Toronto Blue Jays: Battle of Positions: Spring Training Preview

The Toronto Blue Jays head into the First Spring Training Game Thursday against Boston, with many questions in Blue Jays Land surrounding who will play where, who will beat when, who's pitching 5th etc. This is why there is such a thing as Spring Training, and why many Blue Jay fans are excited for the upcoming 2007 season, with additions like Tomo Ohka, Frank Thomas and Canadian Outfielder Matt "Up" Stairs.

On the hill, Roy Halladay and AJ Burnett return for another season with the Jays, both of which want to make 2007 a Healthy campaign. Both Aces had injury-plagued seasons in 2006 and will lead a young Jays Pitching Staff with the additions of John Thompson, Tomo Ohka and Minor Leaguer Jo "Hello" Matumoto.

Halladay and Burnett take up the 1 and 2 Roles of the Rotation, while Gustavo Chacin is penciled in at number 3. John Thompson, Tomo Ohka, Victor Zambrano, Josh Towers, Casey Janssen, Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan and Scott Downs will try for the Number 4 and 5 roles throughout Spring Training, but the 8 players vying for just the two spots have a very slim chance at making the rotation. Ohka and Thompson are the two I think will crack the team, while McGowan, Marcum, Downs and Zambrano will make the team as relievers.

Brandon League is the kind of guy who is forgettable for casual fans, but for diehards he is a favourite. League who appeared in 33 games last season with a Win-Loss record of 1-2 when healthy can be deadly for opponents, and he proved that also last season with an oppositing batters average of .214. League is one of those guys that will come in to Set-Up for BJ Ryan (Closer) in the 7th and 8th innings, but Brandon will have a bigger role this year added on...leadership.

Two guys who are always overlooked in the Jays lineup, are Brian Tallet and Jason Frasor. Frasor was originally acquired as a Closer a couple years ago but was quickly moved to Reliever, as the Jays were swamped with CL candidates. Last season he averaged just under an inning a game, but was a disappointment in some fans minds, with an ERA of 4.32. Tallet was projected to be a key guy last season and almost lived up to the hype, pitching in 44 games (With one start) and a W-L record of 3-0. This year, Tallet needs to have a great spring to have a shot at being the Second Set-Up man along with Brandon "Another" League.

Jeremy Accardo, Francisco Rosario, Davis Romero, Scott Downs and Dustin McGowan round out the Projected 'pen, that may include guys like Shaun Marcum, Casey Janssen, Ryan Houston and Vic Zambrano before Spring's over but until then those four will fill in when needed, hoping to get a shot at the Opening Day Roster.

Of course, BJ Ryan returns as the Closer, and if last year was any indication (With 38 saves in 42 opportunities), BJ is on the loose to have a career year, hopefully leading up to a World Series.

Greg Zaun returns behind the plate as the Jays Catcher, this year leading the way instead of being behind now San Francisco Giant Bengie Molina. Zaun played just under 100 games in 2006 hitting .272 hitting 12 dingers and knocking in 48 runs. Zaun is one of those Team Players that can keep you in the game because of leadership, but what would be even better in 2007 is if Zaun can add to his Leadership role by hitting the ball deep into gaps for more RBI and maybe bring that average past .300 for the first time since 2001 with Kansas City in which he appeared in 39 games.

Jason Phillips backs Zaun up and the versatile Phillips will look to improve on his 12 hit performance back last season, and will need to start the season off hot, in order to keep his backup role, because Sal Fasano can easily take that over from Phillips any moment.

Lyle Overbay returns at First Base, coming off a 22 Homer year with a .312 average in his first season as a Blue Jay. Overbay will hit higher in the order (Depending on the Throwing hand of the Pitcher), as high as 2nd but no matter where he will sit in the Batting Order, Overbay will make sure that his Sophmore season as a Jay is one to remember, and when I say that I mean a good one to remember.

Aaron Hill will start another Season at Second Base, and just because he struggled throught last season, doesn't mean he isn't ready for this year! Hill was actually pretty good last season, hitting just under .300 but improved on his 2005 campaign by a great margin, and this season with nor Russ Adams nor John McDonald fighting him for Position, Hill will not have to worry about sitting on the bench or in AAA, because this year it's his to lose. A bad day? Doesn't mean much. A bad month? Could mean alot, but let's hope that A-Hill does a great job in his Second year replacing O-Dog at the Two Bag.

