NHL Notes
Boston Bruins goalie Manny Fernandez returned to practice Wednesday after missing three weeks with a sprained knee, but was forced to leave when back spasms flared up. Tim Thomas will get the start in net tonight while Fernandez's rests this weekend before trying to practice again next week.
Buffalo Sabers' Drew Stafford is out for an indefinite amount of time with a shoulder strain.
Erik Cole, suffering from a neck injury, has been cleared for full contact by doctors, and will start practicing with Carolina, and is probable for todays game with Tampa Bay.
Colorado Avs forward Ryan Smyth is playing with a broken nose he suffered Tuesday against Calgary. Jordan Leopold is skating again and could return by mid-December, which is eariler then expected.
Mike Van Ryn of the Florida Panthers visited hand surgeon John McAuliffe, and said a damage report is expected soon. Various doctors are looking at the MRI results because he has had surgery on the that wrist twice already.
A spokesman for the New York Islanders confirmed that Jonathan Sim has undergone a full knee reconstruction. Surgery was successful, but Sim has been ruled out for the season.
While Pavol Demitra skated again on Thursday he's not expected to play in Minnesota's games this weekend, and is hoping his groin will be healed enough to play next week.
Martin Straka could be back in the lineup for the New York Rangers game against Florida tonight, after injuring his finger.
The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Matt Carle to a four-year $13.75 million contract extension over Thanksgiving. The 23 year-old has a goal and five assists in 18 games this season.
One week after being put on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks, Ilya Bryzgalov will get the start against his old team when the Phoenix Coyotes take on the Ducks today.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
Friday, November 23, 2007
November 23
Fedoruk Lands in Minnesota
The Minnesota Wild claimed enforcer Todd Fedoruk off re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars Thursday. The Stars and Wild will split Fedoruk's $875,000 salary for the remainder of the season. The 28 year-old had two assists and 33 penalty minutes in 11 games this season, and in 365 career NHL games has 17 goals, 50 assists and 818 penalty minutes.
The Wild also recalled goaltender Nolan Schaefer from the Houston Aeros as Josh Harding was banged up in Wednesday's loss to Vancouver, and they reassigned winger Aaron Voros to the Aeros.
Hanlon Out
Off to their worst start in 26 years, the Washington Capitals fired head coach Glen Hanlon on Thursday. Bruce Boudreau, coach of the Capitals American Hockey League affiliate, was named interim coach. The move came just one day after the Caps were beat by the Atlanta Thrashers 5-1 at home, and several disgruntled fans chanted "Fire Hanlon" late in the game. The loss was Washington's fifth consecutive and ninth and their last 10 games which dropped the Capitals to a league worst 6-14-1.
Hanlon was in his forth season behind the Caps bench, after being promoted from assistant coach in December 2003 to replace Bruce Cassidy. Washington ended up finishing last in the Southeast Division that season, as well as in each of his two full seasons at the helm.
Boudreau, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks, will make his NHL coaching debut in Philadelphia against the Flyers tonight, and also coached seven current members of Caps when they were with the AHL's Hershey Bears, which he led to the 2006 Calder Cup title.
Hall of Famer Johnson dies at 79
Montreal Canadiens star and Hockey Hall of Famer Tom Johnson passed away Thursday at the age of 79. Johnson spent 15 of his 17 seasons with the Canadiens before playing out his career with the Boston Bruins. He won six Stanley Cups as a player with the Habs and two with the Bruins, in 1970 in the front office and in 1972 as the Head Coach, also won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenceman in 1959, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1970. In 978 career games, Johnson recorded 51 goals, 213 assists for 264 points and 960 penalty minutes, and in 111 playoff games scored eights goals and registered 23 points.
Hunter Goes With the Angels
Free-agent Torii Hunter signed a five-year $90 million deal with the Anaheim Angels. The seven-time Gold Glove Award winner rejected a three-year $45 million offer from the Minnesota Twins back in August, and the Twins held firm to that deal when the free agent signing period started.
I for one will be sad to see Torii leave and like many Twins fans wish he would've stayed, but I also can't blame him or any other athlete for taking a better offer elsewhere. It's really no different then you or me leaving our current job for another one doing the exact same thing, and getting paid more to do it.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
The Minnesota Wild claimed enforcer Todd Fedoruk off re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars Thursday. The Stars and Wild will split Fedoruk's $875,000 salary for the remainder of the season. The 28 year-old had two assists and 33 penalty minutes in 11 games this season, and in 365 career NHL games has 17 goals, 50 assists and 818 penalty minutes.
The Wild also recalled goaltender Nolan Schaefer from the Houston Aeros as Josh Harding was banged up in Wednesday's loss to Vancouver, and they reassigned winger Aaron Voros to the Aeros.
Hanlon Out
Off to their worst start in 26 years, the Washington Capitals fired head coach Glen Hanlon on Thursday. Bruce Boudreau, coach of the Capitals American Hockey League affiliate, was named interim coach. The move came just one day after the Caps were beat by the Atlanta Thrashers 5-1 at home, and several disgruntled fans chanted "Fire Hanlon" late in the game. The loss was Washington's fifth consecutive and ninth and their last 10 games which dropped the Capitals to a league worst 6-14-1.
Hanlon was in his forth season behind the Caps bench, after being promoted from assistant coach in December 2003 to replace Bruce Cassidy. Washington ended up finishing last in the Southeast Division that season, as well as in each of his two full seasons at the helm.
Boudreau, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks, will make his NHL coaching debut in Philadelphia against the Flyers tonight, and also coached seven current members of Caps when they were with the AHL's Hershey Bears, which he led to the 2006 Calder Cup title.
