Bob Elliott and Mike Augello

Norm with Bob Bob Elliott Jays by TheHook

Norm with Mike Augello Leafs by TheHook

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Guests:

Shi Davidi
CP
Jays

Jonas Siegel
AM640
Leafs

Patrick King
Sportsnet.ca
CHL

Shawn Tompkins
MMA Coach
Mark Hominick

Extendo Cito

Are the Jays teasing us?

It's hard to imagine this crew keeping this up for this entire season. Stranger things have happened, I guess? Like the Rays' 2008 run. But these Jays aren't those Rays. Are they? What should have opponents from New York to Kansas City, San Diego to Philadelphia shaking in their collective baseball boots, that fabulous four. Those starters. They're nasty. And if kept together for the next few, the best in the Bigs. An ultimate prowess that is under construction, and causing destruction for those who dare step up against them.

Gutsy win by the Jays on Saturday. Thing is, they'll need about 96 of 'em. So plenty of meat left on that bone. Totally worth chewing, especially for fans of the Jays and anything representing Canada's largest but losingest city. Hey, it's been while since something so uplifting has happened in a professional sports setting around here, I suppose it's a waste of time to fret any sort of potential doom around the corner. Best just enjoy it. Could end tomorrow? But maybe not. And that's what has many of us coming back for more.

All this about the Jays' starters, what about that starting whereeveryouwanttoplayhim, Jose Bautista? 18 jacks already? From a guy whose previous career best was 16? WTF? Is there a more exciting player in the game right now? I mean right now. Is there?

Thanks to our good friends who dropped by the radio show on Friday. Good friends, old and new.

Don't sweat it, yet

Don't fret the Gregg implosion. Good teams shrug these things off. And the Jays are a good team, right? Hey, it was a character builder. Tonight however another chance to build upwards, and with the absolute right guy on the mound.

The Rays did the same sort of thing to the Jays (or vice versa) in that April series down in Tampa. Jays won the first game. Blew the second one. And we're crushed in the capper.

If Shaun Marcum's his usual shelf, even up against the nifty David Price, don't expect history to repeat itself in Toronto.

Hooking for more

Working on some good stuff for Da Hook, including more sponsorship and an interview with TFC midfield giant, Dwayne De Rosario. What is he, 2nd in MLS scoring? Dero's certainly one of Canada's all-time best. And would no doubt be one of the show's all-timers too. Wish me luck.

Incredible how at 31-22 the 3rd place Jays (in the East) would be leading 3 of 6 divisions in Major League Baseball as of right now. I'm telling ya, scrap the divisions.

Watch for a story on Bright Grove's newest pro golfer, Matt Hill tomorrow on /A\ News.

High Low

Flyers v. Hawks? I'd rather watch baseball.

Wonder how high can the Jays get? And how low their attendance will go? I'm not trying to sour the situation. The play has been refreshing. It's the focus. But I hate seeing all of those blue seats night in and night out. I mean, a 3-2 win over the best team in baseball and less than 12-grand turn out?

Is live baseball dying in Toronto?

Can it be saved? What will save it? Because the optics are awful, and at the exact same time the Jays are rolling. Weird.

Besides the crew in retirement country, is there a more promising starting 4 under 28 than Marcum, Romero, Cecil, Morrow? Marcum's the old man at 28. The others, 25 and fewer. Man, with talented young arms like that, sky's really the limit for this crew.

If only people would show up and watch these guys reach for what they're becoming, stars.

Perfectly jealous

I am. Doc's perfection should've happened for the Jays. In Toronto 12 years, several brushes with the special stuff. In Philly 3 months, the deed gets done. Again, I'm jealous.

What the f*** are you talking about?

