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Bryan Murray drafted me.
Topic Started: Dec 5 2012, 08:04 AM (16 Views)
lingzi

SAN FRANCISCO -- Hunter Pence plopped his bright red Philadelphia Phillies duffle bag into his new locker, squeezed between Tim Lincecum and Brian Wilson in one corner of the San Francisco Giants clubhouse with a temporary white plaque marked in black: "Pence 8. Matt Birk Jersey ." "There he is!" Lincecum said, taking a break from talking to some 20 reporters about Pences addition after the Giants beat the Mets 4-1 on Tuesday night. He gave Pence a handshake-hug, asked about his father -- the two share the same agency and both their dads are friends -- and quickly returned to answering questions. No time for small talk. The Giants are in the thick of a tight NL West race. San Francisco hopes trading for the two-time All-Star right fielder from Philadelphia brings more than just excitement and intrigue. The Giants sent outfielder Nate Schierholtz, minor league catcher Tommy Joseph and minor league right-hander Seth Rosin to the Phillies in a move just before the non-waived trade deadline Tuesday for Pence to provide some pop and power to a lineup soaring lacking it. Pence is batting .271 with 17 homers and 59 RBIs this season. Only two other Giants -- catcher Buster Posey (13) and left fielder Melky Cabrera (10) -- have even hit at least 10 home runs. "Hes a dynamic player," Posey said. "Hes not only going to help us with his bat, but just with the energy he brings." Pences journey to San Francisco was a hectic one. He woke up to a flurry of text messages and calls in Washington while with the Phillies -- "I think a lot of people knew before I knew," Pence said -- and got confirmation when Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro called while Pence was heading to the ballpark in a taxi. Philadelphia acquired Pence from Houston on July 29 last year for the same reason San Francisco wanted him. The Phillies were desperate for a right-handed power hitter to bat fifth behind Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. Pence fit the description perfectly. He batted .324 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in only 54 games for Philadelphia. While the Phillies ran away with the NL East last season, the Giants (56-47) lead the rival Los Angeles Dodgers (56-49) by two fewer losses. "Its a little tigher race, which is going to be more fun," Pence said in the San Francisco clubhouse, arriving just after the Giants victory snapped a five-game losing streak. "When you get tested through the fire, you come out stronger. I think thats going to make for an exciting season." Last year, the Phillies won a franchise-record 102 games and captured their fifth straight NL East title, but lost to St. Louis in the NL division series. Now they rebuild and Pence gets another chance at the post-season. "You cant really explain sometimes the randomness of baseball, but hopefully thats something that stays true," Pence said, turning his attention to his new Giants team. "The teams in the race right now. And what more can you ask for than to play playoff baseball?" Pence will help replace injured All-Star third baseman Pablo Sandoval in the lineup and presumably bat fifth behind Cabrera and Posey. Hell likely shift to sixth when Sandoval, who was placed on the disabled list last weekend with a left hamstring strain, comes back. "He gives us another bat in the heart of the order and something we need. Its always great to have a change and bring somebody like Hunter Pences calibre in," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "I got a chance to spend some time around him at the All-Star game last year. Great guy. Fun to watch. Fans are going to love him. Hes around all the time. "He loves the game and it shows." Pence still came at a price. Schierholtz is hitting .257 with five homers and 17 RBIs in 77 games. The left-handed hitting right fielder likely will get more playing time in Philadelphia the rest of this season. He hit .270 with 23 homers and 119 RBIs in 503 games over parts of six seasons in San Francisco. Schierholtz was 2 for 12 in the 2010 post-season when the Giants upset the Phillies in the NLCS and beat Texas in the World Series. Joseph was San Franciscos No. 2-ranked prospect by Baseball America. Hes hitting .260 with eight homers and 38 RBIs in 80 games for Double-A Richmond. Rosin was 2-1 with 10 saves and a 4.31 ERA in 34 games (five starts) for Single-A San Jose. Pence is making $10.4 million this season and stands to get a raise in arbitration next year. He was an instant hit with Phillies fan upon arriving in Philadelphia last year, and the team still plans to give out his bobblehead on Aug. 21. The 29-year-old has a strange way of doing things, and he looks awkward because he has long arms, long legs and runs oddly. But he had plenty of