Hall of Famer Johnson dies at 79
Montreal Canadiens star and Hockey Hall of Famer Tom Johnson passed away Thursday at the age of 79. Johnson spent 15 of his 17 seasons with the Canadiens before playing out his career with the Boston Bruins. He won six Stanley Cups as a player with the Habs and two with the Bruins, in 1970 in the front office and in 1972 as the Head Coach, also won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenceman in 1959, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1970. In 978 career games, Johnson recorded 51 goals, 213 assists for 264 points and 960 penalty minutes, and in 111 playoff games scored eights goals and registered 23 points.
Hunter Goes With the Angels
Free-agent Torii Hunter signed a five-year $90 million deal with the Anaheim Angels. The seven-time Gold Glove Award winner rejected a three-year $45 million offer from the Minnesota Twins back in August, and the Twins held firm to that deal when the free agent signing period started.
I for one will be sad to see Torii leave and like many Twins fans wish he would've stayed, but I also can't blame him or any other athlete for taking a better offer elsewhere. It's really no different then you or me leaving our current job for another one doing the exact same thing, and getting paid more to do it.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
November 21, Part II
NHL Notes
While Minnesota Wild forward Pavol Demitra did stake on his own during practice earlier this week, he is expected to miss tonight's tilt with Vancouver. This will be the seventh straight game Demitra's missed with a sore groin.
Ilya Bryzgalov will make his home debut for the Phoenix Coyotes tonight against the Los Angeles Kings. The Russian netminder was placed on waivers by Anaheim last week, and in his Coyotes debut shutout the Kings 1-0 on Saturday making 28 saves.
Philadelphia Flyers defencemen Darian Hatcher returned to practice Tuesday, after having knee surgery less then three weeks ago.
New Jersey Defenseman Paul Martin is hopeful of playing tonight against Pittsburgh. Martin, suffering from a lower body injury, skated for 15 minutes at the start of practice, but came off early and said he felt good. Also, Defenseman Colin White, suffering from an eye injury, is close to playing a game but said he still needs to reach a comfort level with his blurred vision.
Martin Havlat underwent a strength and evaluation test on his injured right shoulder Monday at a clinic in Cleveland, and the Chicago Blackhawks have set Nov 28 as the target date for the wingers return.
Nashville Preds coach Barry Trotz said forward Jason Arnott is "day-to-day", after missing the St Louis game with a neck strain.
The Boston Bruins are expected to activate goalie Manny Fernandez today. The former Wild netminder sustained a knee injury during an October 30th practice.
The Stitch Announces Exicting Partership With Myfox9.com and Fox News
The Stitch along with MyFOX9.com and FOX 9 News are boldly charging ahead with more web-only content for MyFOX9.com. Built on the success of “Pro Football On Demand with Jim Rich and Darren Sharper”, we are moving into the next season with “Minnesota Hockey On Demand”. Jim Rich will again co-host this web-only sports talk show along with noted local Hockey Coach and analyst Pete Waggoner. The ½ hour webcast will air on MyFOX9.com starting Monday, November 26th at 7:00pm and continue each Monday through the Minnesota hockey season. Highlights from the webcast will be posted on MyFOX9.com for “On Demand” downloading and viewing. The show’s focus will be local high school hockey, but Jim and Pete will also touch on Minnesota’s college and professional teams.
“Minnesota Hockey On Demand” will include highlights from all the key high school games during the week. The show will have video of all the top plays and players from around the metro and across the state. We’ll have in-depth analysis from coaches and all the emotional reaction from players and fans. Of course, there’s an interactive web chat element for all the high-school-hockey-crazed Minnesota fans. Jim and Pete will answer questions during the show and continue to chat with fans afterward.
In addition to the 'Myfox9.com High School Game of the Week" and "Minnesota Hockey on Demand", The Stitch will webcast 16 additional games that includes the same format, video, play-by-play and a special post game condensed game feature. The Stitch is pleased to announce that its weekly NHL week in review show can be heard online every Sunday morning from 9-10am. " The NHL Week in Review" will feature news, information, commentary, and interviews from around the NHL, with special guests. It will also air on AM 660 The Bear.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
While Minnesota Wild forward Pavol Demitra did stake on his own during practice earlier this week, he is expected to miss tonight's tilt with Vancouver. This will be the seventh straight game Demitra's missed with a sore groin.
Ilya Bryzgalov will make his home debut for the Phoenix Coyotes tonight against the Los Angeles Kings. The Russian netminder was placed on waivers by Anaheim last week, and in his Coyotes debut shutout the Kings 1-0 on Saturday making 28 saves.
Philadelphia Flyers defencemen Darian Hatcher returned to practice Tuesday, after having knee surgery less then three weeks ago.
New Jersey Defenseman Paul Martin is hopeful of playing tonight against Pittsburgh. Martin, suffering from a lower body injury, skated for 15 minutes at the start of practice, but came off early and said he felt good. Also, Defenseman Colin White, suffering from an eye injury, is close to playing a game but said he still needs to reach a comfort level with his blurred vision.
Martin Havlat underwent a strength and evaluation test on his injured right shoulder Monday at a clinic in Cleveland, and the Chicago Blackhawks have set Nov 28 as the target date for the wingers return.
Nashville Preds coach Barry Trotz said forward Jason Arnott is "day-to-day", after missing the St Louis game with a neck strain.
The Boston Bruins are expected to activate goalie Manny Fernandez today. The former Wild netminder sustained a knee injury during an October 30th practice.