Had it tuned to the Fan 590 today. Mike Wilner's a good listen. The guy after him, the French guy, a nice guy, but a bit ignorant. Rambling about how Jays fans want American media acceptance, he says, "Toronto likes to call itself world class". He'd then go onto add that no legitimate "world class" city has to remind us that it carries such status. Thing is, I don't know anyone from Toronto who actually claims this bullshit. The honest truth: it's members of the media, many hailing from cities other than Toronto who fuel this nonsense. What they want: Torontonians and those who support the city's sports teams to view themselves as lesser than others. We get that under-lying "Toronto sucks" sentiment quite a bit from those uprooted scribes and broadcasters from Montreal who are now forced to ply their trade in Toronto, where the work is. Imagine, having to settle on a second rate town that thinks of itself as first class? It's gotta be hell. Poor buggers. Maybe they'll get back to the big leagues one day?

Cup Empty

After game 1 of the Stanley Cup, the 11 goals, I'm not sure I care anymore? That said, we're in Petrolia, Michael Leighton's hometown, on Monday. Watch /A\ News London at 6:50pm.

Reds hot

I'm really encouraged by Toronto FC's game. Perhaps a berth in the Cup match it's hosting in November isn't so far fetched after all? Keeper, Stefan Frei is ridiculously good. And good as gone this time next season. Why can't someone like that win a spot in England or somewhere important? Imagine being San Jose on Saturday night? Already trailing by a goal heading into the second half then having to deal with substitutes named De Rosario and De Guzman. TFC's depth makes it a serious player in MLS. Hey, might even give the wannabe's in Toronto a contender? If, of course, the Jays don't become one first.

Wedding Crasher

Me with the brother of the bride. A dynamic, disastrous duo

Yes, I attended a wedding over the weekend. And as you can see, YES I was totally "that guy". Too little food, and a wee too much beverage. As it all comes back to me 36 hours later the only real shame I feel is that I didn't make it onto the dance floor with my wife. I guess we could have tried, but the way things were rapidly developing (or deteriorating) thanks to the flow "proprietors choice", one of two unfortunate scenarios most likely would have unfolded. In fury over my state, Melissa might have mopped the floor with me. Or worse, mopped up after me. It was probably best we bailed before the real fun began. Ah, we're parents anyway. Early to bed. Early to rise. And on Sunday with a f***in' headache from hell. Hey, every wedding usually has one, and it was my turn to be him.

Congrats again to the amazing bride and groom. And Melissa, I owe you two now.

I'm thinkin' the Canadiens' improbable but impressive run ends tonight. I don't believe the Jays will suffer the same fate. Based on momentum, they've got a few more in 'em heading into Fenway this evening. Now, reading the Boston papers, you'd expect a Red Sox sweep of the Red Hotz was imminent (Boston has dominated Toronto of late). The idea: the Sox are going to leapfrog the Jays in the standings at some point, why not get that train in motion now. I don't disagree that'll happen, but not yet. The Jays are still too good at the moment. Good pitching and really good hitting will keep these guys competitive, standings wise, for at least another few weeks. More importantly, that very same blend of youth, resurgence and renaissance will make the Jays fun to watch for the entire season.

Grey Cup Champion, Andy Fantuz didn't make Friday's Radio show, but everyone else did. That includes Ryan Ellis, Mark Hominick, Jason Wyatt, Mike In Buffalo, and more. Have a listen...

May 7th Da Hook Podcast

Feeling for Troy Passingham

"I lost it in the seats", said Spits' goaltender Troy Passingham, owner of one of the worst goals against in recent OHL playoff memory.

Wonder if it's a career lost too?

I mean, a simple dump-in from centre ice beat the Mississauga native (he wasn't paying attention) with 70 seconds remaining in game 3, breaking a 3-3 tie. It's a nightmare scenario turned excruciatingly real, and enough to make one sick. But give the kid a gravol, and some credit. Pale faced, he faced the media, and the music on Monday. I honestly hope it becomes therapeutic for him to talk about it, because he may never live it down. Certainly not this season. He'll ride the pines in game 4 at Kitchener. And of course, won't play when the team returns to Windsor later that night. Man, that's going to be one crummy locker clean out.

6-4 Rangers to sweep the Spits. The stunned and shell shocked Spits.