success no matter how weird he looked doing it. "He is the most unique player that Ive ever been around and kind of different," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said before a game against the Nationals. "And I mean that in a good way. I do not mean that in a bad way at all. This guy is so is aggressive. He doesnt cut down nothing on his swing. Hes just railing away. But the biggest part about him, though, is he can hit." Pence has a career .290 average with 131 homers and 471 RBIs in six seasons with the Astros and Phillies. Though he struggled defensively in Philadelphia, his 61 outfield assists since 2008 are second in the majors. "It was important for us to have a right-handed hitter," Giants general manager Brian Sabean said. "Weve been on him for two years and we know what he could do here." Pence led the Phillies in hits (108), homers, RBIs, runs scored (59), total bases (178) and walks (37). "I am surprised," Pence said. "You understand the circumstance." Dannell Ellerbe Jersey . So much for an NFC title game hangover. Smith tossed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Brett Swain on the opening possession, backup Colin Kaepernick ran 78 yards for a score on the next and the 49ers breezed past the Minnesota Vikings 17-6 Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Joe Flacco Womens Jersey . "I have started working in the gym and I feel fine. Im progressing and lets see if I can play before December," the 32-year-old Abidal said Saturday after making the honorary kickoff in Barcelonas friendly at PSG. http://www.proshopbaltimoreravens.com/bernard-pierce-jerseys . Bolt, 25, comfortably won his heat in a time of 20.39 seconds, qualifying for Wednesdays semi-finals. Dennis Pitta Womens Jersey . A couple weeks later, hes on quite the little roll. Maholm pitched six crisp innings for his third consecutive win and the Chicago Cubs held on for a 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. Terrell Suggs Womens Jersey . "It is a big series," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "This is September baseball. Youre watching the scoreboard and its going to be intense. This is why you play the game." San Francisco enters the matchup holding a 4 1/2-game advantage on the Dodgers, who led the division as late as Aug.10:01 - 5 hours to go. Thanks for all the e-mails everybody. Im going to be bunching all the best ones into three blogs that will run Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Make sure to check back here all week. 10:02 - To the Tradebreakers! Gord: All eyes on Marion Hossa Bob: Marian Hossa will be the first one to drop. Latest offer on the table from Habs: Michael Ryder, Mikael Grabovski and Maxim Lapierre. Sens in the hunt: Vermette, Schubert, Foligno on the table. Darren Dreger on Brad Richards: "There are reports a deal is done. That is not the case." No one on the Lightning has asked Richards to waive his no-trade yet, hence the deal is not done. Gord Miller points out that if Hossa goes to the Habs it will be a "Shopping Cart Deal." Haul the equipment in a shopping cart over to the other teams dressing room! 10:06 - Dutchy and Pierre are standing side-by-side again. Theyre talking about how good the Habs scouting staff has been and that it is giving Montreal a chance to be players today. 10:07 - Were back in the "GMs Corner" brought to you by GM. Duthie: "Why has there been a huge chill in deals leading up to the deadline?" JFJ says parity... and the cap. Milbury points out that two weeks ago Mike Comrie was on the table, now the Isles are back in the playoff hunt and Comrie signed a 1-year/$4 million dollar extension today. Milbury still thinks we will see a flury of activity from 1 to 3:00 p.m est. today. Thank God. 10:11 - Milbury: "The no-movement clauses are having a much bigger impact (on the lack of trades) than the salary cap." 10:12 - I am getting e-mails from all over the world. Its hilarious! "Jay, thanks for the blog. Im buried inside the monstruous library here at the London School of Economics in England. The Swedish Prime Minister is here to give a lecture in 2 hours; Ill ask him what he thinks of Mats and get back to you. Cheers, Brendan." "Hi Jay, just wanted to thank you for the updates. Im on vacation in Japan and it just passed midnight here. But I dont want to go to bed until at least 1 trade goes down. Ash." 10:17 - We get the first Onrait mention on TC08. Duthie plugs my blog and says I am "always entertaining." Why dont James and I hang out more? Maybe because I said he looked like he had been on a bender. I have to learn to be nicer to people. 