Prelude - Baseball long ago stopped being a regular subject for the Canadian sports fan to talk about around the water cooler. There is the odd steriod discussion but nothing really to do with baseball in Canada. That might be about to change, if only for a little while.
Sport - Baseball
Event - The Toronto Blue Jays sit in first place in their Division
Point to say - "The Jays are doing well so far eh?"
Follow up point - "Have you been to a Jays game recently?"
Get out of the conversation - "Do you ever visit Toronto?" or if you live in the city "When was the last time you went up the CN Tower?"
Backgrounder
Sure the season has only begun. The first month of baseball hasn't even finished yet. Really, for many Canadien fans, conversation on baseball doesn't start until the hockey playoffs are over. However, this year's Blue Jays team this weekend just did something we haven't seen since 2001: start a season by winning their first four series.
All predictions at the start of the year figured the Jays would not do well this year. So to jump out by winning more games against each team they've played so far, creates a vibe among sports fans. It shows how sports remains unpredicatble. With the end of month fast approaching, and another 140 games left to play, a lot can change. But the Jays are creating a buzz for all the right reasons. And that gives us something to talk about!
Links
Toronto Blue Jays tickets
Baseball Standings.
Showing posts with label Baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baseball. Show all posts
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Life outside a hockey rink
Prelude - We're back. Ah life it gets busy. Kind of like sports. So much going on. We could analyse the short comings of the Montreal Canadiens recent playoff loss but, frankly the sporting world has already moved on. We could look at the recent firing of the Toronto Maple Leafs coach, but frankly, so what. Instead, spring makes us hopeful. Hopeful for the heat and activity of Summer. In fact, it's almost starting time to pick the sport you want to talk about during the summer months. Perhaps you already have. Maybe you'll be at a soccer field or a ball diamond with you son or daughter. So what all is happening out there in sport land? Let's cover some ground for and get you ready for future blogs.
Sport - Soccer, Baseball, Hockey, Golf, Basketball
Event - Spring is in the air. Time to get outside the hockey rink and discover the rest of the world.
Point to say -
At a hockey rink - "Are you following the Hockey World Championships?" or
At a soccer field - "Are you following the Toronto soccer team this summer?" or
At a ball diamond - "Are you following the Blue Jays this summer?" or
On the golf course - "Is Tiger Woods going to win any more Majors?"
Follow up point - "I'm following a new blog about sports, so ?"
Get out of the conversation - "Where are you going on your vacation this summer?"
Backgrounder
First, for the first time in the Tournament's history, the Hockey World Championships are being held in Canada (Halifax and Quebec city to be specific). Most sport fans only have a mild interest in this tournament. It comes no where near the interest that the Stanley Cup has. But Canada is looking good as a potential team to win the Gold. With it being in our time neck of the woods, there will be more press coverage and thus more talk as the tournament moves on.
Toronto's professional soccer team (Toronto FC) started up last summer. Most new teams lose all their games. This year wasn't supposed to be too much different. However, the team is doing very well so far. You might remember this as the League David Beckham (Posh Spice's husband) is in.
Ah the Blue Jays. Everyone knows the Blue Jays. Just that no-one really cares any more. However, the team has new baby blue uniforms they wear each Friday home game. Might be worth checking out.
Who is Tiger Woods? Singly the most widely recognized athlete in the world. He just recently had surgery. Before that he was dominant. Really dominant. So much so, that there was talk of him winning all the big tournaments (known as Majors - of which there are four). Stay tuned!
Links
Sport - Soccer, Baseball, Hockey, Golf, Basketball
Event - Spring is in the air. Time to get outside the hockey rink and discover the rest of the world.
Point to say -
At a hockey rink - "Are you following the Hockey World Championships?" or
At a soccer field - "Are you following the Toronto soccer team this summer?" or
At a ball diamond - "Are you following the Blue Jays this summer?" or
On the golf course - "Is Tiger Woods going to win any more Majors?"
Follow up point - "I'm following a new blog about sports, so ?"
Get out of the conversation - "Where are you going on your vacation this summer?"
Backgrounder
First, for the first time in the Tournament's history, the Hockey World Championships are being held in Canada (Halifax and Quebec city to be specific). Most sport fans only have a mild interest in this tournament. It comes no where near the interest that the Stanley Cup has. But Canada is looking good as a potential team to win the Gold. With it being in our time neck of the woods, there will be more press coverage and thus more talk as the tournament moves on.
Toronto's professional soccer team (Toronto FC) started up last summer. Most new teams lose all their games. This year wasn't supposed to be too much different. However, the team is doing very well so far. You might remember this as the League David Beckham (Posh Spice's husband) is in.
