Meanwhile in Toronto

Good news Toronto, only one of your teams lost last night.  Trolling?  Not really, simply pointing out that last night was better than Wednesday and that’s a start, no?

So the Blue Jays have recalled Ricky Romero and the locationally-challenged lefty will take to the hill Friday evening in the first of three against the Seattle’s.  If the woeful Jays want to start turning their season around, tonight would be a hell of a time to start because in all honesty – Romero could be the last sign of hope for the Jays before the home team starts to think about doing something drastic.

The Jays aren’t in a position to dictate demands in trade negotiations nor should they decimate whatever’s left in the farm system for a wing and a prayer.  Firing the manager is too easy an answer that seldom produces tangible change and after all, precisely what is John Gibbons doing wrong to deserve the boot?  I’m sure the pessimist could point out innate factors to firing Gibbons, but is that real or just the emotions of losing?

At the end of the day, wins and losses in baseball is seldom a matter of managerial decisions and always a product of what the nine guys on the field are doing.  The secret to success for the Jays lies with the players they currently have pulling up their socks and getting down to work.  Until they show that effort offensively, defensively and pitching – the Jays will find themselves exactly where they are, floundering. 

Meanwhile in Toronto

So last night had to rank as one of the worst in Toronto sports history, no?  The soccer team lost 6-0, the baseball team lost 10-1 and the hockey team fell 4-1.  I’d write some hopeful words, but that would be lip service. 

Truth be told, for someone who enjoys writing about sports - you really can’t beat Toronto as far as storylines go.  There plenty to be had, most of them negative but who doesn’t like a good tale of strife.  So what now? 

Oh right; the blame game.

Cruising the forums and article comments from last nights Leafs game I’ve read “fire the coach”, “the refs are screwing us” and my personal favourite “that Kostka guy is terrible”. 

It would be nice if half of you “fans” gave a little something more than just the same tired excuses.  Granted, they’re legitimate excuses but how about a little more context, or reasoning.  I’m reading very little about the Leafs inability to crank up the speed and intensity that accompanies playoff hockey.  Not a peep about bad penalties or the Leafs trying to out-muscle the competition instead of out-play.  Where is the in-depth knowledge that I assumed accompanied the hockey “Mecca”?

Understandably, we all feel we know a healthy amount of sports knowledge but if you’re thinking about throwing your two cents into the conversation, maybe come with something a little more substantial.  I mean, you expect that sort of effort from the athletes you berate, right?