10:18 - John Lu: "I do have confirmation that Marian Hossas equipment is still in the VISITORS STALL at the Bell Centre." Wow. Its really has come to this. 10:21 - Dave Hodge and The Reporters are back! Dave and the boys agree that Anaheim are the leading Cup Contenders. Simmons: "They are a better team (than last year)." Farber: "Deeper and Fresher... they seem to be gelling at a time when other teams... Detroit... are going through injury problems." Damien Cox: "In the overall picture I wonder if they look so good because no one else is looking really really good." Someone else just ducked right in front of the camera. Im hoping we can average about one of those an hour. 10:25 - Just got this e-mail and I laughed out loud: "Jay, you need to lift more material from Bill Simmons. Youre dangerously close to providing your own humour - Jacques, Toronto." 10:26 - This young man dares to question whether I can keep this blog up all day: "Theres no way you keep this posting pace up. Youre running a two-minute mile right now! Im predicting 11 AM is the time you take a 3 hour nap - Chris Black" What Chris doesnt understand is that even though Im old and I often say inappropriate things, you should never ever count me out...just like John McCain. 10:29 - Were back to playing Either-Or with Barnaby and Pang. Pronger or Lidstrom? Barnaby: Lidstrom Pang: Lidstrom Mike Green or Duncan Keith? Barnaby: Keith Pang: Duncan Spezza or Thornton? Barnaby: Spezza Pang: Thornton Iginla or Lecavalier? Pang: Iginla Barnaby: Lecavalier Hank Lunqvist or Marty Turco? Pang: Turco Barnaby: Turco Shane Doan or Brendan Morrow? Barnaby: Morrow (Duthie: "Do you only pick guys you played with?" Pang: Doan (Pang is a Coyotes broadcaster) Anze Kopitar or Eric Staal? Pang: Kopitar Barnaby: Staal This is fun! Young tough guys: Dan Carcillo or David Clarkson? Pang: Carcillo (duh) Barnaby: "Carcillo reminds me a lot of myself when I was younger, except more talented. I think Carcillo could be the next 20-200 man." Gaborik or Mike Richards (Wow. Tough one. Id take Gaborik)? Pang: Gaborik Barnaby: Gaborik Duthie: "That was fun! I liked that!" Me too! 10:34 - HERE WE GO! FINALLY! Gord: The New Jersey Devils have acquired Bryce Salvador from St.Louis for Cam Janssen. Duthie: Allright! Its a start! 10:37 - Just got perhaps the biggest compliment one can get on Trade Deadline Day: "Jay, you are the Eklund of 2008 - Maurice Belanger" 10:38 - Dutchy knows the WHL: "Pretty neat trade there... youve got Bryce Salvador... he played in Lethbridge... Bryce Salvador is a Brent Sutter type of player." 10:40 - Tradebreakers! Bob: The Red Wings may be looking to make a hockey deal (as opposed to a rental deal after giving up Shawn Matthias last year). Darren Dreger: "The Columbus Blue Jackets are going to be active." He mentions Fedorov possibly heading back to Detroit but basically says the Stars and Blue Jackets and Canucks are all waiting to hear if theyve won the Brad Richards sweepstakes. 10:44 - Mike Milbury on the Bryce Salvador trade echoes the sentiment of an entire nation: "Im sorry this just doesnt thrill me." 10: 45 - Cam Janssen is now on the phone: "According to my Mom and Dad it is a blockbuster trade!" Where did he hear about the deal? "I knew something was up because Lou (Lamerillo) came down to talk to me. He doesnt normally do that!" On his role: "I think they want me to score 20 goals a year!" Cam Janssen is a pretty funny guy. "I am working hard guys!" 10:48 - Mike Milbury has changed his tune on the deal: "Its terrific." Who changed his mind? Cam Janssen. As James Duthie says: "It always amazes me how the toughest guys in the NHL are the most likeable." Pierre: "Hed better be in the lineup tonight ... Steve Ott will take Paul Kariyas head off. Steve Ott thinks hes a better player than Sean Avery." JFJ: Another reason for the trade: "Its also Jordin Tootoo from Nashville." 10:50 - JFJ: "You can tell any player on your team right now, I want to give you a contract July 1st" Duthie: "And in your case you would also include a no-trade clause." Oh, SNAP! No you didnt, DUTHIE! 10:51 - John Lu reports from Montreal: "Marian Hossa will not be at the Bell Centre this morning. He has been told by the team to stay at the hotel." Pierre: "Just got an e-mail from a player on their team asking where Marian Hossa is going." 10:56 - Back in the "GMs Corner" brought to you by GM. Were talking draft picks. Seems like a good time to post an e-mail: "Without naming yourself who is the sexiest broadcaster?" - Ryan Braybrook The answer of course is the entire cast of The Reporters. 11:03 - Duthie and the boys are still talking about the Bryce Salvador/Cam Janssen blockbuster that is currently rocking all aspects of the hockey world right to the foundation. 