Ah the Blue Jays. Everyone knows the Blue Jays. Just that no-one really cares any more. However, the team has new baby blue uniforms they wear each Friday home game. Might be worth checking out.
Who is Tiger Woods? Singly the most widely recognized athlete in the world. He just recently had surgery. Before that he was dominant. Really dominant. So much so, that there was talk of him winning all the big tournaments (known as Majors - of which there are four). Stay tuned!
Links
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Baseball in the Spotlight
Prelude - A really big sports news story about professional baseball just emerged today. A report was released that begins to really shed light on the extent of the steroids issue in professional baseball. Will this change how fans see the game?
Sport - Baseball
Event - Investigation into the baseball's drug problem released today.
Issue
Various sports leagues have banned the use of illegal substances. Therefore, being caught using these drugs can warrant punitive action. But for fans, the actual issue has to do with the records that are broken by athletes using performance enhancing drugs. Much has been written about the all-time homerun record falling this year to a guy who is suspected of using steroids.
However, does anybody care? Fans still come to the games and upwards of 80 million North Americans will visit a ballpark in the upcoming 2008 season. For fans, it will an interesting spring has they watch and see if baseball does anything to try and keep its image clean.
Point to say - "Did you hear about the latest happening in Baseball?
Follow up point - "Do you think anything will change because of this report on stars using drugs?"
Get out of the conversation - "The Sens look to be back on track."
Backgrounder
Baseball hasn't worried about Steroids for a long time. In fact, steroids helped baseball shortly after the strike in the mid 1990's. Mark McGuire went on to break the record and America loved him for it.
This has the potential of being really big. Or a really big puff of smoke. It all depends on how big and how far the suspensions go. But ultimately, fans must decide if this product is worthy of their money.
Links
An excellent background piece by Ken Fidlin published in the Sun chaine of newspapers.
A link to the results of the investigation as written in the Globe and Mail.
Sport - Baseball
Event - Investigation into the baseball's drug problem released today.
Issue
Various sports leagues have banned the use of illegal substances. Therefore, being caught using these drugs can warrant punitive action. But for fans, the actual issue has to do with the records that are broken by athletes using performance enhancing drugs. Much has been written about the all-time homerun record falling this year to a guy who is suspected of using steroids.
However, does anybody care? Fans still come to the games and upwards of 80 million North Americans will visit a ballpark in the upcoming 2008 season. For fans, it will an interesting spring has they watch and see if baseball does anything to try and keep its image clean.
Point to say - "Did you hear about the latest happening in Baseball?
Follow up point - "Do you think anything will change because of this report on stars using drugs?"
Get out of the conversation - "The Sens look to be back on track."
Backgrounder
Baseball hasn't worried about Steroids for a long time. In fact, steroids helped baseball shortly after the strike in the mid 1990's. Mark McGuire went on to break the record and America loved him for it.
Homeruns are what make the highlights. Homeruns are what give players large contracts. So nothing is about to change until the public decides it doesn't want to fund an institution that promotes or at least doesn't punish cheaters.
Baseball is handing out fines to players, but only token amounts. Very much like the NHL handouts suspensions for very dangerous hits. Nothing really significant enough to actually stop it from happening again.
AnalysisThis has the potential of being really big. Or a really big puff of smoke. It all depends on how big and how far the suspensions go. But ultimately, fans must decide if this product is worthy of their money.
Links
An excellent background piece by Ken Fidlin published in the Sun chaine of newspapers.
A link to the results of the investigation as written in the Globe and Mail.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Baseball`s King to be dethroned?
Prelude- Chances are you've heard of Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods, and Michael Jordan. All kings of their respective sports. If you are a casual sports fan, you've probably heard of Tom Brady, Sidney Crosby the current kings of their sport. But are you familiar with the current baseball king Barry Bonds? Perhaps you've heard of him for some good reasons and for some not so good reasons. Well, you are about to hear his name a whole lot more for some awful reasons. Let`s explore the situation.
Sport - Baseball
Event - Barry Bonds was indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice yesterday.
Issue
Since 2003, there has been an investigation into the illegal use of steroids by elite athletes. Barry Bond`s name has been involved in this investigation. Nothing has yet been proven regarding his guilt or innocence on that subject. Of note, he previously testified under oath, of having no connection to an illegal steroid lab supplying elite athletes performance enhancing drugs
However, the indictment is the result of a related investigation into steroid use by elite athletes. Bond's connection to this issue now appears one step closer to being proven in court. "During the criminal investigation, evidence was obtained including positive tests for the presence of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing substances for Bonds and other athletes," the indictment reads.
If he lied, and thus cheated, how can the Baseball Hall of Fame crown the new King by honouring him now?
