHAHAHA.....

...we got who? This is our answer for the Byfugliens and Prongers of the league...?

....Another no-no? This is starting to look like the pitching version of 1998. There's either no steroids being done or a ton of steroids being done ...

...or maybe the Big Z is doing them all himself...

Maniwaki Match Notes - ENG/SLO

First things first. Good to know every things stopped swaying out est. That shit's never fun. It's like your standing on a canoe that could flip at any time. A 12 story canoe. Eeep.

Which is how most England fans have felt o'er the last few days as well. Severely off balance.

Except today when the red shirts took the pitch. I don't know how I can put it any better, but is it not surprising that England finally got the elusive must win whilst wearing their red kit, thus channelling the Dominion's ice hockey team?

Now I know many of the punditions have already bemoaned the team's marginal win, of course using the ever popular, "lack of finish" to bolster their position, but after waking up at the wee hours to watch this tilt, I am here to break with the rest of the Commonwealth and sing you a different tune.

I have genuine hope and optimism for this squad. Really. So the rest of you stop trudging around Brixton listening to Morrisey and listen up because here's why:

1. Marty's In Net. The Maniwaki Man Of The Match was not Jermain Defoe, but David James. The 40 year old was rock solid in net. It reminded me of Brodeur in his prime. Every time he was tested, he came up huge. And he was tested often, making some absolute monster saves. Plus he looks like a cat that could twist up some of the dirtiest drum and bass this side of Ministry Of Sound. A definite keeper.

2. The D Was Dynamic. What is this? The Stanley Cup Playoffs? I haven't seen so many bodies dive to block shots since...well Duncan Keith a few months ago. But whatever. You know what they say about the British smile. Wouldn't getting a gap toothed mug like Keith's be endearing? While doing if for Queen and Country? Ok, maybe hockey pucks are a tad harder than the World Cup ball, but my central point is that the English defense was simply stunning today. They got gritty.

3. And So Did The Strikes. Once again, I don't know if it was the red jerseys but all I saw today was a team that threw fancy out the window and just drove to the net. This is the kind of thing we like in Maniwaki Country. And just hold the phone because I know what you're about to say. "Where was Rooney?" Well he only hit the post because the Slovenian keeper got a finger pad on the ball and anyways it doesn't matter because;

4. Rooney Is Sid. What did Sid do for much of the Olympics? How about get shut down by hyper aggressive defenses who were all over him. Oh yeah, and then only score the biggest goal ever in the history of the Dominon. You think you've heard the last from Rooney? Naaaaw mate.

I'm saying at this stage in that England is poised for a run so similar to Canada's it's going to be eerie. They have a solid goal tender. They have a great defense. And they have secondary scoring. (Which Defoe definitely de-showed). They can beat Germany. And they can beat Argentina.

That's right I said it. Yup. See you in the semis.

1000 = 5.5

First off, congrats to the Admiral. A thousand posts and counting is no small feat...

And to celebrate, the geological gods said a quick 'how-do-you-do' at the Sugar Shack and surrounding areas. Yup. Earthquake. 5.5

Well that was unexpected....

- the Skip

The "M" In Maniwaki

So it's a typical scene here at HQ. Coffee. Dog. Couch. Sporting event on the tube, in this case a compelling World Cup tilt with Greece somehow holding off Argentina at the half. Soon, the shack.

However with this post, we now enter new territory as the Maniwaki odometer hits quadruple digits. That's right. A thousand posts strong.

Yup.

So in this millenium entry, I want to thank everyone that's ever taken the time to stop on the busy, super e-highway to check out what we're doing, even if only for a few seconds. And even if they hated what they were reading and then continued onto Perez Hilton or whatever.

I want to sincerely thank the Maniwaki faithful. You know who you are. The fact that you read these e-pages regularly or semi-regularly gives us all the motivation in the world to keep analyzing, dissecting and flinging the sporting spectacle back out as we see it.

If we're as accurate as a Sid snap shot, or as off base as a Stottlemyre slide. If we're as sober and serious as Larry Bird, or as drunk as Dennis Eckersley on the hill, the fact that we know that someone is reading really puts the meaning in the Maniwaki "M" collegiate lettering.

To all of you who have taken the time to write in and/or contribute these e-pages, thank you for coming off the bench streaking down the ice, splitting the D, and sniping one in for the squad. The Maniwaki expanded roster wouldn't be the same without you.

And so, to reiterate the mandate what we illustrated in our opener, we will continue posting IT as we see IT. Most likely at more frequent intervals than not. Because we're still having a blast doing it.

Ahoy.

- The Skip And I

Maniwaki Match Notes - Drogba Defiant

So much animosity so far at this World Cup. Woeful England. Under whelming African teams. France.