11:04 - Duthie: "If you could take anyone out there who would it be?" JFJ: "Hossa" Get it on Pang a Gong: "Brad Richards" Pierre: "Olli Jokinen... the big body presence you need to win in the playoffs. Calgary becomes an in your face smash mouth team with Olli Jokinen there" Milbury: "I traded (Olli Jokinen) because he wasnt a good playoff player" Ha! Pierre: "I think Brian Campbell is going to San Jose" JFJ: "Kubina" Pierre: "John... I cant warm up to Kubina... Im sorry" Mad Mike: "When he was in Tampa he was a different player" 11:07 - JFJ on Pavel Kubinas contract: "With 2 years left, thats not a bad term" At $5 million? Kubina? Really? Darren Pang brings up a good point: "Patrick Marleau has got to be a player." What has happened to Patty Marleau? Milbury: "Marleau doesnt understand how to play in tough situations." JFJ on San Jose: "Theyve got a lot to offer." 11:10 - Heres Ryan Rishaug from Edmonton who recently spoke to Hossas Edmonton-based agent Ritch Winter who told him: "Ryan... Marian is an hour older than he was an hour ago... hes resting comfortably in his hotel room in Montreal." Rishaug getting info from inside Hossas hotel room... does it get any better? Whats that you say? It would be better if there were actual trades to report? Right... right... Rishaug on the Oilers: "Unless theres an offer on the table that offers good solid value... theyre not going to do anything at all... they dont feel the pressure to get anything done right now today... theyll stand pat unless something substantial comes up." 11:15 - HOLY CRAP! STOP THE PRESSES! WADE BELAK TRADED TO PANTHERS FOR A 5th ROUND PICK in 2008. You know... there have been moments in my life where I have been able to say: "I remember where I was when this happened..." and I have little doubt that this Belak deal will make that list. On another note: Wades wife was on Saved By The Bell. 11:17 - Pierre: "Wake Belaks going to bring a punch-you-in-the-mouth formula" to Florida. He says theyre trying to sell tickets in light of the fact that 9 of their next 11 games at home. 11:18 - Duthie asks the question everyone is thinking: "What is the value of a 5th round draft choice?" Milbury: "Its like a chip to go to the slot machines in Vegas." Late rounders like Zetterberg are brought up but Mad Mike says: "5th rounders are so limited in terms of bringing fruit to the table." 11:19 - Panger: "So Wade Belaks not the difference when it comes to catching Carolina?" 11:20 - Duthie talks to Ken Holland: "We played very well up until 3 weeks ago... the injuries... weve gotta get healthy. Well be working the phones until the deadline. Wed like to do something... I would say its gonna be small rather than large." 10:23 - Ken Holland gives TSN a plug: "Obviously were watching TSN like everyone else is..." 10:24 - Wade Belak is on the PHONE! "Im happy. Surprising. I just woke up 3 minues ago." Disappointed? "I had a good run in Toronto. I dont know what their plans were for me. Ive been plaing in cold weather my whole career." Duthie puts him on hold to break a trade! Poor Belak! 11:25 - Gord: Brian Campbell has been traded to the San Jose Sharks! FINALLY! SWEET LORD! THANK YOU! 11:26 - Dreger: "Up until late last night Steve Bernier was being shopped hard. It sounds like Bernier would be part of this package." 11:27 - Pierre: "If Steve Bernier is part of this package thats going to upset 2 General Managers I know of that were going after Steve Bernier." 11:28 - Duthie confirms the Campbell deal to the Sharks: "Still working on the pieces coming back to Buffalo." 11:30 - Panger is kicked off the panel and Barnaby comes in to talk about Campbell and the Sabres: "Hopefully they get Bernier back." 11:31 - Barnaby: "Buffalo fans feel cheated." 11:33 - Pierre: "The perfect storm is brewing for Ryan Miller. Michigan State kid. In 2 years... Ryan Miller will be a Detroit Red Wing." 11:34 - Barnaby: "Kevin Lowe and the Oilers smelled blood and went after Vanek. The same things going to happen to Ryan Miller." 11:35 - Gord Miller tells us the Campbell deal: Sabres get Steve Bernier and a 1st Round Pick for Brian Campbell. Doesnt seem like such a bad thing for the Sabres to me, Bernier was a pretty hot commodity. He seems like hed be a great fit with Buffalo. Bob: Brad Richards has now officially been asked to waive his no-trade clause but he hasnt made it offical yet... "it is believed it would be with the Dallas Stars." 11:37 - Darren Dreger: "Rob Blake has not been asked to waive his no-trade clause" He also says Kings GM Dean Lombardi continues to try and work on an extension with Brad Stuart but if he cant work it out he wants to get a draft pick for him. 11:38 - Bob: "Columbus Blue Jackets are peddling Sergei Fedorov." Blackhawks are peddling Tuomo Ruutu. And how about this in what would possibly be the greatest news in recent Ottawa Senators history: "Nikolai Khabibulin to the Senators for Ray Emery has at least been discussed." If you have a chance to get a Cup winning tender who used to smoke cigarettes in between periods... you do it! 11:41 - Milbury gets a call on-air and is very excited about it. 11:42 - Brad Richards is a member of the Dallas Stars. It is done. Dreger confirms the deal by yelling across the studio. 