Point to Say - "Do you think Barry Bonds will make it into the Hall of Fame?"
Follow up point - "Do you think a team will sign him now?"
Backgrounder
Currently, Barry Bonds is without a team (free agent). His contract ended this year with the San Francisco Giants. It was with this team that he reached the high of his sport (baseball) when he passed the most one of the most famous players of all time, Hank Aaron to become the all-time home-run leader in major league baseball.
The Home-run record is sacred in baseball. Held by Babe Ruth, then Henry Aaron, this record is considered one of the most prized records in baseball. To be the leader should mean that you are the King of the sport. This isn't the case with Bonds.
Why? The situation around Bonds has been going on since 2003 as he approached the record. Questions came out as a result of an investigation into the gym he was attending handing out steroids illegally. The controversies with Bonds really came to public attention in 2006 when the book "Game of Shadows" was published. The book alleges Bonds used stanozolol and a host of other steroids. This book, and subsequent articles in Sports Illustrated are perhaps most responsible for the change in public opinion regarding Bonds' steroid use.
Special Backgrounder
The ball hit to break the record was put up for auction and one by someone who said he will mark it with a large asterix before donating it to the Baseball-Hall-of-Fame.
Links
Story from Globe and Mail.
History of Barry Bonds from Wikipedia.org
Sport - Baseball
Event - Barry Bonds was indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice yesterday.
Issue
Since 2003, there has been an investigation into the illegal use of steroids by elite athletes. Barry Bond`s name has been involved in this investigation. Nothing has yet been proven regarding his guilt or innocence on that subject. Of note, he previously testified under oath, of having no connection to an illegal steroid lab supplying elite athletes performance enhancing drugs
However, the indictment is the result of a related investigation into steroid use by elite athletes. Bond's connection to this issue now appears one step closer to being proven in court. "During the criminal investigation, evidence was obtained including positive tests for the presence of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing substances for Bonds and other athletes," the indictment reads.
If he lied, and thus cheated, how can the Baseball Hall of Fame crown the new King by honouring him now?
Point to Say - "Do you think Barry Bonds will make it into the Hall of Fame?"
Follow up point - "Do you think a team will sign him now?"
Backgrounder
Currently, Barry Bonds is without a team (free agent). His contract ended this year with the San Francisco Giants. It was with this team that he reached the high of his sport (baseball) when he passed the most one of the most famous players of all time, Hank Aaron to become the all-time home-run leader in major league baseball.
The Home-run record is sacred in baseball. Held by Babe Ruth, then Henry Aaron, this record is considered one of the most prized records in baseball. To be the leader should mean that you are the King of the sport. This isn't the case with Bonds.
Why? The situation around Bonds has been going on since 2003 as he approached the record. Questions came out as a result of an investigation into the gym he was attending handing out steroids illegally. The controversies with Bonds really came to public attention in 2006 when the book "Game of Shadows" was published. The book alleges Bonds used stanozolol and a host of other steroids. This book, and subsequent articles in Sports Illustrated are perhaps most responsible for the change in public opinion regarding Bonds' steroid use.
Special Backgrounder
The ball hit to break the record was put up for auction and one by someone who said he will mark it with a large asterix before donating it to the Baseball-Hall-of-Fame.
Links
Story from Globe and Mail.
History of Barry Bonds from Wikipedia.org
Monday, October 22, 2007
Red Sox stage incredible comeback to win American League Championship!
Prelude - Each weekend is full of different sports and sports events. What then makes something worthy of a short sport conversation come Monday? Well, the degree to which the event was unusual. From this weekend, such topics could be the NFL (American Football) New England Patriots are putting together an incredible season having blown out their opposition yet again. There were the two hits from behind during the Ottawa Senators / Florida Panthers hockey game, both causing injury. However, the most unusual event this weekend worth raising in conversation this Monday was the play of the Boston Red Sox. Let's see why.
Sport - Baseball
Event - The 2007 Boston Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Indians (11 to 2) in game seven of the American League Championship game to thereby move into the World Series (baseball's championship game).
Issue - The Red Sox trailed in their baseball playoffs series 3 games to 1. To win the series, they would have to win the final three games of their best of seven series. Since 1905, only 10 teams had managed to do this. Meaning, this is very rare. By winning last night, the 2007 Sox became the 11th baseball team to accomplish this.
Point to Say - "So, the Red Sox pulled it out of the fire! (if you are comfortable with using a sport cliche) or Say - "So, the Red Sox are going to the World Series!
Follow up point - "Do you think the Red Sox have the momentum going into the finals, or do the Rockies still have it?
Backgrounder
(see previous blog below for details on the momentum of the Colorado Rockies). In short, the Rockies have put together their own story of an incredible win streak but have now a very long layoff between their last series and the upcoming series.
