SCRUFFY’S THIS ‘N THAT

Welcome to Friday! Here are the usual weekly thoughts running through my muddled mind, and as always they come in no particular order:

— It’s back to work for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The last time we saw them they were walking off the field having beaten the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for their 3rd win of the season, and their second straight, The team didn’t sit idle on its bye week as Jeff Fuller, Willie Jefferson and Henoc Muamba were brought in, All could have gone elsewhere, but they chose to come here because they like what they are seeing from Chris Jones despite the record.  All three will be on the roster today in Ottawa, and while we don’t how much they are going to play, they should make the team better.  I’m looking forward to what should be a game at TD Place. Going east has not been kind for the green-and-white this year, but they headed out a day early in an attempt to change things up. Let’s see how that works.

— While Chris Jones is making his team better, I don’t know if the same can be said in Toronto.  The Argos started going downhill when veteran defensive back Keon Raymond was released, and now they have rid themselves of Tori Gurley, Vidal Hazelton, and Kevin Elliott.  Something isn’t right there. You just don’t axe your three leading receivers unless something is happening behind the scenes. Scott Milanovich didn’t get stupid overnight. I’m not really sure what GM Jim Barker is doing. Does anyone?

— So both Kent Austin and Dave Dickenson said they hated the idea of being miked up for a CFL game, so the league says hey, two teams hate it, let’s do it some more. Darian Durant, Chris Jones, Trevor Harris and Rick Campbell aren’t in favour of doing this so why are we? The league says it is for the fans. Fans won’t understand what the h-e double hockeysticks is being said, but other coaches around the league will be.

— What will the crowd count be at BMO Field on Monday if the Jays are playing at the same time as the Argos?

— Week 5 NFL Lock of the Week — Pittsburgh over Jets (its too easy to take New England over Cleveland)
  Week 5 NFL Upset of the Week – Falcons over Broncos

— There’s a lot of anger in Toronto over what happened in the American League wild-card game, and there should be. For the second straight year, it has gotten ugly in the stands. Last year, it was fans throwing beer cans during Game 5 of the Rangers-Blue Jays series and on Tuesday night, some “jackwagon” decided to throw a beer can at the Orioles left-fielder. The Blue Jays apologized and say they are changing their policies.  They will never do it because of the money involved and the sponsorship deal which has been created, but would turning off the taps for Games 3 and maybe 4 of the ALDS send a message? It won’t happen, so why bother asking, but th reaction would be staggering if the Jays or any other team did that to deal with unruly fan behaviour. On another matter, are the Blue Jays the only team to sell beer cans? At stadiums I have been to, you get your alcoholic beverage in a plastic cup.  One can only imagine what it will be like there on Sunday if Toronto takes Game 2 in Texas today.

— The Giants did it Wednesday night, and the Blue Jays did it Tuesday. Is it necessary to have a champagne celebration just to “officially” get into the playoffs?  There are many dumb things in sports, this one may top the list though, Although NHL players not touching the conference championship trophy, yet proudly wearing conference championship hats may take the cake.

— Derek “Duke” Meyers asked a great question during Wednesday’s Sportscage. What will the last song be when fans are exiting Mosaic Stadium after the last Riders home game at the end of this month? The Riders are telling people to get in their seats early, and be prepared to stay for a while as the team says good-bye to Mosaic Stadium. It will be a night to remember, but what will that last song be?  What do you think it should be?

— Are we ready for the NHL season to get underway?

— Yeah, I’ve been buying hockey cards when I stop at Tim Hortons. I haven’t gotten an Eberle or a McDavid one  yet. More double doubles for me!

— A poll done by Sportsnet amongst WHL coaches have 14 of 19 saying the Pats will win the league title. They certainly have a roster that can do it, but it would be nice to see Adam Brooks back in the blue and white. Hopefully, its not much longer. If you haven’t seen this team yet, you can do so tonight against Kootenay in a 7 PM start.

— These jerseys NFL teams are wearing Thursday nights are just horrid. The Dolphins looked like popsicles last week in Cincinnati and the 49ers outfits against Arizona last night was equally as bad. Seattle gets to trot out their lime-green jerseys later this year, No thanks!