11:43 - Dreger has the details of the Stars deal that confirms my speculation that Brett Hull would eventually go Artie Lange on us: Brad Richards and Johan Homqvist to the Dallas Stars for Jeff Halpern, Mike Smith, Jussi Jokinen. 11:44 - Pierre says Montreal is on the verge of doing something big and is checking his Blackberry a lot. 11:45 - Pang: "Jussi Jokinen has been ineffective this year. Its a great trade for the Dallas Stars." Seriously... Mike Smith had better turn out to be a number one tender or this trade doesnt look great at all. 11:46 - Everyone points out that the Stars did not have to give up Mark Fistric in the deal which is huge. "Hes an absolute stud," says someone on the panel... so many dark suits.. so hard to keep track... 11:49 - Gord with another update: "We believe the Montreal Canadiens have traded Christobal Huet to the Washington Capitals for a 2nd Round pick." The panel is absolutely baffled about this deal. 11:52 - Duthie: "Carey Price... is he now the man in Montreal?" Pierre: "Im not surprised at all... this is Carey Prices team going forward... internally (the Habs) knew they were not going to win with Christobal Huet" 11:53 - Jaroslav Halak is on his way to Montreal to backup Carey Price! 11:55 - I just realized that James Duthie never did get back to Wade Belak on the phone. Is he still on hold? 11:56 - Duthie: "Mike Smith... welcome to the world of Turturro," mistaking Bolts coach John Tortorella for actor John Turturro. Normally Tortorella is mistaken for Bluth family attorney Barry Zuckerkorn 11:57 - Pierre: "This isnt the last move the Montreal Canadiens are gong to make." 11:58 - Heres Keith Jones from Stamford, CT! "I feel like Im watching 4 on 4 hockey I never got a shift there either!" Jonesy likes the Lightning deals because Jay Feaster has cleared so much salary off the cap with the Richards and Prospal deal and he feels Dan Boyle was more valuable to the Bolts than Richards was. On the Huet deal: "Im shocked. I didnt think they got enough back. I would have tried to get a lot more than a 2nd round pick." On the Sabres/Sharks deal: "Look for (Sabres coach) Lindy Ruff to get a lot out of Steve Bernier." 12:00 - More Jones: "I think if the slide wouldnt have happened (Flyers 10-game losing streak) and the Richards injury had happened earlier ... Forsberg would be with the Flyers right now". Jonesy is on fire. Hes fired up baby! 12:06 - Just made a fresh pot of coffee. Still have not eaten anything yet. I may make some toast. I will possibly lose 10 lbs. over the course of writing this blog. Theres no better diet out there. Eat that Kirstie Alley! Wow. I must really be tired if I am taking potshots at Kirstie. 12:07 - The Leafs blockbuster trade of the day remains Wade Belak to the Panthers for a 5th round pick. Belak has apparently finally hanged up the phone on Duthie. 12:08 - Dave Hodge and The Reporters are also stunned about this Christobal Huet trade. Everyone seems to think this is too much for Carey Price to handle at this stage of his career. I dont know.. Carey Price has the heart rate of a young manatee... I wouldnt be that concerned if I was a Habs fan to be honest. Everyone else seems to disagree with me. But Price was going to play in the playoffs whether they traded Huet or not. Steve Simmons: "What happens now if Price goes into the playoffs and pulls a Gerber?" "Carey Price looks like a decent draft pick." Dave Hodge is funny. Michael Farber: "If theres a knock on Price its thats hes a little too ccool . Ray Lewis Black Jersey. .. too casual." Can that be a bad thing as an NHL goaltender? Cox says what I am thinking: "Carey Price carried Hamilton to the Calder Cup." Its not the NHL, but hes not going to be rattled. Steve Simmons: "What about Roloson in this situation? Is he in play?" Dave Hodge: "I would have understood Huet for Kolzig" 12:15 - Gord: "Florida Panthes have sent Ruslan Salei to the Colorado Avalanche for Karlis Skastins and a 3rd." 12:16 - Duthie: Huet deal is for a 2nd rounder in 09. 12:17 - Brad Richards is now on the phone: "... for whatever reason things just havent worked out here the last couple of years... I think I need a new beginning." "Dallas was a team I had an eye on... I just know its a good organization... they have a chance to win now..." Richards describes the Lighting as "spiraling." 12:18 - Duthie: The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired Tuomo Ruutu from the Blackhawks for Andrew Ladd. 12:19 - Richards remains on the phone and unlike Belak, Duthie is actually talking to him: Richards: "... the last few years havent worked out... for whatever reason... that is the case... Im excited ... Im motivated..." On the fall of the Bolts: "Jay Feaster... John Tortorella... built the organization... theres a lot of outside influences... I dont even know who the new owners are gonna be... they dont have a lot of control over whats going on right now..." 12:21 - Back to the Tradebreakers! Gord: Tuomo Ruutu is on the ice with the Blackhawks as we speak but hes been traded to the Hurricanes for Andrew Ladd. Bob: Whoever wins this deal is whoever can keep their guy in the lineup (because both players have a history of injuries) Dreger: The Ottawa Senators also had Ruutu on their list of potential players to acquire. 