The Stitch Announces Exicting Partership With Myfox9.com and Fox News
The Stitch along with MyFOX9.com and FOX 9 News are boldly charging ahead with more web-only content for MyFOX9.com. Built on the success of “Pro Football On Demand with Jim Rich and Darren Sharper”, we are moving into the next season with “Minnesota Hockey On Demand”. Jim Rich will again co-host this web-only sports talk show along with noted local Hockey Coach and analyst Pete Waggoner. The ½ hour webcast will air on MyFOX9.com starting Monday, November 26th at 7:00pm and continue each Monday through the Minnesota hockey season. Highlights from the webcast will be posted on MyFOX9.com for “On Demand” downloading and viewing. The show’s focus will be local high school hockey, but Jim and Pete will also touch on Minnesota’s college and professional teams.
“Minnesota Hockey On Demand” will include highlights from all the key high school games during the week. The show will have video of all the top plays and players from around the metro and across the state. We’ll have in-depth analysis from coaches and all the emotional reaction from players and fans. Of course, there’s an interactive web chat element for all the high-school-hockey-crazed Minnesota fans. Jim and Pete will answer questions during the show and continue to chat with fans afterward.
In addition to the 'Myfox9.com High School Game of the Week" and "Minnesota Hockey on Demand", The Stitch will webcast 16 additional games that includes the same format, video, play-by-play and a special post game condensed game feature. The Stitch is pleased to announce that its weekly NHL week in review show can be heard online every Sunday morning from 9-10am. " The NHL Week in Review" will feature news, information, commentary, and interviews from around the NHL, with special guests. It will also air on AM 660 The Bear.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
November 21
Bad Blood Brewing
The Vancouver Canucks will make their first trip to St. Paul tonight and look for the gloves to drop once again. Back on Friday Vancouver's Matthias Ohlund put a vicious two-handed slash on the back left leg of Minnesota center Mikko Koivu resulting in a cracked bone that will keep the Wild center on the shelf for at least a handful of more games. The "Tonya Tap" from Ohlund was in retaliation for a elbow thrown by Koivu earlier in the game. Minnesota enforcer Derek Boogaard said "he wasn't going to stand for it" and looked forward to a rematch.
It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out, but for those of you who may have forgotten, lets take a look at some of the other incidents that have taken place with Shamu the past few years.
12/22/01: Vancouver's Matt Cooke breaks Wild defenseman Jason Marshall's nose during a fight, prompting several brawls.
3/2/02: In the rematch, Marshall twice challenges Cooke to fight, but he declines. Wild enforcer Matt Johnson is ejected for punching Mattias Ohlund in the back of the head, drawing a five-game suspension.
12/7/02: Marian Gaborik nets a hat trick and is leveled by Cooke as he celebrates his third goal. Marshall viciously elbows Canuck Ed Jovanovski into the glass. Jovanovski later checks Marshall face first into the boards, which results in a concussion that sidelines Marshall for a month.
4/27/03: At the end of Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, a 3-2 Wild victory, Cooke tomahawks Johnson's ankle. Minnesota defenseman Brad Brown and Vancouver pain in the rear Todd Bertuzzi trade punches in front of the benches. Willie Mitchell then charges out of the Wild dressing room to fight Jovanovski, and the NHL fines Minnesota $25,000 for the incident.
11/8/03: The Wild are infuriated when Canuck Jarkko Ruutu picks a fight with Sergei Zholtok, the mild-mannered Minnesota forward drops his gloves for only the second time in nine years.
2/19/04: Johnson is suspended five games for slashing Cooke, who is banished two games for a retaliatory spear.
Last Friday: Koivu elbows Ohlund who retaliates by slashing his in the back of his left leg and cracking a bone.
With Ohlund suspended for tonight's game, you can count on at least one or two altercations, but my guess is that on Dec 2 when Johnny Canuck comes back is when the main event will begin.
Fedoruk to AHL
Dallas Stars forward Todd Fedoruk cleared waivers Tuesday and was demoted to the Iowa Stars of the AHL. The 28 year-old had two assists and 33 penalty minutes in 11 games this season and is guaranteed his NHL salary of $875,000. A seventh round pick of Philadelphia in the 1997 draft (164th overall), Fedoruk has registered 17 goals and 50 assists for 67 points with 818 penalty minutes in 365 games over eight NHL seasons for the Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, and Stars.
Ducks Extend Getzlaf
The Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks (of Los Angeles) signed centre Ryan Getzlaf to a five-year contract extension worth $26.625 million that will run through the 2012-13 season. Ducks GM Brian Burke back in July declined to match the Edmonton Oilers five-year $21.25 million offer sheet to 25 year-old Ducks restricted free-agent forward Dustin Penner, saying at the time that such a big-money offer to a young player like Penner was "highly inflationary in that age group". Getzlaf, 22, would have become a restricted free agent on July 1 and will earn $5.325 million per season under his new deal, and has seven goals and 21 points in 19 games this season.
Crosby Leads East
With one week of voting underway Pittsburgh Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby leads all Eastern Conference vote-getters in all-star balloting. Crosby has garnered 94,118 votes, more then double the amount of Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators who's in second among forwards with 41,198 votes. Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers is third with 32,751.
Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andri Markov leads Eastern blue-liners with 48,134 voates, ahead of the Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara (45,949), Tomas Kaberle of the Toronto Maple Leafs (36,125) and Brian Campbell of the Buffalo Sabres (33,857).
New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist led all netminders with 30,324 votes, followed by Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils (29,631), Martin Biron of the Flyers (27,849) and Cristobal Huet of the Canadiens (24,515).
The Western Conference balloting results will be announced Wednesday afternoon.
