WEDNESDAY COMMENTARY: ROLL THE DICE

(Listen daily for the Rod Pedersen Commentary on Cat Country 98 & Rock 98.5 FM)

To trade, or not to trade. That’s always the million dollar question.

In the case of both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Regina Pats, trades could mean the difference between making – or losing – millions of dollars.

The Pats really got the jump on things Tuesday by acquiring 17-year old forward Sam Oremba from the Seattle Thunderbirds for three draft picks, including a first rounder. I talked to the T-Birds afterwards and they said they simply couldn’t provide Sam the opportunity he deserves, and wish him well in Regina.

Two things hit me when I saw the news: 1) The Pats are going to try to win the WHL East Conference and pray Memorial Cup-host Kamloops wins the West; a major gamble, and 2) When you don’t have anything else to trade, trade picks. To me, it appears the Pats have obliterated their future.

All the way down here in Florida I’ve heard the rumblings that Pats ownership doesn’t want to trade Connor Bedard and the acquisition of Oremba – a Regina kid with first round talent – proves the talk is legit.

But are the Pats? They got clubbed 7-3 in Calgary on Sunday and contenders don’t get blown-out. I don’t think Oremba would’ve made a difference.

However the Pats are rolling the dice and there’s something admirable in that. At least they can say to their fans they went for it.

I rolled the dice in life a year ago and it’s paying off nicely. You don’t get anywhere playing it safe and if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got.

Which brings us to the Roughriders.

GM Jeremy O’Day told the media this week they don’t plan to be active at today’s CFL Trade Deadline.

There’s something admirable in that too; dancing with the one who brought ya. Going with the group you assembled.

The trouble is, the one who brought the Riders to the dance is a 3 dressed up as a 9. When the lights come on at closing time – i.e. in the next game or two – we’ll get a real good look.

O’Day said, entering this massive Grey Cup-hosting year, they weren’t going to sacrifice their future just for the chance to win it all at home in 2022. Now they are praying just to make the playoffs via the crossover.

How’s that philosophy looking now?

Playing it safe gets you nowhere.

That’s today’s Rod Pedersen Commentary.

(The Rod Pedersen Show airs live daily on Game+ TV across Canada and the USA, and on WQEE 99.1 FM Metro Atlanta. Call your cable provider to subscribe. You can also watch on YouTube Live or listen 24/7 at RodPedersen.com/ListenLive)