12:24 - Keith Jones cracks everyone up by suggesting that the Ruslan Salei/Karlis Skrastins deal would have been announced earlier but it took both players too long to get off the ice in practice because neither can skate anymore. 12:24 - Brian Campbell is on the phone: "Im excited obviously... I guess Im playin tomorrow night!" How did he find out: "Lindy pulled me in. I talked to him and Darcy. It wasnt fun. Ive had a lot of good years with those two guys." If the Sabres had given him what he wanted contract-wise would he have stayed: "My agent and I were talking last night that maybe something could even have been done this morning... its disappointing... you move on." Campbell is pretty broken up about this deal: "Its a case of being a chapter in our lives thats over with... when it hits home... it really hits home.. its not like were really happy with the parting... but I guess its the best for the team I guess." Campbell says he grew up playing summer hockey with Joe Thornton from the age of "7 or 8." Will he sign with the Sharks before July 1st: "I dont think you close doors ... but for me... I think Id just like to get back to playing hockey." Brian Campbell signs off my wishing James: "... a good rest of the day there bud." I feel pretty good about having that guy on the Olympic Team in 2010. ANOTHER PHONE INTERVIEW. Its the new Tampa Bay Lightning number one goaltender Mike Smith! Oops... hes not there. They try again. Nope... not there... A third try... yes! Mike Smith: "... excited to be going to a team where Im going to be getting a chance to play" "I got pulled aside by Tip (Dave Tippett) ... he said I should probably stay off the ice." On playing for Tortorella: "I havent thought about it too much... hopefully he doesnt raz me too hard!" 12:34 - Bob McKenzie: "The negotiations on getting Adam Foote a 2-year extension are not going very well." If Adam Foote is going to go anywhere... it could be Colorado. If Adam Foote is not traded, and not signed to an extension "the tension will be on high." 12:36 - Matthew Barnaby reports that Martin Lapointe is going to Ottawa for a pick. Barnaby joins The Tradebreakers! Pierre: "This is a good move for Ottawa. Maybe Chris Neil is more hurt than we thought" Barnaby: "The Sens are a team that needs him desperately. He is a winner and a leader." James reports its a 6th round pick. As long as that pick doesnt turn out to be the second coming of Zetterberg that seems like an outstanding deal for the Sens. 12:39 - Milbury calls the Lapointe trade: "A General Managers statement." 12:43 - Campbell on camera post-trade reax: He is really choked up about leaving Buffalo. Has anyone been this sad about leaving B-Town? Ever? In the history of the planet? 12:44 - An e-mail from an angry reader: "Jay I was disappointed when you passed by Gino Reda in favour of The Reporters when asked about the sexiest man on TSN, I mean look at the haircut - Robert Lyle" Its true. I blame the lack of sleep. Gino with the new haircut? Look out ladies... love is comin to town. And by "town" ... I mean Mississauga. 12:48 - Coming up next on TC08... The Real Commissioner! You know who that is! 12:51 - James is now chatting via satellite with Avs broadcaster and all-around nice guy Peter McNab. He says hes talked to "15, 20 players" who think Mats Sundin was right to not waive his no-trade clause. Does he expect the Avs to do more? "... they only have 5 defenceman healthy here (in Calgary) tonight... it would seem to make sense that at least one more defenceman would be coming to the Avalanche." 12:53 - James asks Peter if the balance of power is now overwhelmingly in the West with the Campbell and Richards moves. McNab: "Brett Hull promised Modano he would get him a player to play with on a line. That is huge." 12:54 - Who You Gonna Call? Tradebreakers! Bob: Blue Jackets and Avalanche are now indeed involved in trade talks for Adam Foote. Well, theres that other defenceman Peter was waiting for. The circle of life is complete. 12:55 - Dreger: Columbus is "dismantling" in the wake of not getting Richards. He also says Gibert Brules name has come up a lot. Gord brings up a great point: Don Waddell considered last years Tkachuk trade worth it because his team finally made the playoffs. Columbus still the only NHL team not to have ever made the playoffs. That jersey stitching guy has already stitched together an Ottawa Senators Martin Lapointe jersey. So that makes 2 jerseys so far. What are they paying this jersey guy? If hes paid by the jersey hes the highest paid guy at the network! 