Sure things so far seem poised to go the status quo, with Brazil sambaing around Côte d'Ivoire today, securing their spot in the 16. But if there is at least one hidden gem in all of this, it's got to be Drogba's goal today in that match (and Ivory Coast's only goal in the tourney so far).

So sure the final was 3-1. Just quit your vuvuzelaing and check out the captain keeping a continent's hope alive with this stellar header. ,

Reason #28370 To Hate The Marlins

Holy fuck. What next? Leave it to these guys to actually hand out vuvuzela knock off air horns. I mean who actually goes out of their way to recreate the most horrendous sound ever heard in pro sport? Leave it to Loria and company to create new ways to piss us all off.

Time To Light The Lamp

Never mind Manning face. I'm really getting sick of Frank Lampard face.



And really, like most North Americans, the only soccer I watch is the World Cup every four years. But Lampard skying every ball over the cross bar in 06 was excruciating enough. Now it's becoming so routine, I want to brand him the Joe Thornton of English soccer.

But ok, enough of my passive observer rants every four years. Time to put things into perspective. Sure the lads are getting absolutely skewered overseas. And I can only imagine the

The only thing I can say is what I've been saying the whole time. The pressure these cats are playing with is tenfold the weight we heap onto our hockey squad. And we drop Rocky Mountain sized slabs on our guys. The Brits today played very tight, and thus were ineffective. Much like many of Team Canada's opening Olympic campaigns.

But lets remember one thing. That a few months ago, Canada had a blessing in disguise which was an extra tune up match, after the opening round, which was against Germany.

And while things seem a bit tougher as there is no by into the knock out rounds in the World Cup, and England is playing in a must win game. But even if Wills and Harry are in the crowd again on Wednesday adding to the national expectation, let's remember that in end it's just another soccer match.

Against Slovenia.

A Real Good One

Congratulations Brother Carn on your convocation, marking a consistent academic campaign. May it give you a strong showing at camp and vault you onto the big squad. Team Maniwaki is proud.

One Word.

Stupid.

Torres Hears A Zooz

So finally a shocker which isn't a shocker as if anyone can pull off a huge international upset it's most definitely the Swiss.

Also, as an aside. Orange boots? And bizarrely shaped wind instruments with an even more bizarre name emitting shrill, unending ear piercing tones?

Who organized this World Cup?

Dr. Seuss?

"...and they struck and they scored with their glockenspiel-oozlers."

Power To The People's Republic

How about the Communists taking it to soccer superpower Brazil and sparking the most tense standoff since the Cuban missile crisis? The dog and I sat in HQ and watched the North Koreans retract into an as insular and thus effective defensive shell on the international pitch. One which definitely rivalled any of their previous campaigns on the geo-political field.

And then after the Brazilians finally found their samba scoring two Samsung worthy goals to make it 2-0, Ji Yum Nam crashed the carnival with a goal for the people. Pretty impressive, seeing as everyone thought this match was going to be akin to a Sunday afternoon beach match for Brazil which they'd break a light sweat and win, 12-0.

Hey look some actual video that you can watch in your region. For about 5 minutes anyway.

Joy In Wrigley-ville

The Cup in Wrigley? And on the hill, prior (sorry) to a Cubs/White Sox inter league tilt? Where both hurlers try and out duel each other, each putting in a legit bid for a no hitter?

I mean there's good for baseball and there's good for baseball, but I don't even think there's a term for this. How about good for Wrigley?

That's the happiest I've seen that place in years. Will lifting the Cup In Wrigley actually lift the curse?

If Hossa Can Win A Championship, Can The Cubs?

Man, even Ozzie and Lou are smiling.

Maniwaki Match Notes - ENG/USA

Ok look, I'm not going to sit here and pretend like I know anything relevant or in depth about soccer but like most of the country, I'm going to root for my own proxy squad at the World Cup with an unbridled, unregulated and unmatched fervour, enough to rival any hardcore fan from the piazzas of Rome to the beaches of Rio.

For a month.

And so, every four years I hike out the British papers and pledge my allegiance to Queen and Country in hopes that the English lads can do what Brazil seems to do every World Cup. Been holed up in HQ for the last few days with a head cold, and thus have had time to peruse the internet for info ranging from the English roster to basic rules (ie what constitutes an off side.) Don't scoff. I told you. I know little.