Newcomer Royce Clayton comes in at SS replacing a joint season by John McDonald and Russ Adams and hopes to bring his Defensive styles to a Error Filled IF. Clayton is one of the more talked about signings this off-season but that means squat until Clayton proves his ability on the Field come Opening Day. If he does live up to the hype, Royce could be a pleasant surprise that could be the difference between a Win and a loss.

Troy Glaus comes back at Third Base, after one of the better seasons in Toronto history (Blue Jays history not Glaus'). Glaus batted .252 in the #4 spot but hit an astounding 38 Homers and knocked in 104 Runs. What makes sense though, is that he had 134 Strikeouts. Glaus will want to make sure he makes an early impression this year, with the addition of Frank Thomas and with the departures of Shea Hillenbrand and Eric Hinske, Glaus will need to stay sharp because the Jays Infield Backups aren't what you'd call stellar.

In the Outfield, Reed Johnson, Alexis Rios and Vernon Wells return to complete on of the better Major League Outfields today. Combined, the three hit 61 Homers and knocked in an astounding 231 RBI. Hitting aside, this is one of the better Defensive outfields in the game as well especially with Veteran Power Hitter Matt Stairs and Rookie Star Adam Lind behind them just in case one of the three gets injured.

At DH, Frank Thomas comes off a season with the Oakland Athletics to join the Jays in what may be his final MLB Contract. The Veteran "Big Hurt" can either tear apart Pitching or let it fool him, and rest assured that as a member of the Jays Thomas will try even harder to help them beat the White Sox, Thomas' Former team.

Backup Players:
C Jason Phillips
INF Jason Smith
SS John McDonald
OF Adam Lind
OF Matt Stairs

On the bubble:
P Shaun Marcum
P Ryan Houston
P Casey Janssen
P Jean Machi
P Francisco Rosario
P Ty Taubenheim
C Sal Fasano
C Curtis Thigpen
IF Russ Adams
IF Ryan Roberts
OF Matt Stairs
OF Chad Mattola

The Projected Opening Day Lineup should look like this:
SP Roy Halladay
C Greg Zaun
1B Lyle Overbay
2B Aaron Hill
SS Royce Clayton
3B Troy Glaus
OF Reed Johnson
OF Vernon Wells
OF Alexis Rios
DH Frank Thomas

Jays kicked off Spring Training today, that game recap will be up shortly.

UBC Thunderbirds and Yamhill County Spring Classic Update

First off, the Yamhill County Spring Classic in Oregon has been cancelled (Today and tomorrow's games) giving the Birds a record of 0-2 at the Tournament this year. Inclement weather delayed yesterday's UBC vs George Fox game, and suspended it due to darkness.

UBC will next play Friday March 9th, as they start Conference Play against the Corban College Warriors, in Salem, Oregon.

That game was supposed to be played in Vancouver, but because of the new Nat Bailey Stadium fence, the Birds home Opener has been delayed to Tuesday, March 20th against Lewis-Clark State.

UBC went an astounding 6-0 against Corban, and will look to continue their success against the Warriors last year into this season.

There's 13 more days until UBC's next game against Corban (Game 1 of a Three Game Series) and 24 days until the Home Opener against Lewis-Clark State.

To Fill the time, I'll be posting the Good, Bad and Average of UBC's season to date, and will be adding different Baseball stuff.

Once again, this blog will have less of a focus on the Vancouver Giants from now on, and more of one on the UBC Thunderbirds, Vancouver Canadians and other baseball.

Interview with Sportsnet's Jim Lang

Today we have an interview with Sportsnet Connected Reporter/Host Jim Lang. Lang has been with Sportsnet for a while now, and has covered a variety of events, some of which include the 1996 Grey Cup between Edmonton and Toronto, and the First two games of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

Road Kill Sports: You have covered a ton of events in your Sportsnet career, what has been the most memorable so far?