1:00 - 2 hours until the deadline. The current count: 8 deals (9 if you count the Vinny Prospal deal from Monday). James tells us this as yet another person runs to get out of the camea shot. This has happened approximately 84 times this morning and it makes me laugh every time. 1:02 - Take a look at my 12:55 entry. I called "Gilbert Brule" ... "Gibert"... good stuff... just wait unil 3:12 when Im calling James Duthie "Rick Schroeder." 1:03 - Adam Foote has indeed been traded to the Colorado Avalanche as confirmed by TSNs Darren Dreger. This really is unbelievable! They really should talk to Patty Roy about coming back. If Hasek is still playing Roy can still play. Who would you rather have in net if you are an Avs fan? Jose Theodore or roll the dice with a completely out of shape Patrick Roy? Ill take that Roy guy. 1:06 - Pierre doesnt understand why Western Conference teams who missed out on their big targets arent going for Olli Jokinen. 1:07 - James Duthie now speaking on the phone with NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly. This seems like a good time for me to finally go prepare myself a little "Eggs and Dreggs." 1:10 - ... and were back! Whew! 1:12- Still no sign of The Real Commissioner (tm.) I wonder if hes dangling that Edmonton 1st round pick hes getting for Dustin Penner? 1:13 - With regard to no-trade clauses... Mike says what everyone who has a real job and has to work away from their family is thinking: "Go be a damn plumber if you dont want to move!" 1:13 - Dreger reports that Sergei Fedorov has been traded to the Washington Capitals. 1:14 - Milbury thinks "it might be a little too late for George McPhee and the Capitals." 1:16 - We have The Real Commissioner via satellite but he cant hear James... James asked him a great question too: "Richards to the Stars, Campbell to the Sharks, do you feel the need to respond?" 1:19 - We have Mr.Burke back! And he answers the question: "No. Ive never based my strategy at the deadline on being reactive. You know James Im not a big deadline guy. If I could add a depth guy here or there I might do it." Jokinen? Hossa? "No chance on those names." Depth guy? Defenceman? Forward? "Not sure if its a good strategy to go on TSN and tell you guys about it," (audible lauging in the background). Whos made the biggest jump? Dallas or San Jose? "What (Dallas) has done today is add a real premier player. San Jose too. You have to remember what he did with Craig Rivet a year ago, which is turn a rental into an asset. You cant sit there as a GM and watch TSN and react to what others do. Duthie: "It would be a lot more fun if you did though." Burke on No-Trades: "People who criticize players for refusing to waive a no-trade... thats not right. Hes earned that. I think the team has the right to approach the player and ask if he would waive it, but no means no. Our group (GMs) have to be more cautious about giving them out" (I wonder if JFF is hearing this?) On the League stopping no trades via the CBA: "Maybe our group could just say no once in a while instead of asking the lawyers in New York to fix it." 1:25 - TradeBreakin 2: Electric Boogaloo Gord: If the Avs make the playoffs this year... its a 2008 1st round pick for Columbus for Adam Foote. If not .. its a 2009. Bob: Fedorov was traded for "Teddy Ruth" ... a Caps draft pick who is a freshman at Notre Dame. 1:26 - Dreger: Talking to someone inside the Blue Jackets dressing room... the sense is its going to be "tough sledding" for this team. Theyre not done trading yet. Mike Peca. Gilbert Brule. Not "Gibert Brule" mind you. Hes staying around. Bob: The difference in contract for Adam Foote and Columbus: Less than $500 000 per year. And he wanted to stay. What is Columbus doing? 1:30 - Glenn Healy joins us from Boston: "Players shouldnt even be asked to waive a no-trade." Duthie: "What if a player changes his mind?" Healy: "Should not be acceptable. Then the players are not on the hook. The teams not on the hook. And we dont have this "no-trade" debacle. TC08 will indeed be known as the "No Trade Trade Deadline Day." Healy on Marty Lapointe: "He has not missed a lot of hockey. Grit, toughness and jam to a lineup that desperately needs it." On whether the Sens need to replace John Paddock: "The pin is out of the grenade. The game against the Maple Leafs was just above embarassment." 