Rios

Rios is done in Toronto. I for one couldn't be happier. Rios had all the talent in the world, but like Pogge was completely out of the game mentally, making mistakes like getting caught off second base after being called safe and failing to run home on a tag. JP managed to get rid off him without taking on any of the cost of the remainder of the contract. Sure, the Jays didn't get anyone but more importantly it gives the Jays major salary relief. This, hopefully can be used in the attempts to resign Halladay. It may be possible that JP has a plan or perhaps JP too is adopting the Burkian attitude: Play hard, play proud or get out.

Just In: Pogge's out.

By all indications over the weekend Justin Pogge's done in Toronto. He's heading to Anaheim, California to hopefully hang out with the Governor,sipping mimosas, while relaxing on the beach. It was inevitable. The moment Jonas Gustavsson signed with the Leafs or further the moment the Leafs began the pursuit of The Monster, it was clear that Pogge's days here were done.

The move, while not earth-shattering, crystallizes the rapid departure from the plan of JFJ to the plan of Brian Burke. Most of JFJ's additions to the team are slowly being moved out of town by Burke. Some of the dear departed may be successful elsewhere, but unlike Burke's tenure in Anaheim, where Brian Murray shared much of the credit of the Ducks' success, when the Leafs ultimately achieve glory the credit will fall on Burke's shoulders. This is Brian Burke's truculent Maple Leafs and a mentally insecure goalie did not fit into his plans.

Could Pogge have been the future number one here? Perhaps. He's still young and still has a chance to make it in this League. Pogge, though never impressed me. He was ordained as the saviour (a role now taken over by OLAS) by his performance in the World Juniors leading Canada to gold. This was a great disservice to both him and the Leafs as it resulted in them and JFJ, in particular, overvaluing him. Hell, with this team in front of me, even I could have won a gold medal. By far the star goalie in that tournament was another Leaf prospect Tuukka Rask, but don't get me started on what the Leafs did with him. Rask and Pogge were to be the future of the Leafs for years to come. This pressure may have gone to Pogge's head but that is no excuse as any player who plays in Toronto needs to be able to handle that pressure.

Less than 3 years after that World Junior Championship both Rask and Pogge are gone and the Leafs have absolutely nothing to show for them (except a conditional draft pick). This is still not bad news as they now have a GM, who has made it clear he has a long-term vision for this team to be successful. He is not going to mollycoddle players or force them to play in a city and for a team that players should kill to play for. Instead of focusing on the loss of assets Leafs fans should focus on the new Burkian attitude: Play hard, play proud or get out.

Doc's Final House Call

So this could be the end. I'll be there sitting in section 524A, yelling until I'm hoarse and giving Doc, if it is indeed his sendoff, the adulation he deserves. I hope it isn't the end.

Sure, Halladay will test free agency at the end of next season. But, who gives a fuck? He deserves it. This guy has been a loyal soldier to the Jays for so long and if he wants to see how much he can get in the free market, more power to him.

I think it is clear that now it is not a matter of if, but when. When the move finally happens I hope it is far, far away from Toronto and in the National League. I don't think I could handle seeing him in another uniform on a regular basis. Thank you Doc.

Carlton the Bear

For the first time in years Carlton the Bear will not be the most truculent member of the Maple Leafs franchise.

Carlton first debuted in 1995 and since then has invaded arenas across the league. He's improved his golfing the last couple seasons but that should change with the Leafs heading to the playoffs.

He clearly symbolizes this team the best. Cute and loveable but if he wants to he can tear your head off.

Other teams mascots are terrified. Check out the reactions of Ottawa's Spartacat and Montreal's Youppi when told that Carlton was coming for him.


Pure unadulterated fear.