The Toronto Blue Jays and Raptors have been dominating the national sports spotlight for the past week, but for vastly different reasons.
As I said here from the outset, the Jays are playoff bound and right now are better than the New York Yankees or the Tampa Bay Rays. Quality pitching is key to playoff success and the Jays are loaded in that department with arguably the best bullpen in the majors, and that was before Monday’s trade deadline.
Recently acquired Taijuan Walker and former all-star Robbie Ray join a staff that includes ace Hyun-jin Ryu, Matt Shoemaker and Chase Anderson – all quality starters. Newcomers Julian Merryweather and Thomas Hatch have the tools to be great starters and are taking innings away from a bullpen cast that includes Anthony Kay, Jordan Romano and Rafael Dolis. Ken Giles, Trent Thornton and young Nate Pearson are sidelined with injuries but with a staff like this, there’s no rush to return.
Meanwhile the Yankees are still without Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton plus pitchers Luis Severino, James Paxton and Tommy Kahnle and with the schedule quickly drawing to a close, one wonders if they will be ready for the playoffs.
It’s time folks to jump aboard the Jays’ bandwagon.
The Raptors were the darlings of the Toronto media for the past two months, but right now they are engaged in a tough playoff series with the Boston Celtics. My loyalties are torn in this one as I’d love to see the popular Raptors advance down the playoff trail while I’d enjoy seeing Morell’s Scott Morrison, who is an assistant coach with the Celtics, win the NBA crown.
A Celtics (or a Raptors)-L.A. Lakers finals with popular LeBron James would be just what the league needs in this coronavirus era. The Raptors shot 20 per cent from three-point land in the opener and weren’t much better in Game 2, but OG Anunoby drained a buzzer-beating three Thursday night to get them back in the sereis. Boston leads 2-1 with a critical Game 4 set for tonight.
Closer to home
Two of the most talked about stories this week at all the Charlottetown watering holes were the surprise departure of athletic director Chris Huggan at UPEI and the question of how the Maritime-based Quebec Major Junior Hockey League teams can survive financially without fans in the arenas.
I have been told by reliable sources the Quebec-based teams in the Q will receive assistance from the Quebec government. Quebec has been a booming province in recent years, and it can afford to help the amateur clubs. But what about Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I., where the junior hockey teams are banging at the doors of provincial treasuries when the cupboards are bare?
I heard a rumour that teams are requesting the provincial governments allow season-ticket holders attend games within the Maritime bubble, if the coronavirus remains under control. But I doubt the provinces will agree, even with social distancing in place. Maybe there will be some wiggle room, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Former junior hockey star John Abbott fired a hole-in-one last week on No. 6 at Stanhope and it happened on men’s night with plenty of cash on the line. I hope he shared it with Kendra.
Condolences
CY MacDonald died earlier this week and he was a top athlete in his youth, playing on Maritime championship baseball teams, with Rogers Rangers junior hockey, as well as with Saint Dunstan's University football and hockey clubs.
My condolences to all connected to our old friend.
As well, the local sports scene lost Vicki Weldin, longtime UPEI sports volunteer especially with basketball and volleyball teams. In recent years, Vicki worked in similar roles at all Holland College sports teams. A great lady and she will be missed.
Harness racing
Live harness racing continues tonight at Red Shores with a 12-dash card beginning at 6 p.m.
The $3,100 feature sees Marc Campbell and The Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer winner Time to Dance against former stablemate Rose Run Quest with Gilles Barrieau aboard. It’s a tough field with Avatar J, Simple Kinda Man, Woodmere Ideal Art and Lisburn from the rail.
A terrific card at Mohawk Raceway tonight as Dr. Ian Moore’s Century Farroh leaves from Post 7 in the $540,000 Canadian Pacing Derby in a field that includes Dorsoduro Hanover (James MacDonald), Bettors Wish (Paul MacDonnell), Sintra (Jody Jamieson) and six others.
Also tonight the $560,000 Maple Leaf Trot with the likes of Manchego (Louis Philippe Roy) and Gimpanzee (Doug McNair) from Posts 10 and 9, respectively, along with Atlanta, Post 4 with Yannick Gingras; Lindy the Great, Post 5 with James MacDonald; and six others.
Earlier this week, the Charlottetown simulcast group and the general Rabs MacDonald, were smiles after Major Bean’s sharp second in 1:53 outing at Mohawk in a $15,000 overnight race.
Fred MacDonald's column appears every Saturday in The Guardian. He can be reached at [email protected].