However, ignorance aside, I have been pretty pumped up for the England/US match that went on this morning and finished just before tea time Pacific Time. Here's are some random Maniwaki match notes. Observed;

1. The Lads Can Take The Pressure. What? Steven Gerard scoring in the first four minutes from a solid pass from Heskey? And the entire squad moving like in formation like the RAF fighter squadon? Wow, how about that to put a sock in the mouth of the venomous British taboloids? For at least 36 minutes anyways as;

2. The Lads Can't Take The Pressure. Ok, maybe just the goalie. But holy smokes what an absolute disaster. Since when did the Brits pick up Roberto Luongo? How many of you watched that weak dribbler bounce over Robert Green's glove and go, "Man, I've saved harder shots on the school ground when I was 7." How about 4 billion of you?

Now while that goal was an absolute lemon, shouldn't this much hyped English team have been able to at least nail one more? Of course. However;

3. The Yanks Are Surprisingly Good. I have never seen such a look of absolute collective terror on a team after looking at Landon and his lads in the opening lineup. Just beyond tense. Rigid in fact. And it showed in the first few minutes with the Gerard goal. However, the fact that they were able to rally and respond, even before the Green-gate goal, definitely showed their ability. At one point in the first half they had managed to outshoot the Brits. Pretty good for a bunch of guys who looked like they were about to pee their pants not 20 minutes earlier.

Also, I always thought Donovan was overhyped by ESPN and the other Yank feeds, but admittedly after seeing him today, and never really watching MLS, I have to say I was dead wrong. He can pass, he can shoot, he made a great corner kick. Impressive. Will the same be said though for;

4. Frank Lampard? All I remember from the 2006 World Cup is Lampard getting a ton of chances, only to sky the ball over the cross bar. I think it happened in the shoot out with Portugal as well. It was galling. He just couldn't connect. Today though, I managed to count one bona fide shot, and one sky ball. Let's hope he gets it together. Speaking of which. How about;

5. Wayne Rooney? Tell me if he wasn't on the pitch over in South Africa he should be in the Octagon at UFC 115 tonight. With all the talk of Rooney going off at any second, he kept it together whilst retaining his feisty British bulldog edge. I can't wait until he winds up. As overall;

6. The Brits Are Building.Watching this match, I couldn't help but think about Team Canada's play in the Olympics. The two squads are very similar. Stacked, with a ton of pressure on them, who will most likely make us all moan and groan and cry in our pints during the prelims, but who will ultimately get better, hitting their stride for the knock out stages. I expect a complete collapse against Algeria, but a solidified squad to trounce Slovenia.

7. And The Yanks? Screw it. Like the Olympics, they're my dark horse, with goalie Tim Howard playing like Ryan freakin' Miller today. You watch.

"He Pulls The Cup, You Pull The Stops...

....that's the Chicago way."

Whoa. Never mind Steve Perry and AJ. Now that's a championship winning shin dig.

The Feel Good Ending To The Feel Good Season

So I figured since it was potentially the last game of the season, I should sit down at some bar, and do it up proper with beers and burgers. So, the shack it was.

And a just great game indeed. As I'm usually on the other side of the wood, trying to catch a few minutes of sport when I get them, it was a huge refresher to be able to have all the time in the world and send off all the great hockey from the 2009-2010 season with multiple Red Truck and clamatos.

Each period of Game 6 was absolutely the Fast And Furious Pt 7, and it could've easily gone Philly's way. I was convinced the Flyers would hoist after Hartnell's last minute heroics. But nay, it was Patty O'Kane doing his best Sid impersonation, that finally settled it. And what a goal.

Much like Sid's Olympic finisher, I didn't realize that young mulleted one had scored until after a double take. Not until he Hawks started storming over the bench, and even then it didn't immediately click in. I was getting juiced up for what I was convinced was going to be an old fashioned Broad Street line brawl.

But then reality kicked in and before you knew it Toews was hoisting Chicago's first Cup in 50 years (just a nice story) and handing it off to Hossa (another nice story).

In fact when you take a look at all the hockey that's been played since September, you can't deny the amount of bylines that can be dubbed "Good For Hockey." And some just plain outstanding. I mean just off the top of my head;

1. Sid's Goal to win the Olympics. The entire Olympics.

2. Bob actually coming through in not just a big game, but the Biggest Game Ever.

3. Team USA's incredible run.

4. Jaroslav Halak and his part in both Slovakia's and the Canadiens' respective campaigns.

5. Mike Cammalleri.

6. Hank Sedin. MVP.

7. On a personal note, Team Canada's Oly announcement in S'toon where I watched it from cousin Livvy's house.

8. Some real talk of teams returning to Canada.

9. Jonathon Toews. Obviously.

10. Of course, the Dangler and the Tigers charge to the Frozen Four.

And of course I'm sure there's more, but it is a rainy hangover day at HQ. So whenever you get a bit glum over the off season over the Canucks or Canadiens not being able to bring The Cup home, just take a peek at this impromptu Top 10 and feel just darn chipper again about the Great Canadian Game. See you in September.

