SCRUFFY’S THIS ‘N THAT

It is Friday so here is the weekly set of thoughts running through my muddled mind and as always, they are in no particular order.

— I’m not going to lie to you, I have absolutely zero interest in Friday’s game at Tim Hortons Field between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Oh, I will watch it, but like many others I am now just waiting for this season to end and then eagerly await what happens with the general manager and head coach positions and what changes will be made for 2016. I don’t think I am the only one in this boat, and for some they came to this conclusion a long time ago and I really can’t blame them. Of course, part of this may be because the Chicago Cubs are playing the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 1 of their NLDS.

— Are people really questioning Weston Dressler and wondering if number 7 is in the twilight of his career? If they are, they are sadly mistaken.  Dressler is one of many Riders who have had a season to forget and I am expecting him to be the same Weston Dressler that has excited Rider Nation with his play in 2016. Despite his “lack of production” as some will say, he is putting up some decent numbers considering he has dealt with a number 3 quarterback for a good portion of the season. Has it come to the point that some have to diss Dressler now? You’re better than that!

— I have been lobbying for the CFL to get involved with Draftkings and Fanduel as a way to increase fan interest and get more people talking on both sides of the border about the game. If the CFL is interested, they aren’t saying, but it was interesting to see Major League Soccer has signed a 4 year deal with one of the two one day fantasy sports sites out there. If MLS can do it, surely the CFL can.  It is too late for this year, but games in 2016 would be relished by many I think. It is one of many things on the table for Jeffrey Orridge between the time he hands out the Grey Cup and the time training camps start in June.

— A decision this week by the Regina Public School Board to cancel graduation dinners is just stupid in my opinion. You watch your child go through the highs and lows of their education and the Grade 12 dinner and ceremony is a very special occasion for not only those who are graduating and having one last night with their friends and classmates before entering the real world, but for the parents who have tagged along for the ride and sit there with extreme pride.  I’m not buying the reasons being given. Why is it every tradition must somehow be scrutinized and then gotten rid of in one fashion or another? It is just ridiculous!

— Good on the NHL for getting rid of Raffi Torres for 41 games. His style of play is no longer welcome in the NHL, but he is just too stupid it would seem to realize that.

— Two thumbs up to former Pats defenceman Brandon Davidson for making the Oilers final roster. He could get sent down to Bakersfield at some point during the season, but to see what that kid went through to get to this point is inspiring and is a tremendous story.

— Two thumbs also are up for former Pats forward Jordan Weal for cracking the Kings lineup this year too. Like Davidson, Weal could get sent back to the American Hockey League, but I get the feeling now that he is up, he may never go down as he just keeps meeting every challenge thrown in front of him.

— Picking ties in pro-line are going to be a lot more difficult with 3 on 3 overtime and the odds show that. If you can pick a couple and they come through, you should be a happy camper at the end of the night.

— Want a Stanley Cup prediction? How about the St. Louis Blues over the Washington Capitals.

— Week 5 NFL Lock of the Week (4-0)   Giants over Niners
    Week 5 NFL Upset of the Week (1-3)  Seahawks over Bengals

— I can’t believe the Blue Jays had Cito Gaston throw out the first pitch before Game 1 of the ALDS. As Sportscage baseball insider Craig Slater texted to me “Wasn’t Mitch Williams available?”. There’s nothing wrong with Gaston throwing it out, but I might have gone with Joe Carter. Here’s hoping Roy Halladay gets a chance to throw out a first pitch before this run is over.

— Game 1 of the ALDS was a disaster, but the Blue Jays perhaps asked for that disaster to happen. The decision by John Gibbons to shut down David Price early to get him ready for the playoffs causing him to get extra rest was a move many including myself questioned when he did, and it is a move that backfired. As Gregg Zaun and others so quickly pointed out, Price was not in rhythm after having extended time off the mound. He was not as sharp and Texas capitalized. It didn’t help Toronto that Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista both left to injury, but reports are both should be back for what really is a must win Game 2. The pressure is on Marcus Stroman to even this series. It will be the biggest start of his young career.

— Back to the Cubs and I never ever imagined at the start of the year this team would be close to winning 100 games and be a playoff squad. I knew Joe Maddon would get that young team going, but I saw the progression to the playoffs start in 2016 and I never, ever thought Jake Arrieta would be the best pitcher in baseball. Since August 1, he is 12-0 with an ERA of 0.37. Some of the all-time greats have never done that! I simply can’t wait to see them battle the Cardinals and then hopefully the Dodgers or Mets in the National League Championship Series.

— The Hallowe’en whopper with a black bun? Uhhhhhhhh no!

— That’s all I got. Stuff yourself on turkey and have a great Thanksgiving long weekend! Start some Christmas shopping. Yeah right!