Jim Lang: There have been a few - Super Bowl 40 in Detroit - Covering Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between Carolina and Edmonton....- the other one that stands out was the 2005 Memorial Cup in London during the Lockout.

RKS: Was there a definitive moment when you knew Broadcasting and Journalism was for you, or was it that things just added up and wound you up as a Sportsnet News (Sportsnet Connected) Reporter?

JL: I don't think there was one - definitive thing - it was more a case of that's how my career path took me....I honestly have enjoyed the entire range of jobs I have had at Sportsnet...there are all very challenging...

RKS: The Raptors, Leafs and Blue Jays havn't been known as front-runners in their respective sports in the last couple years, (And for the Leafs decades) but with the Raptors having a good chance at the NBA Playoffs, the Leafs just out of a playoff spot in the NHL (yet are doing great in some fans terms) and the Blue Jays with so many key players for 2007, do you
think there could be a Toronto Triple-Crown in the works?

JL: I doubt it - the Leafs are better than they were last year - but there have almost no hope of going to the Cup final...the Raptors are improved - but are a long shot to go to the NBA Final...the Jays might squeek in as a wild card - but I would be shocked to see them in the World Series....A Toronto Triple Crown seems to me more of a dream than reality...

RKS: You've been a host for Sportsnet News & Sportsnet Connected, as well as a reporter, for you what is the most enjoyable given the choice between Hosting and Reporting?

JL: I love both to be honest,....I like hosting because I don't spend so much time travelling and get to see my wife and kids more...I love reporting because I get to cover a lot of cool events and travel to some cool cities....

RKS: In your experience, who is the best Athlete Interviewee?

JL: For the most part - they are all good...Hockey Players - CFL and Lacrosse players are the best....

RKS: hat would be your choice of teams to cover, between Raptors, Leafs, Marlies, Blue Jays and Argos if you only had to choose one?

JL: Since I have covered both the Leafs and the Argos on a regular basis for a number of years - I would have to say the Leafs and the Argos....

RKS: You can hear Newscasters, Athletes, almost everyone who appears on TV talk about HDTV, good for those at home but bad for Broadcasters? Are you for or against HDTV, just because viewers can see if those on TV went to bed late the night before etc.

JL: To be honest - I don't own an HDTV....I have two young kids and all we watch is Tree House and other kids shows...my wife and I don't see a need to but an HDTV just to watch Dora! HDTV is the future - there's no stopping it....Whether I like it or not doesn't really matter - it's here to stay and pretty soon everything we watch will be in HD......

RKS: Thanks Jim!

Look for Jim every night at 6:30 and 10 on Sportsnet Connected!

UBC vs Pacific Lutheran University and George Fox University: Feb 23rd

Today was the day of UBC's First two games at the Yamhill County Spring Classic. First off was a 10 AM game vs Pacific Lutheran University Lutes.

UBC's Lineup vs the Lutes
2B Sammie "The" Starr
3B Brett "Vet" Murray
LF Nic "Bomb" Lendvoy
DH Brendan "Korny" Kornberger
1B Mike "Fright" Styrna
RF Jon "Burnin" Syrnyk
CF Tyler "Homer" Wilson
C Dave "Junior" Dick
SS Ted "Silch" Wilkie
SP Mark "Hearty" Hardy

Hardy, a Freshman LHP was making his first Start in a UBC Uniform.

Hardy didn't get a good impression in on Manager Terry McKaig in his first start (At least you would think he wouldn't have) as he allowed Three runs in the Top of the First (UBC was considered the home team), two off of Tyler Green's Home Run.

UBC got back in the game in the Bottom Half of the Inning, gaining the lead with 5 runs. For Starters, Sammie Starr doubled down the Right Field line, Brett the Vet walked, followed by a Wild Pitch advancing Starr to Third and Murray to Second. Nic Lendvoy took a base after 4 balls. And then with Bases Loaded, Korny Kornberger was Hit by a pitch sending Sammie Starr home. Fright Syrna was next at bat (After a Lute Pitching Change) and was the fourth consecutive batter to walk to 1B, this time scoring Brett Murray. 3-2 Lutes. Jon Syrnyk was next up and Singled, scoring Nic Lendvoy, tying the game at 3. Tyler Wilson grounded out, but got an RBI in the process scoring Korny, and then when Dave Dick was in the middle of grounding out, Mike Styrna crossed home plate. Ted Wilkie (The 9th batter of the Inning) struck out to end it, but still UBC was on Fire in that First Inning scoring 5 runs.