When a team wins the Championship of their league, this is known as "winning the pennant". Pennants are physically awarded to the team who wins their respective league championship.
Find out more details by clicking on the baseball glossary section found in the right hand column beside the blog.
The semi-finals for each baseball playoffs are known as American or National League Championship. They are a 'best of' format. In this case, they are a best out of seven (meaning first team to win four games wins the playoff.
Links
Full article on Red Sox victory.
Sport - Baseball
Event - The 2007 Boston Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Indians (11 to 2) in game seven of the American League Championship game to thereby move into the World Series (baseball's championship game).
Issue - The Red Sox trailed in their baseball playoffs series 3 games to 1. To win the series, they would have to win the final three games of their best of seven series. Since 1905, only 10 teams had managed to do this. Meaning, this is very rare. By winning last night, the 2007 Sox became the 11th baseball team to accomplish this.
Point to Say - "So, the Red Sox pulled it out of the fire! (if you are comfortable with using a sport cliche) or Say - "So, the Red Sox are going to the World Series!
Follow up point - "Do you think the Red Sox have the momentum going into the finals, or do the Rockies still have it?
Backgrounder
(see previous blog below for details on the momentum of the Colorado Rockies). In short, the Rockies have put together their own story of an incredible win streak but have now a very long layoff between their last series and the upcoming series.
When a team wins the Championship of their league, this is known as "winning the pennant". Pennants are physically awarded to the team who wins their respective league championship.
Find out more details by clicking on the baseball glossary section found in the right hand column beside the blog.
The semi-finals for each baseball playoffs are known as American or National League Championship. They are a 'best of' format. In this case, they are a best out of seven (meaning first team to win four games wins the playoff.
Links
Full article on Red Sox victory.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Baseball Rockies put together incredible win streak!
Sport - Baseball
Event - The baseball semi finals (known as the Championsip Series) are almost over. One team has already made the finals (known as the World Series).
Issue - The Colorado Rockies finished the year winning 14 of their last 15 games of the regular season. That is an incredible finish! Now they have won all their games in the two rounds of playoffs to make the finals. That means they have won 21 of their last 22 games played. This winning streak is very rarely seen in professional sports, especially during the playoffs.
Point to Say - "So, the Rockies have strung together an incredible winning streak!" (see above if you need to throw in stats)
Follow up point - "Even though they've got this great momentum, they have nine days between their last playoff game and the start of the World Series. That's a very long gap between games!"
Backgrounder
The Colorado Rockies story is fast becoming known as "Rocktober".
The Rockies play in the Major League Baseball's West Division. They play out of Denver. They have one Playoff appearance in their history: 1995. They lost to the Atlanta Braves in the Championship Series (semi-finals).
A "layoff" in baseball terms means 'days between games played'. In fact, the 9 days the Rockies are facing is the longest gap between semi-finals and finals in baseball history. Usually, baseball teams play 6 games a week.
The American League playoffs currently are being played between sentimental favourites the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Cleveland leads the series 3 games to 1. Meaning, Cleveland needs one more victory to win the semi-final and move to the World Series.
Links
Event - The baseball semi finals (known as the Championsip Series) are almost over. One team has already made the finals (known as the World Series).
Issue - The Colorado Rockies finished the year winning 14 of their last 15 games of the regular season. That is an incredible finish! Now they have won all their games in the two rounds of playoffs to make the finals. That means they have won 21 of their last 22 games played. This winning streak is very rarely seen in professional sports, especially during the playoffs.
Point to Say - "So, the Rockies have strung together an incredible winning streak!" (see above if you need to throw in stats)
Follow up point - "Even though they've got this great momentum, they have nine days between their last playoff game and the start of the World Series. That's a very long gap between games!"
Backgrounder
The Colorado Rockies story is fast becoming known as "Rocktober".
The Rockies play in the Major League Baseball's West Division. They play out of Denver. They have one Playoff appearance in their history: 1995. They lost to the Atlanta Braves in the Championship Series (semi-finals).
A "layoff" in baseball terms means 'days between games played'. In fact, the 9 days the Rockies are facing is the longest gap between semi-finals and finals in baseball history. Usually, baseball teams play 6 games a week.
The American League playoffs currently are being played between sentimental favourites the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Cleveland leads the series 3 games to 1. Meaning, Cleveland needs one more victory to win the semi-final and move to the World Series.
Links
- If you have the time, there are some interesting articles being written on this story. The details of "Rocktober" can be found here and here.
- Here is an overview of the Rockies recent ride.
- This one is on the ability of the Boston Red Sox to come back even though they are "down and out"
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