Be sure to log onto WWW/THESTITCH.US
The Vancouver Canucks will make their first trip to St. Paul tonight and look for the gloves to drop once again. Back on Friday Vancouver's Matthias Ohlund put a vicious two-handed slash on the back left leg of Minnesota center Mikko Koivu resulting in a cracked bone that will keep the Wild center on the shelf for at least a handful of more games. The "Tonya Tap" from Ohlund was in retaliation for a elbow thrown by Koivu earlier in the game. Minnesota enforcer Derek Boogaard said "he wasn't going to stand for it" and looked forward to a rematch.
It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out, but for those of you who may have forgotten, lets take a look at some of the other incidents that have taken place with Shamu the past few years.
12/22/01: Vancouver's Matt Cooke breaks Wild defenseman Jason Marshall's nose during a fight, prompting several brawls.
3/2/02: In the rematch, Marshall twice challenges Cooke to fight, but he declines. Wild enforcer Matt Johnson is ejected for punching Mattias Ohlund in the back of the head, drawing a five-game suspension.
12/7/02: Marian Gaborik nets a hat trick and is leveled by Cooke as he celebrates his third goal. Marshall viciously elbows Canuck Ed Jovanovski into the glass. Jovanovski later checks Marshall face first into the boards, which results in a concussion that sidelines Marshall for a month.
4/27/03: At the end of Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, a 3-2 Wild victory, Cooke tomahawks Johnson's ankle. Minnesota defenseman Brad Brown and Vancouver pain in the rear Todd Bertuzzi trade punches in front of the benches. Willie Mitchell then charges out of the Wild dressing room to fight Jovanovski, and the NHL fines Minnesota $25,000 for the incident.
11/8/03: The Wild are infuriated when Canuck Jarkko Ruutu picks a fight with Sergei Zholtok, the mild-mannered Minnesota forward drops his gloves for only the second time in nine years.
2/19/04: Johnson is suspended five games for slashing Cooke, who is banished two games for a retaliatory spear.
Last Friday: Koivu elbows Ohlund who retaliates by slashing his in the back of his left leg and cracking a bone.
With Ohlund suspended for tonight's game, you can count on at least one or two altercations, but my guess is that on Dec 2 when Johnny Canuck comes back is when the main event will begin.
Fedoruk to AHL
Dallas Stars forward Todd Fedoruk cleared waivers Tuesday and was demoted to the Iowa Stars of the AHL. The 28 year-old had two assists and 33 penalty minutes in 11 games this season and is guaranteed his NHL salary of $875,000. A seventh round pick of Philadelphia in the 1997 draft (164th overall), Fedoruk has registered 17 goals and 50 assists for 67 points with 818 penalty minutes in 365 games over eight NHL seasons for the Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, and Stars.
Ducks Extend Getzlaf
The Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks (of Los Angeles) signed centre Ryan Getzlaf to a five-year contract extension worth $26.625 million that will run through the 2012-13 season. Ducks GM Brian Burke back in July declined to match the Edmonton Oilers five-year $21.25 million offer sheet to 25 year-old Ducks restricted free-agent forward Dustin Penner, saying at the time that such a big-money offer to a young player like Penner was "highly inflationary in that age group". Getzlaf, 22, would have become a restricted free agent on July 1 and will earn $5.325 million per season under his new deal, and has seven goals and 21 points in 19 games this season.
Crosby Leads East
With one week of voting underway Pittsburgh Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby leads all Eastern Conference vote-getters in all-star balloting. Crosby has garnered 94,118 votes, more then double the amount of Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators who's in second among forwards with 41,198 votes. Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers is third with 32,751.
Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andri Markov leads Eastern blue-liners with 48,134 voates, ahead of the Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara (45,949), Tomas Kaberle of the Toronto Maple Leafs (36,125) and Brian Campbell of the Buffalo Sabres (33,857).
New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist led all netminders with 30,324 votes, followed by Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils (29,631), Martin Biron of the Flyers (27,849) and Cristobal Huet of the Canadiens (24,515).
The Western Conference balloting results will be announced Wednesday afternoon.
Be sure to log onto WWW/THESTITCH.US
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
November 20, Part II
Nummelin back to Swiss League?
There have been several reports in Swiss publications saying that Minnesota Wild defenseman Petteri Nummelin has asked out of his contract so he can return to Europe. Wild Assistant GM Tom Lynn commented that "I have spoken to Petteri directly, and not only is he uninterested in returning to Europe, he believes he will contribute to a run at a memorable season here in Minnesota". The 34 year-old Played for Davos of the Swiss A League from 1997-2000 before being taken in the fifth round of the 2000 entry draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, and after one season in Ohio returned to the Swiss A league playing 2001-2006 for Lugano. In 66 games over the last two years for the Wild, Nummelin has netted 3 goals and 24 assists.
Baseball Notes
The Boston Red Sox reached a preliminary agreement with World Series MVP Mike Lowell. The deal is reportedly worth $37.5 million over three-years.
Tom Glavine is back for a second go-around in Atlanta after signing a one-year $8 million contract. The 41 year-old spent his first 16 years with the Braves before signing with the New York Mets in 2002, and had said he would have retired if things hadn't worked out with Atlanta.
The Chicago White Sox received Gold Glove shortstop Orlando Cabera from the Anaheim Angeles in exchange for pitcher Jon Garland. The trade comes 12 days after the White Sox re-signed shortstop Juan Uribe to a one-year $4.5 million contract.
Speaking of the White Sox, free agent center fielder Torri Hunter reportedly will meet with the south-siders.
The Mets finalized a four-year $25 million deal with second baseman Luis Castillo, that was pending on the former Twin passing passing his physical.