Just Hold Yer Strasburg For A Second...

Holy smokers when was the last time you saw a debut this insane? In any sport?

Sure when Sid finally hit the ice, he dangled like a demon and didn't disappoint. Sure Lebron became not only the King Kong of Cleveland, but of the entire NBA. And sure Durant has done to his share to help twist the relocation dagger into the side of Seattle fans. However, will this Strasburg character do the same to the Ex-spo's Nation?

From everything flying around right now, you'd think tonight's game is the second coming of the Babe. Yes, a hundred mile an hour fast ball is something to get worked up about. And his minor league numbers are more than encouraging.

But let's see the kid throw a pitch in the big leagues. Better yet, let's see him pitch to a team other than the Bucs. Admittedly, since his new team is enemy #1 on Maniwaki's most hated I must concede bias, and hope he blows out his rotator cuff in the second inning after giving up a grand slam to Andrew Mccutchen in the first.

The official Maniwaki word won't come for a few weeks. Maybe not until mid summer after they've gone through a tough NL East road swing. Maybe not until September. Hell, maybe not ever. As they call it the Big Leagues for a reason, and not all young prospects, anointed franchise saviours can walk on water.

A Full Deck

So we got a guy named Deck at number eleven. The Maniwaki assessment as to how he'll pan out?

Man, I have no freakin' clue.

But. What I do know is that Anthopoulos has been absolutely scary so far, turning lead into gold with acquisitions John Buck and Kevin Gregg. Not to mention claiming Brandon Morrow from Seattle and working him back into the strike out beast he was originally touted to be.

The Jays recent commitment to scouting, coupled with a slew of moves in the 2010 Draft, and all of which approved by what I'm hoping is the Italian Canadian Theo Epstein...who knows? Maybe October in the Dome won't be something only reserved for e-laments and Carter retrospectives.

Hockey Is The New Hoops

So at the shack tonight. Flipping between the NBA and Cup Finals. The consensus was that if any of us became famous, we definitely wouldn't be lame and predictable, hanging with Jack at the Staples Center, getting an obligatory photo op with DiCaprio.

We'd be swilling beers with Vince fucking Vaughn in the first row of the United Center getting absolutely soused and stupid during the Stanley Cup finals. Never mind Chris Rock chirping Kobe in Game 1. How about MJ himself sporting a Hawks jersey and taking in the game from a luxury box?

Hoops has had its day. Watch next year when the paparazzi are camped out before LA Kings games to snap a jpeg of Kristen Stewart and that creepy, gaunt ass, vampire guy stroll into the stadium to see Stoll and Doughty do it up.

American League Stats. June 3.

Ok look a lot cats don't start looking at the standings and stats until June. Since we're three days in let's peruse the AL stats.

Now, this is to be expected:



But this. Most definitely isn't.



Hey, no complaints from HQ.

Many Maniwaki Essays. Condensed.

Look. Alot going on. And pages upon e-pages could be typed about any one of the following topics. So I'll try to sum them all up as concisely as possible.

1. The Call. Blown. But borderline. HQ real time perspective? Agree. The Ump? Guts. Selig's reaction? Surprisingly solid. Should there be;

2. Instant Replay? Never.

Next.

3. The Flyers. Done. Why?

4. The Hawks Won 7 Straight. Due.

5. The Jays. Heartbreaking.

6. Lakers/Celtics. Who cares?

7. A Bid By The Whale? Encouraging.

8. Signing Schneider? About time.

9. And.

Junior. Legend.

Meltdown At The Big Blue Corral

Jesus, I haven't seen more kicking and screaming on a ball diamond since one of the Skip's stand out performances in the mid '80's. Joe got his mad on (sorry) and got the boot out of the Rays dugout, whilst Kevin Gregg shit the mound so hard he got sent off the field twice. Once from Cito and once from the ump.
Last night's late inning implosions and explosions set off enough fireworks to rival the Celebration Of Light.

As the lunatic ninth got going, Dice chimed in via text:

"U watching? Gregg."

I, in fact, was watching at the shack. And once again felt the familiar ninth inning churning in my innards as Gregg did his best to show me why he lost that closers job for the Cubs last year. While he's done his best to help my ulcer in every pitching appearance I've watched him in this year, (sinking the Seattle game most notably) Gregg still sits atop the AL in saves. Thus, I have been reluctant to brand him with the rod which is sitting over the coals hot enough to melt a ninth inning. A rod which grows increasingly hotter.

A rod which once seared into one's flesh, leaves a mark impossible to remove. A rod which now, after last night's game, must be plunged into the hurling arm of Kevin Gregg to leave him more disfigured than Jonah Hex.

And branded.

Circle B.

For Batista.