1:38 - Wakey Wakey Trady Breaky! Gord: Remember the old Sherlock Holmes story about the dog that didnt bark? (No) At Vancouvers practice today... no Matt Cooke on the ice. Dreger: The deal has been made: Matt Pettinger from the Caps for Matt Cooke. That should make up for not getting Brad Richards. Byron Ritchie not on the ice and he is believed to be dealt as well. For the record I was strictly Hardy Boys. Pick up The Tower Treasure for a book you simply cannot put down! Dutchy: "Ray Emery not on the ice with the Sens either... hes not being traded.. hes just late again!" Dutchy is gold! 1:41 - Sherri Forde talks to Wade Belak being traded: "I blame Mats." 1:44 - Bob McKenzie: The Olli Jokinen meter is much more to the cool side than the hot side. Rob Blake also not likely to be traded (especially in the wake of the Adam Foote deal). Gord correctly points out that Bob keeps the hot side hot, and the cool side cool... Bob McKenzie is, in fact, the McD.L.T of the Tradebreakers. Pierre McGuire is the Shamrock Shake. 1:48 - Matt Pettinger is on the line! The newest member of the Vancouver Canucks "Grew up watching the Canucks.... this was right out of the blue... this years been a bit of a struggle... very fortunate that a team like Vancouver would want me... Im thrilled." Duthie: Washington becomes the most active team at the deadline: Cooke, Fedorov, Huet. Lets get Cup Crazy in D.C! Hello? 1:51 - Just got this: "Jay, love the blog. At 1:19 in your blog, you refer to John Ferguson as "JFF." Is that the Freudian slip for referring to him as a BFF? What would JFF stand for anyways? Just Friends, Forever? Just Fired, Finally? - Mike Litzenberger" Actually I believe its "Just Freakin Fabulous." 1:56 - Dave Hodge makes yet another great point: "Columbus is 5 points out of the playoffs and they are selling, Washington is 5 points out of the playoffs and they are buyers." Actually it seems pretty much as simple as West being way stronger than East. But 5 points out? And CBJ has never been to the playoffs? I still dont get it. Steve Simmons: "Maybe they dont realize there are playoffs. You cant find playoffs on American TV." 2:01 - Dave echoes the sentiments of everyone at the network: "Still some big things to come... we hope." 2:02 - Less than an hour to go until the deadline. But I will be blogging past the deadline. Last year I decided to stop at 3:00. No big deal I guess. I only missed the Ryan Smyth trade. That wasnt really a big deal. 2:04 - Im going to make a bold prediction: We will not be having BNN anchors do fake reports on players "stock value" next year. Just a hunch. 2:06 - Torontos big rebuilding process so far: Wade Belak to the Panthers for a 5th rounder. 2:07 - Dutchy and Pierre chat about some of the moves so far... McGuire: "I do think the Habs are still in the market for a veteran who could work with Carey Price. Johan Hedberg of the Thrashers could come to Montreal in a Hossa deal." "It would not surprise me at all if Bobby Holik was moved out of Atlanta. Chad Kilger to a Western Conference team." Dutchy asks a great question: "With the strength of the 2008 draft are GMs afraid to deal?" Pierre says yes. 2:10 - Farhan Lalji joins us from Vancouver and says the Canucks had turned their attention to Olli Jokinen after losing out on Brad Richards but as Bob McKenzie reported earlier it doesnt look like Olli is going anywhere. "This team needs scoring," says Farhan. Canucks fans are going to be livid if Dave Nonis does not make a blockbuster deal. "Does Dave Nonis have to make a splash?" asks James. "I dont think they need to make a splash at all," replies Pierre. Canucks fans disagree. Everyone agrees Mike Smith was a better goaltender than Cory Schneider (goaltending prospect the Canucks offered for Richards). One thing people arent bringing up: Earlier in the year wasnt the big rumour Marty Turco for Brad Richards? 2:14 - Weird to hear John Ferguson Jr. talk about whether Cliff Fletcher "failed" at the deadline. "His hands werent tied going in," says JFJ. Those no-trade clauses just killed the Buds. Barnaby also brings up another horrific point for Leaf fans: This team is not that bad and their pride will be hurt, they will try to make the playoffs, and that will adversly affect the Leafs pick in the upcoming draft. Brutal. 2:17 - Martin Lapointe is on the TSN Trade Hotline: "My family is really excited about it... Bryan Murray drafted me... I want to bring some grit to the Senators... some leadership... I think they have a great team... hopefully we can go far in the playoffs." All this as the Jersey Crester puts "Lapointe" on a Senators sweater. 2:21 - We hear from the Sabres on losing Brian Campbell... Ryan Miller: "Hes a close friend..., Im gonna miss him... its tough to understand business sometimes." 2:26 - Back at about 2:07 Pierre made a comment that still has me shaking my head... when discussing Hal Gills "Long Stick"... Pierres response to Dutchy: "Youre an announcer with a long stick from time to time." I am saying nothing. Click here to read Page 3 of Onraits TC08 Blog You can email your questions or comments to jonrait@tsn.ca. His dedicated staff of minions will sort them and pass the best ones along. he will reply to the best of the best in his TC08 blog! ' ' '
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