San Diego finalized their one-year $10 million contract that 41 year-old Greg Maddux agreed to two weeks ago.
Goldy gets Verbal Commitments
The University of Minnesota football team landed three verbal commitments Monday, which includes four-star junior quarterback Traye Simmons who played at College of the Sequoias (California) and he had received offers from Florida and California among other schools. The Gophers also received verbal commitments from two-star running back Maurice Greer of Garden City (Kansas) Community College and two-star athlete DaJon McKnight of Dallas Skyline High School. McKnight is the third Skyline player to commit to Minnesota for the 2008 class..
Be sure to log onto WWW.THE STITCH.US
There have been several reports in Swiss publications saying that Minnesota Wild defenseman Petteri Nummelin has asked out of his contract so he can return to Europe. Wild Assistant GM Tom Lynn commented that "I have spoken to Petteri directly, and not only is he uninterested in returning to Europe, he believes he will contribute to a run at a memorable season here in Minnesota". The 34 year-old Played for Davos of the Swiss A League from 1997-2000 before being taken in the fifth round of the 2000 entry draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, and after one season in Ohio returned to the Swiss A league playing 2001-2006 for Lugano. In 66 games over the last two years for the Wild, Nummelin has netted 3 goals and 24 assists.
Baseball Notes
The Boston Red Sox reached a preliminary agreement with World Series MVP Mike Lowell. The deal is reportedly worth $37.5 million over three-years.
Tom Glavine is back for a second go-around in Atlanta after signing a one-year $8 million contract. The 41 year-old spent his first 16 years with the Braves before signing with the New York Mets in 2002, and had said he would have retired if things hadn't worked out with Atlanta.
The Chicago White Sox received Gold Glove shortstop Orlando Cabera from the Anaheim Angeles in exchange for pitcher Jon Garland. The trade comes 12 days after the White Sox re-signed shortstop Juan Uribe to a one-year $4.5 million contract.
Speaking of the White Sox, free agent center fielder Torri Hunter reportedly will meet with the south-siders.
The Mets finalized a four-year $25 million deal with second baseman Luis Castillo, that was pending on the former Twin passing passing his physical.
San Diego finalized their one-year $10 million contract that 41 year-old Greg Maddux agreed to two weeks ago.
Goldy gets Verbal Commitments
The University of Minnesota football team landed three verbal commitments Monday, which includes four-star junior quarterback Traye Simmons who played at College of the Sequoias (California) and he had received offers from Florida and California among other schools. The Gophers also received verbal commitments from two-star running back Maurice Greer of Garden City (Kansas) Community College and two-star athlete DaJon McKnight of Dallas Skyline High School. McKnight is the third Skyline player to commit to Minnesota for the 2008 class..
Be sure to log onto WWW.THE STITCH.US
November 20
Ducks get Sutherby
The Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks (of Los Angeles) acquired centre Brian Sutherby from the Washington Capitals on Monday in exchange for the Ducks second-round pick in 2009. Sutherby had one goal in five games for the Caps this season, and has 26 goals and 61 points with 281 penalty minutes in 259 career NHL games. The 25 year-old is earning $800,000 this season and will be a restricted free agent July 1st.
Brown, Canucks Ready to Rumble Wednesday?
The Vancouver Canucks called up tough winger Mike Brown and sent down speedy forward Jannik Hansen to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. Brown hasn't been one to back down in his short career, and with Shamu in town Wednesday to face the Wild the timing is quite notable.
Instigator, Kostopoulos Suspended
Montreal Canadiens forward Tom Kostopoulos was automatically suspended for Mondays game against the Ottawa Senators after earning a late-game instigator penalty Saturday in the Habs 7-4 win over Boston, when he went after Bruins defenceman Mark Stuart. Montreal head coach Guy Carbonneau also was automatically fined $10,000 for Kostopoulos earning the Instigator in the last five minutes of the game.
Big Bird Honored
The Montreal Canadiens honored one of their most beloved defenceman in franchise history Monday night as they retired Larry Robinson's number 19. Robinson became the 13th member of the Canadiens to have his sweater number honored. Big Bird was the 20th player selected in the 1971 draft by Montreal, and played 17 seasons for the Habs before signing with the Los Angeles Kings in 1989, and played three seasons in the city of angeles. The two-time Norris Trophy winner ('77, '80) posted 208 goals and 750 assists for 958 points in 1,384 NHL games, was a six-time Stanley Cup champion with the Canadiens, capturing the Conn Smythe in 1978 as the playoff MVP, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.
Bob Gainey's number 23 will be the next number honored by Montreal on February 23rd.
In case your wondering the other Canadiens to have their sweaters retired are: Jacques Plante (1); Doug Harvey (2); Jean Beliveau (4); Berine (Boom Boom) Geoffrion (5); Howie Morenz (7); Maurice (Rocket) Richard (9); Guy Lafleur (10); Yvan Cournoyer and Dickie Moore (12); Henri (Pocket Rocket) Richard (16); Serge Savard (18); Robinson (19); and Ken Dryden (29).
A-Rod MVP
As expected Alex Rodriguez was named the American League's Most Valuable Player, the second time he's done so as a New York Yankee and became the fifth AL player to win 3 MVP's (and currently is the only player with three who hasn't won a World Series). The only surprise maybe was that he wasn't unanimously selected as the Detroit Tigers Magglio Ordonez received two first place votes. A-Rod led the Major Leagues with 54 homers, batted .314 and established career highs with 143 runs scored and 156 RBI's.
Also on the Yankee front, Closer Mariano Rivera has informed his only employer that he will accept their three-year, $45 million contract offer. The 38 year-old will become baseball's highest-paid closer once he passes a physical earning $15 million a year through the 2010 season. New York's other closer, the Mets Billy Wagner, was the highest paid at $10.5 million.
