How about those New Year's Predictions

December 31st post featured 10 predictions for the New Year.

1. Kadri is not even being mentioned as a possibility for call up.  We're using Crabb,Rosehill, Bryce and of course James Reimer in net.
2. Sid not winning scoring title looks like it is coming true also - too bad it's due to a concussion.
3. Leafs and Raptors not making playoffs - well Raps have lost 11 in a row - injuries and D is too weak with the scorers out that they need to consistently score 100.  Leafs have to play 700 hockey - not going to happen.
4. Vernon Wells was traded making Jose Bautista the man for the Jays.  40 Home runs - we need 'em now.  Wow has the bullpen ever deep now too.
5. Yes Hamilton City Council, lead by Mayor Bob Bratina, announced plans to redo Ivor Wynne Stadium.  Blown opportunity to get a great new facility. 
6. Argos coach nominated for Coach of the year - clearly everyone thinks they suck.  Argos give up 60 more points than they score and just cause Barker makes some funny commercials, he's coach of the year candidate cause he's got a bunch of chumps playing for him?
7. Habs 3 ahead of Canes.  Yes things are getting tight in Hab country.
8. Yankees - tbd
9. Saints sucked against a Seahawk team that played for pride.  Steelers and Pack will make a good Super Bowl.  Prediction to follow next week.
10. Tiger looks out of sorts this weekend - played 5 over par Saturday and Sunday with one hole to go today. 

This and That

Here's hoping Sydney Crosby's concussion is not too bad.  Innocent enough looking hit that seems to have caused it.

Atlanta Thrashers Ben Eager had more penalty minutes than playing time in recent 9-3 ass kicking put on by the suddenly potent offense of the Leafs.  You have to love Colby Armstrong - he simply called Eager a "meat head" for the sucker punch he delivered to Colby's right orbital.  “I can’t believe he missed my nose,” Armstrong laughed.

Habs got lucky with late comeback against Bruins.  Max Pacioretty's overtime goal gave the Habs the win.  The rookie then gave Bruins captain Zdeno Chara a little shove well after the goal.  What is it with the Hab's young guys that they think they can do crap like that to veteran players?

After yesterday's NFL games I have no idea what to expect today although I am picking both Ravens and Eagles to cover.    We'll see.

First player going in as a Blue Jay

Congratulations to Robbie Alomar for being voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame today.  He deserves it - better offensive stats than one of the all time greats already in the Hall - Ryan Sandberg. 

He was the best fielding second baseman I've ever seen with an uncanny ability to go to his left make a catch while sliding and get up and throw the runner out at first.  And I remember lots of spectacular plays he made up the middle too. 

Most Blue Jay fans can still remember his key playoff homerun off Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley back in the 92 playoffs.  Eckersley was the most feared reliever of his day.  What a moment!

Think back to when the Jays acquired Robbie - we gave up a lot - Fred McGriff a guy who always seemed to hit 30 plus home runs and Tony Fernandez one slick fielder who could also handle a bat.  Tony used to turn around to bunt and then slap it by the charging infield.  Great play!  Anyway we give up Tony and Fred and get Robbie and Joe. 

I remember seeing Joe at a game in Detroit when he first broke in with Cleveland in 1984.  You could tell Joe was going to be something special. 

We were lucky to have all four of these players in a Jays uniform.  Robbie will be the only one to get into the Hall.  Who knows, maybe we've got the making of some other Hall of Famers on the 2011 Blue Jays roster.

Team Canada Juniors playing fantastic

So I tune into tonight's game a little apprehensive about how we'll do.  Team Canada has not shown the ability to really finish at the tourney.  Before you go, yeah but look at all the goals they have scored, ask yourself - how many goals should they have scored in quarter final versus Swiss? 

Other concerns - Were you concerned about D being a little sluggish and struggling to keep up with fast forwards (remember Sweden)?  Forwards not doing a great job of clearing their own defensive end?

Anyway another period to go - if we maintain three goal lead through 6 minutes the game is ours.

Speaking of tough luck (not) how happy were you that Sweden's coach predicted he was afraid of Russian team (or words to that affect).  Suck on that buddy -Canada would have kicked your ass in a rematch.

NFL season over - tough to predict against the spread and this last week just got me to .500 for the season -at least I won the pool for the week.  What's with Seattle - man that crowd is tough - can they be that effective in helping the Hawks down Saints next weekend?  Not a prayer.

10 New Year's Predictions

Here you go - a few predictions

1. Nazim Kadri spends the rest of the season in the AHL.  He broke the code by criticizing his recent demotion.
2. Steve Stamkos wins the scoring title for total points and Rocket Richard for most goals.  Just too much firepower on Tampa Bay and Sid doesn't have the same level of offensive skill with his linemates.
3. Unfortunately both the Leafs and Raptors do not make the playoffs.
4. Jose Bautista has another great season and exceeds 40 Home runs in 2011.
5. Hamilton City council gets their act together and agree to a new stadium location within Hamilton.  Failing that Burlington location would work well - on Go Train route, easy access for Hamiltonians and Burlington has a really good football base to support the Cats.
6. Argos suck! (again)
7. Habs continue their slide and Carolina catches them
8. Yankees do not make the playoffs for only the second time in 18 years.  Derek Jeter, great ambassador for the game, won't rebound offensively and his range gets worse in 2011.
9. Super Bowl champions - New Orleans repeats
10. Tiger Woods does not win his 15th major golf tourney.  His mistress count is still higher than his major count.

By the way following is a great shot from the last Bills game - early in the tailgate. From the left - Rob Mowder, Mike Brown, Jeff Morton, Dave Connors, Peter Thompson, Matt Connors and Paul Roberts.   What a crew!

XMAS wishes coming true or end of an era?

Just taking it easy today after a big day in Buffalo yesterday.  Bills really need a stud defender - no pressure on Brady yesterday and he sets some obscure no interception record.  Lets see if he can continue his dominance in the playoffs. 

These are the guys beside us at tailgate - I'm bundled with 7 layers up top and the guy on the truck is only supported by his liqueur.  Temp was 9 F with wind chill.

Big tailgate yesterday - Dave's best chowder on record, met his brother Matt, Paul brings the Lick's burgers, rusty nails.  Paul and Mike are not in the picture above - I think they were out yelling - "Don't pet the horses!"  Nice lid Peter.

Game starts out well and then we give up 34 unanswered.  With all the other lower echelon teams winning yesterday, we're setting up for top 3 pick - just as long as Jets and Mark Brunelle put up a good game next week.

Last game for the boys as a group in Buffalo.  11 years too much ineptitude for Pete and Dave.  Best times are the pre games - why pay for the games?

Leafs come out with a 4-1 win over Jersey - no goals for Kessel.  Habs get spanked by the Islanders - perhaps this is my XMAS wish being granted.

Merry Xmas - unless you are with New Jersey Devils

Come on Lou - what's with firing your coach John McLean days before Christmas.  Not cool. 

Speaking of not cool, Lebron rags on the NBA for having to play Christmas Day.  Here's a tip Lebron - the NBA is not popular enough that they can give up the tradition of showcasing their product on Christmas Day.  I'm glad the game against the Lakers was a dud.

Upcoming predictions.  The World Junior Championships will featue Canada and the U.S. in the final.  Canada's size may be enough to have them wear down everyone on their way to 6th gold in 7 years.

Yes I had Pittsburgh and Arizona against the spread.  Other picks that seem a sure thing - Baltimore over Cleveland and the New York football Giants over Green Bay.  Coughlin some how gets the Giants focused up after their collapse against the Eagles.  Matt Dodge may not kick the ball in bounds again this season