Boo Jays

Been trying for a while now to get a player or two on "The Hook". My efforts have been fruitless thus far, thanks in part to the Jays' elusive head media guy who barely responds to my requests. Several have been made. Only one replied to, the guy wondering which outlet I represented. I explained to him my objectives, aims, dreams, goals in life and still haven't heard back. Hope he didn't get the wrong idea? I'm not delusional. I don't mistake my radio show, in humble London, for being incredibly popular, but I KNOW its not without ears, and still very much a legitimate and worthy venue to get the word out. And shit, it's no secret the Jays could sure use the push. Team optics are pathetic. Why not let us hear something positive about the team? Anyway, I'll be on am980.ca every Friday night starting at 8:00. And checking my inbox every morning.

Marcum still the ace

Don't go giving Ricky Romero the top job in the rotataion just yet. He's a talent, but he's young and still learning the gig. So expect a few busts from him yet. When it comes to being steady, consistent, even dominant... Marcum's the man. Both now and later. Yeah true, Romero was lights out on Tuesday almost tossing a "no no" against the White Sox, but just about a week earlier Marcum nearly did the same. Funny, quick homers hurt 'em both after such great work. Either way, the Jays' staff is looking okay right now. The future IS what its about.. just don't forget to enjoy what's going on now. Because things now are good.

On Da Hook Friday...

NY Rangers' forward, Brandon Prust

He's got new life, and a new role in the Big Apple.
&
AM980's Devon Peacock will be in-studio
He's like me, doesn't have a life and loves to guzzle Snapple.

From last week: The Adrenaline MMA Guys

(imagine getting hit by one of these dudes?)

Chris Horodecki, Me, Ben Ortmanns

Adrenaline Audio: Da Hook April 9th

Could be perfect

Say what you will about the Jays' impressive 5-2 start, but it could've been even impressiver! They really should be 7-0. Both of those losses, Jason Frasor blow jobs, minus any sort of satisfaction. Look, BS's are going to happen. We know it. They know it. And they suck, hard. But so soon? While the gettin' is good? Hey, the more dubyas you compile today make that looming stretch of too few of them slightly more palatable.

Back on the horse tonight, maybe. With Downs or Gregg the 9th inning guy, definitely.

The Latest:



EGJ = beautyeeful

Jays have young talent

...but little else. I trust neither the Manager nor management of this club.

Drabek=stud
Wallace=player
D'Arnaud=average

Worth it?
Yes.
Jays had no choice.

We'll be talking about the future of the Jays Saturday on Da Hook.
Call in - 1.866.354.8255

Da Guest list:
Tom Valcke - Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame
Adam Stern - Brewers outfielder
Joe O'Neill - London Baseball

plus..
Mike Augello - Hockeybuzz.com blogger
Peter Kyte - Western Fair Raceway

Ricciardi fired, um torched

We talked about this potentially happening on Friday's edition of "The Hook". Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino suggested a press conference was coming early next week to announce... something. I suppose Saturday's JP Ricciardi firing will be addressed, among other things. I'm glad he's gone. The organization needs a new leader, someone who appears to give a shit and who isn't constantly praising the competition while rationalizing his own team.

Oh, the mutiny against Jays' manager, Cito Gaston is expected to boil over today when prez, Paul Beeston addresses the club over the JPR firing. I really liked Sam's point that many of the Jays should look in the mirror at their own lack of accomplishment instead of pointing out what the old man isn't doing right.

Stangs' defensive back, Josh Foster thinks a beat down of the Marauders is coming at Saturday's Western homecoming game. He was also a little ticked off with Justin Dunk's verbal attack on the Mustangs a week ago on National television. Foster sat out a year in order to be able make the jump from Mac to Western. He's trying to make the most of every moment during his final season of OUA football.