One thing that would be curious to know is if Joe Torre had stayed would the Yanks have been able to get both Rivera and Posada for $5 million cheaper each?
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
The Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks (of Los Angeles) acquired centre Brian Sutherby from the Washington Capitals on Monday in exchange for the Ducks second-round pick in 2009. Sutherby had one goal in five games for the Caps this season, and has 26 goals and 61 points with 281 penalty minutes in 259 career NHL games. The 25 year-old is earning $800,000 this season and will be a restricted free agent July 1st.
Brown, Canucks Ready to Rumble Wednesday?
The Vancouver Canucks called up tough winger Mike Brown and sent down speedy forward Jannik Hansen to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. Brown hasn't been one to back down in his short career, and with Shamu in town Wednesday to face the Wild the timing is quite notable.
Instigator, Kostopoulos Suspended
Montreal Canadiens forward Tom Kostopoulos was automatically suspended for Mondays game against the Ottawa Senators after earning a late-game instigator penalty Saturday in the Habs 7-4 win over Boston, when he went after Bruins defenceman Mark Stuart. Montreal head coach Guy Carbonneau also was automatically fined $10,000 for Kostopoulos earning the Instigator in the last five minutes of the game.
Big Bird Honored
The Montreal Canadiens honored one of their most beloved defenceman in franchise history Monday night as they retired Larry Robinson's number 19. Robinson became the 13th member of the Canadiens to have his sweater number honored. Big Bird was the 20th player selected in the 1971 draft by Montreal, and played 17 seasons for the Habs before signing with the Los Angeles Kings in 1989, and played three seasons in the city of angeles. The two-time Norris Trophy winner ('77, '80) posted 208 goals and 750 assists for 958 points in 1,384 NHL games, was a six-time Stanley Cup champion with the Canadiens, capturing the Conn Smythe in 1978 as the playoff MVP, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.
Bob Gainey's number 23 will be the next number honored by Montreal on February 23rd.
In case your wondering the other Canadiens to have their sweaters retired are: Jacques Plante (1); Doug Harvey (2); Jean Beliveau (4); Berine (Boom Boom) Geoffrion (5); Howie Morenz (7); Maurice (Rocket) Richard (9); Guy Lafleur (10); Yvan Cournoyer and Dickie Moore (12); Henri (Pocket Rocket) Richard (16); Serge Savard (18); Robinson (19); and Ken Dryden (29).
A-Rod MVP
As expected Alex Rodriguez was named the American League's Most Valuable Player, the second time he's done so as a New York Yankee and became the fifth AL player to win 3 MVP's (and currently is the only player with three who hasn't won a World Series). The only surprise maybe was that he wasn't unanimously selected as the Detroit Tigers Magglio Ordonez received two first place votes. A-Rod led the Major Leagues with 54 homers, batted .314 and established career highs with 143 runs scored and 156 RBI's.
Also on the Yankee front, Closer Mariano Rivera has informed his only employer that he will accept their three-year, $45 million contract offer. The 38 year-old will become baseball's highest-paid closer once he passes a physical earning $15 million a year through the 2010 season. New York's other closer, the Mets Billy Wagner, was the highest paid at $10.5 million.
One thing that would be curious to know is if Joe Torre had stayed would the Yanks have been able to get both Rivera and Posada for $5 million cheaper each?
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Monday, November 19, 2007
November19, Part II
Brews Crew
Tim Brewster wrapped up his first season as Minnesota football coach on Saturday, losing to the Wisconsin Badgers 41-34, as his Gophers finished 1-10 overall, and 0-8 in the Big Ten. This is the worst finish for Minnesota since their 1983 campaign, Smokey Joe Salem's last, when they also went winless in conference play (0-9) and finished with an identical 1-10 record. There were several in Gopher Nation, and many not part of Gopher Nation, that wanted Brewster gone early in the season after just a few games, and wanting Glen Mason back at the start of October. While most, including this Gopher fan, were hoping for more then just a single win, I think it's safe to say that this years team was going to struggle to make a Bowl game and probably not be playing come December. For those convinced that firing Mason was the wrong decision and he should be back roaming the sidelines, lets take a brief look at the Mason era.
In 1997 Mason took the reigns from Jim Wacker and his "Air" attack. While Wacker went 16-39 in five seasons, there were several intertaining games, like the Purdue 59-56 type shoot-outs. Many forget that Mason went 3-9, 1-7 in his first year, but that had almost been the norm under Wacker so he didn't suffer that much criticism. Record wise Mason went 64-54 .529, but 32-48 .400 in the Big Ten. His best season was 2003 (10-3, 5-3) but only had four winning years in conference play (two of which were 4-4), never finished higher then 4th in Big Ten, and overall had six winning seasons out of ten.
The one thing Mason did do for the program was take them to seven bowl games and bring back some of the winning tradition that had been lost since Minnesota won the last of their 6 National Titles in 1960 and Big Ten in 1967. In those seven bowl games, the Gophers won 3, and lost their last two including blowing a 31 point lead (38-7 with 7:53 left in the Third Quarter) to Texas Tech in the 2006 Insight Bowl, and the 2005 Music City Bowl to Virginia 34-31 (they also led in that game 21-10 at the Half). It doesn't madder if your coaching at Michigan, Notre Dame, Texas Tech, or Miami (Ohio) a sub .500 conference record and two straight Bowl losses, especially blowing a 31 point lead will cost you your job.
