NEGLIGENT!

That's a nice way of putting it. Man, between the morning show, Canucks' games and a couple of columns, I've found a way to utilize the most minutes on most days. That being said, there's no excuse for not blogging for over a month, so instead of apologizing any longer, here's what's on my mind:

There's no I in Team
While the team concept is still the one that wins championships, this era of parity in the NHL has me ore interested in individuals than teams. The salary cap appears to have snuffed out any hopes of a dynasty although if the Pats can do it in the NFL, theoretically it should be possible in hockey as well. My point is this - I'm more interested in seeing an elite player than an elite team these days because the gap between individuals is bigger than the one between teams. The worst team in the league has at least a chance of beating the Stanley Cup champs because the salary cap limits how many great players you can keep together. It also means teams are forced to sign guys who make the league minimum in order to get under the cap, and these are the players that end up on the wrong side of highlight packs when they face elite talent. An era that was designed to keep teams competitive may also end up bringing back the forgotten idea of real Superstars.

Guaranteed Regurgitation
Is there anything more played out than the "guaranteed win" by a player leading into a game or a series? I'm not talking about promotions that minor league ball teams do in order to get fans out to the yard; at least those clubs are putting their money where their mouths are. I'm talking about guys like the Steelers' Anthony Smith, who "guaranteed" a win over New England this Sunday. How many times have we heard this from athletes who barely ever back it up? Joe Namath, Mark Messier... pretty short list of guys who actually step up. And what do the rest of them say when they fall flat of their faces? "I was just trying to motivate the team." Here's an idea - pick off Tom Brady twice on Sunday and take one of those to the house. I "guarantee" that will motivate your team a hell of a lot more than some empty promise with absolutely no repercussions.

Minority Report
Is the National League becoming a farm system for the AL? Yes, I'm well aware that the Cardinals and the Marlins have won World Series titles in the last five years, but all of the big names seem to be flocking to where the designated hitters hang out. The Yankees, the Red Sox, the Tigers, the Angels... they all have star power that is so rare in the NL. Don't get me wrong; I was pulling for the Rockies just like a lot of you were. But it's like going from Harry Rosen to the Bay. You can still find some nice things at the Bay, but you have to look a LOT harder.


That's it for now, but jump in with your own thoughts and I'll be posting again sooon.