Fan Fuel

TFC fans shift focus

 

TFC fans, owners at odds

 
Toronto FC's BMO field.
Toronto FC's BMO field.

Michael Gardner

Mom, Dad, where did I come from?

While many parents cringe at that question, it is best to answer it honestly but within reason. Explain the mechanics but don't explain the circumstances. Otherwise, a kid could get a complex if he finds out that he was the result of one too many glasses of wine and a Patrick Swayze movie.

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Habs prospects in Memorial Cup

 
Montreal Canadiens prospects Jarred Tinordi (pictured), Michael Bournival and Nathan Beaulieu are all currently competing in the Mastercard Memorial Cup.
Montreal Canadiens prospects Jarred Tinordi (pictured), Michael Bournival and Nathan Beaulieu are all currently competing in the Mastercard Memorial Cup.

BY JONATHAN BRAZEAU - FAN FUEL BLOGGER

Get use to hearing the term "Montreal Canadiens prospect" during MasterCard Memorial Cup broadcasts.

A trio of future Habs are making an impact in the premiere junior hockey tournament: Michael Bournival (Shawinigan Cataractes), Nathan Beaulieu (Saint John Sea Dogs) and Jarred Tinordi (London Knights). They could find themselves as teammates on the Canadiens in the near future, but for now they're on opposite sides in their teams' quest for the Cup.

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Memorial Cup preview

 
Can the Saint John Sea Dogs retain the MasterCard Memorial Cup?
Can the Saint John Sea Dogs retain the MasterCard Memorial Cup?

BY JONATHAN BRAZEAU - FAN FUEL BLOGGER

The 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup could end up being one of the best tournaments ever.

While the powerhouse Saint John Sea Dogs aim to defend the title, the energetic London Knights and dynasty-in-the-making Edmonton Oil Kings will make it a tough challenge. It's also easy to forget about the Shawinigan Cataractes, but they're hungry and out to prove that they're a contender.

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J.P. earns a constellation

 
J.P. did a great job of cleaning up the basepaths on Wednesday vs. the Yankees.
J.P. did a great job of cleaning up the basepaths on Wednesday vs. the Yankees.

BY: STEPH ROGERS AND ANNE T. DONAHUE - FAN FUEL BLOGGERS

The battle of the AL "Beast" continued at Rogers Centre last night as the Blue Jays (20-18) triumphed 8-1 over the New York Yankees (20-17) in their first meeting of the season.

Kyle Drabek (3-4), who lost his two-seamer in his last appearance, broke a four-start losing streak by regaining his composure and finding his sinker like a champion. He pitched seven innings, allowing only one run on three hits.

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Brennan promoted too quickly

 

Whitecaps-TFC preview

 
Vancouver Whitecaps' Young-Pyo Lee (12) fights for possession with Toronto FC's Moises Orozco (43).
Vancouver Whitecaps' Young-Pyo Lee (12) fights for possession with Toronto FC's Moises Orozco (43).

By: Michael Gardner – Fan Fuel Blogger

On Wednesday, Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps will begin their two-legged series to determine the winner of the Amway Canadian Championship. The reward for the winner is an automatic spot in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions League.

Though these two clubs have only met a few times previously, there is a healthy rivalry brewing. Here are some quirky tidbits regarding these two teams:

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Nesta to Toronto FC?

 
Nesta would join a list of 23 Designated Players currently under contract in the MLS that include the likes of Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and David Beckham.
Nesta would join a list of 23 Designated Players currently under contract in the MLS that include the likes of Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and David Beckham.

BY MICHAEL GARDNER-- FAN FUEL BLOGGER

Excitement hit the Major League Soccer world with news that AC Milan Defender Alessandro Nesta is considering a move across the ocean.

Nesta, 36, seems to fit the bill for aging stars looking to come to North America to extend their careers and their paycheques. This rumour picked up steam when Nesta spoke to a press conference on Thursday of last week.

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TFC roster mis-management?