Just taking a look at last season, outside of the bowl loss to Texas Tech, North Dakota State almost beat them (10-9), the only rival beaten was Iowa, while the only two other Big Ten wins were against Indiana and at Michigan State. All three of their conference wins were the last three games of the season, which helped them finish at 6-7 after starting the year 2-1(44-0 win at Kent State, 42-17 loss at California, 62-0 win vs Temple), and they just barely made the Insight Bowl.
Mason did patrol the Gopher sidelines for 10 seasons, the longest since legendary coach Murray Warmath did so from 1954-71 (18 years, 87-78-7 .526, 1 National Championship in 1960), and just a year shorter then the last two coach's combined (Wacker '92-96, 5 years, and John Gutekunst '85-'96, 6+ years). The point being that Mason did turn the program around from where it had been, some winning seasons and low-teir bowls, but wasn't able to get them to that next step in major/ BCS bowls and have a consistent winning conference team. The other thing to take into consideration is the relationship, or non-relationship he had with the High School Coaches in the state. While Minnesota doesn't produce the same number of blue chip and top recruits as say Texas or Florida, with the non-friendly sort of standoffish relationship he had, how many on the fence Minnesotans decided to go out of state after asking for their coaches advise on where to go? The list is quite long, and a certain Wisconsin quarterback is one that comes to mind, along with several others.
While Brewster didn't have any head coaching experience, and his first season maybe went worse then expected, he has started to establish a relationship with the High School Coaches in the state that after one year is better then what Mason had, and it'll take a few season's before we know if this gamble paid off. While the situation and coaching styles are different, there was another coach that took over a Big Ten school and had a one win first season, who later turned around the University of Iowa to once again be a Big Ten contender and go to New Years Bowls.
Tim Brewster wrapped up his first season as Minnesota football coach on Saturday, losing to the Wisconsin Badgers 41-34, as his Gophers finished 1-10 overall, and 0-8 in the Big Ten. This is the worst finish for Minnesota since their 1983 campaign, Smokey Joe Salem's last, when they also went winless in conference play (0-9) and finished with an identical 1-10 record. There were several in Gopher Nation, and many not part of Gopher Nation, that wanted Brewster gone early in the season after just a few games, and wanting Glen Mason back at the start of October. While most, including this Gopher fan, were hoping for more then just a single win, I think it's safe to say that this years team was going to struggle to make a Bowl game and probably not be playing come December. For those convinced that firing Mason was the wrong decision and he should be back roaming the sidelines, lets take a brief look at the Mason era.
In 1997 Mason took the reigns from Jim Wacker and his "Air" attack. While Wacker went 16-39 in five seasons, there were several intertaining games, like the Purdue 59-56 type shoot-outs. Many forget that Mason went 3-9, 1-7 in his first year, but that had almost been the norm under Wacker so he didn't suffer that much criticism. Record wise Mason went 64-54 .529, but 32-48 .400 in the Big Ten. His best season was 2003 (10-3, 5-3) but only had four winning years in conference play (two of which were 4-4), never finished higher then 4th in Big Ten, and overall had six winning seasons out of ten.
The one thing Mason did do for the program was take them to seven bowl games and bring back some of the winning tradition that had been lost since Minnesota won the last of their 6 National Titles in 1960 and Big Ten in 1967. In those seven bowl games, the Gophers won 3, and lost their last two including blowing a 31 point lead (38-7 with 7:53 left in the Third Quarter) to Texas Tech in the 2006 Insight Bowl, and the 2005 Music City Bowl to Virginia 34-31 (they also led in that game 21-10 at the Half). It doesn't madder if your coaching at Michigan, Notre Dame, Texas Tech, or Miami (Ohio) a sub .500 conference record and two straight Bowl losses, especially blowing a 31 point lead will cost you your job.
Just taking a look at last season, outside of the bowl loss to Texas Tech, North Dakota State almost beat them (10-9), the only rival beaten was Iowa, while the only two other Big Ten wins were against Indiana and at Michigan State. All three of their conference wins were the last three games of the season, which helped them finish at 6-7 after starting the year 2-1(44-0 win at Kent State, 42-17 loss at California, 62-0 win vs Temple), and they just barely made the Insight Bowl.
Mason did patrol the Gopher sidelines for 10 seasons, the longest since legendary coach Murray Warmath did so from 1954-71 (18 years, 87-78-7 .526, 1 National Championship in 1960), and just a year shorter then the last two coach's combined (Wacker '92-96, 5 years, and John Gutekunst '85-'96, 6+ years). The point being that Mason did turn the program around from where it had been, some winning seasons and low-teir bowls, but wasn't able to get them to that next step in major/ BCS bowls and have a consistent winning conference team. The other thing to take into consideration is the relationship, or non-relationship he had with the High School Coaches in the state. While Minnesota doesn't produce the same number of blue chip and top recruits as say Texas or Florida, with the non-friendly sort of standoffish relationship he had, how many on the fence Minnesotans decided to go out of state after asking for their coaches advise on where to go? The list is quite long, and a certain Wisconsin quarterback is one that comes to mind, along with several others.
While Brewster didn't have any head coaching experience, and his first season maybe went worse then expected, he has started to establish a relationship with the High School Coaches in the state that after one year is better then what Mason had, and it'll take a few season's before we know if this gamble paid off. While the situation and coaching styles are different, there was another coach that took over a Big Ten school and had a one win first season, who later turned around the University of Iowa to once again be a Big Ten contender and go to New Years Bowls.
