Friday Five is Back and I’m Off and Running
It has been a while since I posted a Friday Five. For those who are new, they are just some random sport’s thoughts I had during the week and a bonus Raptors Watch at the end.
1. The World Series Flies By
I cannot believe we already have the participants in this year’s World Series. No one can accuse the actual baseball playoffs of taking too long. Hockey and basketball need six weeks to get to this point. Mind you the games themselves need a chess clock timer or something. I was hoping for a Royals vs Cardinals finals but San Fran will do.
Fun Fact: The Giants have the second most World Series appearances behind the Yankees.
2. Hockey is Back
Thanks to the constant updates on the Canadian sports channels, Facebook, and public chatter; there is no denying hockey is back in full force. Canadians are going nuts again but some teams in the US are barely drawing anyone. I will always believe there should be more teams in Canada but thanks to Gary Bettman that won’t happen any time soon. Despite my love hate relationship with the game, I enjoy the passion of the average fan. I just wish for a proper management group who could give the Leafs a fighting chance. One of my favorite moments of the season to date was the disgruntled Leaf fan who launched his Jersey onto the ice as he stormed out of the ACC last Saturday.
Fun Fact: The 2013-2014 Quebec Ramparts and 2014 Hershey Bears would be outdrawing the 2014-2015 Florida Panthers.
3. Jameis Winston
I love his freshman request to be knocked over the head if he ever caught Manzielitis. Well Jameis, you make the antics of Johnny football seem more charming with every crab leg you steal or autograph you sigh for “free”. You refused to pay for a soda but you sat and signed over 2000 pieces of memorabilia out of the goodness of your heart. Florida State looks worse and worse with every snap he takes. Jimbo Fisher is demonstrating a desperate desire to win at all costs as his QB1 tumbles off the draft boards. I cannot imagine any NFL teams putting the future in the hands of this guy. Meanwhile Georgia running back Todd Gurley has been suspended indefinitely for the same offence by the university. I wonder which university has a better image?
Fun Fact: Jimbo claims all the autographs were random signings and there is no evidence to support Jameis receiving payment. Of course, the fact it looks like he sat down and signed them all at the same time does not help.
4. Kobe Bryant is ranked 40th by experts
The Black Mamba was ranked as the 40th best player in the NBA by the experts at ESPN. He said it is further proof that they are all idiots. Like Santa, he will check this list once or twice and take aim at the players above him. I am not sure how much Kobe has in the tank for the upcoming season but the Lakers have not really done him any favors with his supporting cast. I am still dubious of ranking him this low.
Fun Fact: Michael Jordan was enjoying retirement number two at age 36. Kobe might want to join him if Jim Buss is captain of the good ship Lakers for much longer.
5. International Half
This weekend a group of us from SFX will be running a half marathon in Detroit-Windsor. We will even run through the tunnel on the way back to the US. It is a tough haul but I am looking forward to it. I am also looking forward to the beer, tailgating, and Lions-Saints action that will follow.
Fun Fact: This will be the run for the thumb for me. Having already run four half marathons, I feel like this might complete the set.
Raptor Watch
We are 4-1 and looking good. Unfortunately this is just preseason but I’m still getting excited. I like what Lou Williams is doing but I predict a PG controversy by mid-season. We have too many good ones and not enough time. That said, I cannot wait for the opening tip of the NBA season.