And according to Islanders' blogger, Michael Meyers the Islanders could be headed for yet another lottery pick in 2010. Depends? I have a feeling this NHL season is going to be turned on it's head with surprises, disappointments and anything else that's tough to predict. With John Tavares front and centre, and flanked by the Okposo's, Bailey's, even Schremp's of the world, hockey is an easier thing to swallow on the Island these days. Hey, it might even be something to enjoy this season? What the organization must find a way to wrangle, finagle, manoeuvre is a new facility. Sure, the kids are signing up to play there along those who typically can't find work elsewhere, but the upper echelon NHL FA's will never again consider the Islanders until the team either becomes among the absolute elite in the East or boasts one of the league's best arenas. If recent on ice developments are any indictation, ownership had better step on making something happen on the new building front. If not, it's miss that slim yet extremely important window of opportunity to have a new rink meet up, and grow up, with what could be shaping up as a new, better, sustainable era of Islanders hockey.

Me thinks John Tavares scores 18 to 25, 45 points in his rookie season, Viktor Stalberg kind of numbers.

On Saturday's radio show:

Mike in Buffalo
Ian Clarke
Nazem Kadri

Thank you

F*** the predictions

...but this is mine:

Leafs 6th in the East
(clearly crazy, from the point of view of one team and one team only)

Why?

The Monster mashes Vesa
The 'D' D's up
Kaberle resurgence
The PK not nearly as bad
Stronger force
Kessel, Stalberg and Bozak encourage
Veteran surge combo
Home record shoots up
Others in the East not as good
Surprises
The drought has to end eventually
Habs/Leafs Thursday: Leafs in OT

If this unique tonic for improvement is actually produced, as I believe it will, the playoffs are a reasonable achievement. A new found sense of optimism, objective and direction will contribute to making the Leafs a difficult foe in the season ahead, and a team that's tough to beat should be good enough to qualify for April play.

BTW - Roy Halladay is still a pitching god. Nice touch with the Big Slapi beaning. Oh, nice to see those educated fans in Bootown give the Doc some props for surgically dismantling their zeros...or not. The Sox are garbage right now. Too garbage. They'll get bounced by the Angels in the DS. The Tigers will get smashed too. Yanks will beat the Angels.. maybe even win the WS. Sorry, but it's probably going to happen.

As for the Jays... I want JPR's head on a stake less than 24 hours after game 162. I'll bet he volunteers anyway, so let's get it over with. Look, JP's reverence of the Red Sox has infected this organization too much, and it's an attitude that must be wiped out. The team needs a new president, new GM, a new head coach and new players. It's just too bad one of those new players will end up replacing a guy most of us wish would stay: Roy Boy. He's a goner. The only request I make as a Canadian baseball fan is that someone other than JPR makes the deal. And if we get our much anticipated wish in the next week or so, Doc's departure will include dignity for both he and us.

Oh, and Jim Balsillie.. thanks for not appealing the Baum bombshell. It was fun, but it's over now. Okay, it wasn't fun, but it's finally over.
Thank God.

Birdie Numb Numb

Watching the Jays struggle with the Rays. Could be because home plate, Mike Estabrook forgot where the strikezone is? Fuckin' brutal. Why umpires take the black away from pitchers is beyond me? I guess it's just a hitter's game these days. I wish I could ump just once. Somewhere. Anywhere. I'd ring more people up than a telemarketer working for Goodlife (Stop calling us, and Getalife btw).

Anyway, watching the Birds struggle with the Fish. One club blew it's proverbial (you know what I'm getting at) too soon. The other hasn't even unleashed the monster yet. Tampa was too good last season, with too many bright spots to have the lights go out in its second attempt at creating something truly memorable. We, the Jays, and the entire league are about to be reminded why the Rays are American League champions. They can mash. Like, fuckin' MASH. And it's timely too. Minutes after Vernon Wells stranded a pair of runners with a first pitch swinging fly ball to centre-field, Willy Aybar steps up to lead off the next inning and pops one into the seats. It added some insurance to Tampa's slim advantage at the time and once again reminded the Jays how those almost-big innings usually come back to haunt you. While destined for another 4th place finish in the "Beast", the Jays shouldn't be too disheartened. They're still playing above pre-season expectation. We can only hope they'll do the same in 2010, and that by then we'll be expecting much, much better.