 

NHL players who need new teams

 

Fowler now an elite golfer

 
Rickie Fowler reacts after making a birdie putt to win the Wells Fargo Championship.
Rickie Fowler reacts after making a birdie putt to win the Wells Fargo Championship.

BY ERIC NGUYEN - FAN FUEL BLOGGER

With his victory last Sunday at Quail Hollow in the Wells Fargo Tournament, not only did Rickie Fowler move up to 24th place in the official world golf rankings, he also proved to the world that he is, indeed, ready to be considered as one of the elite professional golfers in the world today.

All the talk in the last year or so has been about the youngster Rory McIlroy. From establishing a 54-hole lead in the 2011 Masters to winning the 2011 US Open in historic fashion, the 23-year-old Irishman is also the No.1 golfer in the world right now. But here comes Rickie Fowler...

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TFC celebrate big win

 
Toronto FC midfielder Reggie Lambe (right) is congratulated by teammates including Eric Avila (on his back) after scoring on the Montreal Impact.
Toronto FC midfielder Reggie Lambe (right) is congratulated by teammates including Eric Avila (on his back) after scoring on the Montreal Impact.

BY MICHAEL GARDNER - FAN FUEL BLOGGER

Though I never interviewed him, Buddha once said "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." If you are a fan of Toronto FC, this statement has never been more true on this beautiful Thursday morning. Last night the Reds defeated the Montreal Impact 2-0 to advance to the finals of the Amway Canadian Championship.

They did it with strategy. They did it with passion. And they did it with a man down for 80 minutes. Most importantly, they did it.

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Why I don't like MLB's code

 
According to baseball's
According to baseball's "code", Cole Hamels was justified to throw a pitch at Bryce Harper.

BY DEREK PRITCHETT - FAN FUEL BLOGGER

When thinking about the 2012 Toronto Blue Jays, there is a lot to get excited about. They won their series against the Texas Rangers, they split the next series against the Los Angeles Angels and are now currently three games back of the AL East lead.

I am a positive person, but sometimes there are antics that exist on a day-to-day basis that take away from the games. There are 3 things that bother me while watching Jays games that I see on a regular basis, and they are all related to "the code."

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Nine innings of glory

 
Brad Pitt at the premiere of Moneyball. The movie based on the book which is what Nine Innings of Glory: Moneyball 2 is based on. Get all that?
Brad Pitt at the premiere of Moneyball. The movie based on the book which is what Nine Innings of Glory: Moneyball 2 is based on. Get all that?

BY STEPH ROGERS AND ANNE T. DONAHUE - FAN FUEL BLOGGERS

The Blue Jays took on (Buck Martinez's favourite team) the Oakland ATHLETICS in the first of a quick two-game series in the Bay Area. The two teams meet at Oakland Almeda County Coliseum - O.Co for the cool kids, or those wanting the 'real name' - after taking the day off Monday. Presumably the Blue Jays visited Alcatraz and/or saw The Avengers which are really the only two choices if it's a Monday. You can also walk up a lot of hills in San Francisco which is great for shin splints (you can trust Steph on this one).

Ricky Romero lasted six innings in the Tuesday midnight screening of a 7-3 loss, long enough to take the Blue Jays to 32 consecutive outings where starters worked five or more innings. Because this is Oakland, the Moneyball references run rampant.

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Managers on the hot seat

 

BPL clubs set to spend

 
After being ousted by Manchester City, expect Sir Alex Ferguson to try and buy the best players available for Manchester United.
After being ousted by Manchester City, expect Sir Alex Ferguson to try and buy the best players available for Manchester United.

BY JAKE LEWIS - FAN FUEL BLOGGER

Three of England's biggest teams are about to buck the Austerity trend in Europe and break the bank in the transfer market. Faced with Manchester City about to win their first top flight title since 1968, Manchester United, already smarting from being dumped out of the Champions League in the group stage will need a major overhaul. The game last week where City turned the tables on United, showed all over the field that the Sky Blues had better and younger players in every position on the field. Ferguson's young hopefuls looked second best.

