The Second Coming: Morning Update 2/2/2017
The Second Coming.
He wasn't playing for the Pistons, but Isaiah Thomas sure played the part in Boston Last night, against the Raptors in the fourth quarter. In what is being more affectionately referred to as, 'Thomas Time', he collected 19 of his 44 points leading the Celtics to victory 109-104. Kyle Lowry led the slumping Raptors with 32 points, who have lost four of five since DeMar DeRozan left the lineup. Toronto now trails Boston by one and half games for second place in the East.
The Miami heat did the Raptors a favor, while extending their winning streak to nine, whipping the Hawks 115-93. With the loss Atlanta remains one and a half games back of Toronto with a game in Houston Thursday. The Wizards with a chance to pull within one game of the Raptors against the Lakers tonight.
To the pitch where Reds fans will happy to hear, that Tousaint Ricketts has been resigned by TFC. The 29 year old striker from Edmonton had four goals in 17 appearances with the club last year, most notably the goal that put away Montreal in the Eastern Championship.
Another resigning, this time to avoid arbitration on the diamond. The St. Louis Cardinals and right hander Carlos Martinez have agreed to a five year contract extention worth 51 million dollars with a pair of team options. The deal is the highest ever from a pitcher reaching arbitration for the first time, breaking the mark set by the Indians Corey Kluber in 2015. Martinez posted a 3.61 ERA, in 31 appearances with the Cards last seaseon.
A pair of Canadian baseball players are also being honored, but not with a new contract. Roy Halladay and Vladamir Guerrero have been inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place in St. Mary's this summer.
The Waste Management Phoenix Open is underway. Hideki Matsuyama leads the field at -5, Canadians David Hearn, Mackenzie Hughes are at 1 over. Adam Hadwin tees off at 12:05 Pacific time.
As for Tiger Woods? He's left his PGA fans, pining, for more. Woods opting out of the North American tournament to compete for the Dubai Desert Classic. Woods shot a five over 77, without a single birdie in the first round. Sergio Garcia leads the clubhouse after shooting a 65.
Toronto Maple Leafs back in action tonight against St. Louis. It may be a somber tune at the Scott Trades Center, as the Blues will be without bench boss Ken Hitchcock following his replacement by assistant coach Mike Yeo. No word yet on if Morgan Rielly will make his expected return to the lineup. Toronto is 2-3-1 without their top defenseman this season.