November 19
Ohlund out for Wednesday
While it didn't come as a big surprise, Vancouver Cancuks defenceman Mattias Ohlund received a four-game suspension from the NHL on Sunday for his slash on MIkko Koviu, who suffered a cracked bone in his left leg and is expected to miss at least a week. With the suspension Ohlund will forfeit just under $75,000 in salary that will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund. Koviu is the Wild's leading scorer with 16 points and 11 assists. While Ohlund will miss the Canucks game against Minnesota Wednesday, he'll be back in time for the December 2nd tilt at Xcel.
Also on the injury front, Chicago Blackhawks forward Rene Bourque is expected to miss a month after breaking his thumb on Saturday during the Hawks 5-3 win over Detroit. The 25 year-old has three goals (all short-handed) this season and five assists in 16 games.
Brodeur Nets 500th Win
Martin Brodeur became the second member of the 500 win club on Saturday stopping 26 of 28 shots in the Devils 6-2 win over the Flyers. Brodeur joins Hall of Famer Patrick Roy as the only two netminders with 500 wins, improving his career record to 500-273-105-15. The 35 year-old, in his 14th season, is on pace to pass Roy's 551 wins sometime next year.
Bryz to the Desert
It didn't take long for Ilya Bryzgalov to find his new team, as expected. After being placed on waivers by Anaheim on Friday, the Phoenix Coyotes claimed the Russian netminder on Saturday and put him right to work as Bryz started against the Los Angeles Kings that night, and recorded his third career shutout making 28 saves in his Coyotes debut. The 27 year old is earning $1.36 million this season and is slated to become a unrestricted free agent on July 1st.
Jerseys
With the possibility for a Vikes/Wild doubleheader Sunday, I was curious to see how many Purple jerseys would be present at Xcel. There are of course those fans who attended both that would do the change in the car, but from my view in the Al Shaver press box I did spot two Adrian Peterson number 28's, and was a little disappointed that there wasn't a Randy Moss or John Randle jersey present. Outside of the usual Marian Gaborik, Brian Rolston, and blank North Stars Jerseys that are usually in the stands at Xcel, along with some Joe Sakic Avalanche there were plenty of teams and players represented in St Paul last night, including a Brian Bellows North Stars, Number 24 North Stars (old school, no name on back), Joe Sakic Quebec Nordiques, blank Nordiques, blank 2004 All-Star, Darby Hendrickson Wild, Richard Park Wild, Manny Fernandez Wild, John-Michael Liles Avs, Number 16 Cadwel Avs, Vintage Vancouver Canucks, and a blank California Seals.
I don't know if he still attends Wild games, but I remember a few years ago when I was hocking credit cards at the "X" during the Alexander Daigle era, and would always see this one guy that had a big bushy black beard and bulging eyes that would walk the main concourse during both intermissions and sport a different old jersey each game, including a Habs Jacques Lemaire, St Paul Saints, Dennis Hextall North Stars, California (Golden) Seals, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets to name a few.
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While it didn't come as a big surprise, Vancouver Cancuks defenceman Mattias Ohlund received a four-game suspension from the NHL on Sunday for his slash on MIkko Koviu, who suffered a cracked bone in his left leg and is expected to miss at least a week. With the suspension Ohlund will forfeit just under $75,000 in salary that will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund. Koviu is the Wild's leading scorer with 16 points and 11 assists. While Ohlund will miss the Canucks game against Minnesota Wednesday, he'll be back in time for the December 2nd tilt at Xcel.
Also on the injury front, Chicago Blackhawks forward Rene Bourque is expected to miss a month after breaking his thumb on Saturday during the Hawks 5-3 win over Detroit. The 25 year-old has three goals (all short-handed) this season and five assists in 16 games.
Brodeur Nets 500th Win
Martin Brodeur became the second member of the 500 win club on Saturday stopping 26 of 28 shots in the Devils 6-2 win over the Flyers. Brodeur joins Hall of Famer Patrick Roy as the only two netminders with 500 wins, improving his career record to 500-273-105-15. The 35 year-old, in his 14th season, is on pace to pass Roy's 551 wins sometime next year.
Bryz to the Desert
It didn't take long for Ilya Bryzgalov to find his new team, as expected. After being placed on waivers by Anaheim on Friday, the Phoenix Coyotes claimed the Russian netminder on Saturday and put him right to work as Bryz started against the Los Angeles Kings that night, and recorded his third career shutout making 28 saves in his Coyotes debut. The 27 year old is earning $1.36 million this season and is slated to become a unrestricted free agent on July 1st.
Jerseys
With the possibility for a Vikes/Wild doubleheader Sunday, I was curious to see how many Purple jerseys would be present at Xcel. There are of course those fans who attended both that would do the change in the car, but from my view in the Al Shaver press box I did spot two Adrian Peterson number 28's, and was a little disappointed that there wasn't a Randy Moss or John Randle jersey present. Outside of the usual Marian Gaborik, Brian Rolston, and blank North Stars Jerseys that are usually in the stands at Xcel, along with some Joe Sakic Avalanche there were plenty of teams and players represented in St Paul last night, including a Brian Bellows North Stars, Number 24 North Stars (old school, no name on back), Joe Sakic Quebec Nordiques, blank Nordiques, blank 2004 All-Star, Darby Hendrickson Wild, Richard Park Wild, Manny Fernandez Wild, John-Michael Liles Avs, Number 16 Cadwel Avs, Vintage Vancouver Canucks, and a blank California Seals.
I don't know if he still attends Wild games, but I remember a few years ago when I was hocking credit cards at the "X" during the Alexander Daigle era, and would always see this one guy that had a big bushy black beard and bulging eyes that would walk the main concourse during both intermissions and sport a different old jersey each game, including a Habs Jacques Lemaire, St Paul Saints, Dennis Hextall North Stars, California (Golden) Seals, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets to name a few.
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