It's been a while since Manchester United have spent big, but they have the cash, and they have the need, and Sir Alex will be just concerned enough to break his own rules and splash out on the best players he can get his hands on. Central defence, right back, centre midfield and another quality striker.

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How much longer for Lind?

 
How much longer do you think the Toronto Blue Jays should stick with the struggling Adam Lind?
How much longer do you think the Toronto Blue Jays should stick with the struggling Adam Lind?

BY ROB MACNEIL - FAN FUEL BLOGGER

If the 2012 MLB season ended today, the Toronto Blue Jays would make the playoffs for the first time since 1993, so by all accounts it has been a successful early start to the season. However, one of the biggest concerns must be that of struggling first baseman Adam Lind. In 26 games this year, Lind is hitting .194 with just eight extra base hits (six doubles, two homers).

How long will the Blue Jays stick with Lind as their first baseman?

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Remembering Gilles Villeneuve

 
Gilles Villeneuve's cool, calm and collected personality on the course and competitive never-say-never drive exemplified what it means to be an auto racer.
Gilles Villeneuve's cool, calm and collected personality on the course and competitive never-say-never drive exemplified what it means to be an auto racer.

BY JONATHAN BRAZEAU - FAN FUEL BLOGGER

In four short Formula One seasons, Gilles Villeneuve established himself as the fastest man on four wheels and despite never winning the world championship, Villeneuve is still remembered as one of the all-time greats in the sport.

It's been 30 years since Villeneuve died in a tragic accident during qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, but he continues to be revered by fans and drivers alike. His cool, calm and collected personality on the course and competitive never-say-never drive exemplified what it means to be an auto racer, possessing that rare daredevil mindset where if he saw an opening during a race, he'd take it no matter the costs.

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Are TFC prices too high?

 
Are the tickets prices for Toronto FC too high in comparison to the rest of the clubs in MLS?
Are the tickets prices for Toronto FC too high in comparison to the rest of the clubs in MLS?

BY MICHAEL GARDNER - FAN FUEL BLOGGER

Toronto FC fans have known it since day one. They are a team that is built upon grass roots support. Corporate suits don't fill the stadium, real fans do. This was a team originally marketed to soccer clubs and supporters groups. In fact, much of the marketing has centered around the "atmosphere" created by these grass roots fans. It's not that Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment doesn't care about winning, it just doesn't know how to do it. Through the leadership of Tom Anselmi the team has invested in a number of Designated Players. They have put $17 million into Toronto FC Academy and have replaced that ridiculous plastic pitch with a proper grass surface. In fact, Toronto has over $8.3 million tied up in payroll this year which equates to about $1 million per loss delivered this season.

They certainly have no issues in spending money. The problem is that it is our money they are spending and many people are opting out of this investment plan. While some may contend that winning may silence the complaints, I would contend that Toronto FC ticket pricing has reach unsustainable levels relative to the other teams in the league.

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End of the line for Rivera?

 
In this image taken from video, New York Yankees' Mariano Rivera, center, grimaces after twisting his right knee and tearing his ACL shagging fly balls during batting practice.
In this image taken from video, New York Yankees' Mariano Rivera, center, grimaces after twisting his right knee and tearing his ACL shagging fly balls during batting practice.

BY DEREK PRITCHETT - FAN FUEL BLOGGER

The baseball world took a huge blow on Thursday night, as the career of New York Yankees closer, and future Hall of Famer, Mariano Rivera likely ended. Rivera was shagging fly balls during batting practice with his teammates and tore his ACL in his right knee. The reaction on twitter was as if Rivera had been shot or something. Normally that's seen as blowing something out of proportion, but not with number 42. He has been the most dominating baseball player at his position and arguably over any position over the past 15 years.

Mariano Rivera is the all time MLB leader in saves with 608, and his post-season numbers are out of this world. In 141 innings over 16 years, he has 110 K's and 42 saves (fitting), an ERA of 0.70 and a WHIP of 0.759. He is virtually unhittable in the most intense setting of the year, doing the most stressful job (closing games) and has been the best at it, against the best competition.

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