Dream catcher

BTW: Jays' catcher, Raul Chavez has been fun to watch. He's passionate, and has a hose from behind the plate. He's probably the best throwing catcher we've seen in Toronto for some time. The funny and unfortunately thing is, he'll probably be shown the door when Rod Barajas and Michael Barrett are back and ready to go or when and if the Jays call up one of the kids from Vegas. As a guy who's been around for a while and obviously knows the system, you have to believe Chavez accepts the reality of his pending doom, yet unwilling to allow it spoil the fun he's having living his dream.

Dieing hard

The 7th overall pick has some convincing to do. Now that he's seen the light, time for his old man to see it too. But the dark is deep.

Says Nazem about dad's coming to terms with his son's lucky break: "He's in denial".

Even the filthiest of habits can be broken. Stay on him, Nazem.

Can you imagine though???? Attempting to switch allegiances after so long on the other side of the feud? Guess I'd have to "be there", but if my kid were drafted by the club I'd always despised I'm not sure I'd be able to jump ship with him. And ya know what? If Nazem fails in converting his father into a Leafs supporter it wouldn't be a big surprise, or rare even. I know other pro's whose family's support didn't go with them to their NHL club.

I'm not really sure who I'd like to see BB to sign up on Wednesday, so why am I so eager for the big day to arrive? I guess we're all interested in change, and every day forward represents something fresher, newer for the massive lot of us who've been supporting something stale for so long.

Oh, speaking of dieing hard. It's not hard to determine that the Jays' playoff hopes have, well...

Funny thing, a week ago they were tied for the wild card lead with the Yankees. Love them or hate them those Yanks know how to win, consistently. The Jays don't. That's why they're slipping out of the race as we speak. Give'em credit though, I guess? 3 and a half games back at this point of the season was better than expected. But don't let anyone tell you these aren't important days for any team with playoff aspirations. The further you fall now, the slimmer the odds become of any sort of resurgence down the road. That's just baseball in the American League "Beast". And sadly its once again Blue Jays baseball.

Scoots and Scudders

Is Marco Scutaro the best lead-off hitter in baseball?

Answer: Why not?

* On pace for 200 hits, 120 runs scores and 100 walks. If that's not a great first man up, I don't know what is. Give him another 3 hits on Sunday.

Are the Jays the most frustrating team in the game?

Answer: Yes!

* Sweep the best then suck against the worst? Ah, that's enough to make you pull your hair out. This team's potential is tremendous. It's execution, while at times deadly, is also flawed. Perhaps too flawed to find its way in time. These hitters can't keep stranding so many men. If it doesn't stop the Jays are in for another mid-80 win 3rd or 4th place finish. That's unless they learn how and begin to win big.

Can a simple pnut make me smile?

Hell yes!

* Nothing to elaborate on at this time.

* Happy Father's day, Gordon James!
* Happy Birthday to both Jesse and Joanne James. You are an inspiration!

Jays vs Phils

Battle of the Bull-shit pens. Ouch.

Tough to watch.

Almost as bad as the Jays base running... and Cito's managerial mistakes. Why didn't one of his cronies call him out??

Oh, BJ I'm pulling for you, buddy, but you've just gotta pound that strikezone. And yes, I know, Chuck Merriweather's perception of balls and strikes sucked on Thursday. He couldn't make up his mind if that outside corner pitch was a ball or strike, something an umpire of his stature shouldn't be so indecisive about. His flip flopping makes it difficult for most pitchers out there who need to work the black to stay in the game.

So the Jays get an unexpected sweep. What's next? Swept unexpectedly by the league's worst? I wouldn't count it out. It's just been that kinda year for the birds. I believe they need to balance out at 10 games over .500 to really get cookin'. If they can, then we're talkin'.

Doc 'n roll

Roy Halladay is the best athlete plying his trade in Canada. I wish he'd get more pub from our press. If only he wore skates...

2009 nastiness:

13 starts

10 wins

1 loss

3 cg

88 k

12 bb

We're witnessing history... right now. Enjoy it.