The Lutes tied the game back up the next half inning, as Tyler Green hit his second homer of the game, in his second AB. 5-5 going into the Bottom of 2.

After Sammie Starr got another base hit to start the inning, this time a Single, and Nic Lendvoy walked, Brendan Kornberger knocked in Starr and sent Lendvoy to Third Base on Korny's Second time on base in the game (1st was a walk). And then on a Mike Styrna Fielder's Choice, Lendvoy scored bringing UBC's lead back up to Two Runs. 7-5 T-Birds.

Lutheran managed to get 3 Runs in the Top of the 3rd, re-gaining the lead at 8-7.

Tyler Wilson didn't start the Inning on a very happy note, Striking out, but Dave Dick got on base next with a Single, as UBC tried to get at least a run to tie the game back up. On a Ted Wilkie bunt, Dick went to Second, putting him in Scoring position. Sammie Starr was up next, but Struck Out Swining, giving the Lutes two outs already in the inning with #2 hitter Brett Murray next to bat. Murray singled, putting runners on every base, for Nic Lendvoy. "Bomb" showed us why we nicknamed him that, as he TRIPLED to Right Center, scoring Dick, Wilkie and Murray. 10-8 UBC. Next up was Brendan Kornberger who singled, scoring Lendvoy. 11-8 Thunderbirds. Next up was Mike "Fright" Styrna who homered to Right Field, scoring two runs, himself and Korny. The next batter Jon Syrnyk followed Styrna's lead hitting a dinger of his own, in almost the same spot in Right Field. Tyler Wilson ended the Inning the way he started it, with an out. 14-8 University of British Columbia.

In the Fourth, UBC put Sophmore Jordan Anderson on the hill replacing Hardy, who had allowed 8 runs in Three Innings of work. Anderson didn't allow a hit or run in the Fourth, neither did the Lutes as they kept UBC scoreless in the Bottom half of the Fourth inning.

In the Top of the 5th Pacific Lutheran managed a run off of Anderson, cutting the lead to 14-9.

The Top of the 6th brought a Defensive change for UBC who replaced Senior SS Ted "Silch" Wilkie with Sean "Mount" Everest.

Before the 7th Inning Stretch, Jordan Anderson allowed 6 Runs, adding his daily total to 7, before Terry McKaig brought in usual Starter Doug Grant to finish out the inning. Since Grant came into the game, it gives you an idea that he won't pitch Saturday, but Sunday in the Birds Playoff game.

The Lutes had a 15-14 lead just as Take Me Out to the Ballgame had ended, and UBC was determined to tie the game back up. Brett Murray hit a Homer the First Chance he had, tying the game up but unfortunately no other T-Bird did the same in the Bottom of the 7th.

UBC Re-Gained the lead in the Bottom of 8 when Sean Everest hit Tyler Wilson home, 16-15 UBC, and all they needed to do was Shut the door in the Top of the 9th and they'd have snapped a 3 game losing skid.

The Thunderbirds made a few changes Defensively for the Top half of the inning, putting 3B Brett Murray at Pitcher, Freshman Catcher Nick Harper replacing Dave Dick behind the plate, and sending Craig Leebosh to 3B.

When Lute Kris Hanson had an RBI in the Top of the 9th to Tie the game, UBC knew that was not the end of the Lutes scoring, and it wasn't as Pacific Lutheran rallied for Two more runs in the inning, bringing their lead to 18-16. The T-Birds tried but couldn't get anyone home in the Bottom of the 9th, continuing their Losing Streak at 4 games.

Player of the Game: Nic Lendvoy (3)

That wasn't the only game of the day for UBC who had to play George Fox University immediately after their loss to the Lutes.


EDIT: Box Score up, here's UBC's Starting Lineup:
2B Sammie "Ontario" Starr
3B Brett "Vet" Murray
LF Nic "Bomb" Lendvoy
C Brendan "Korny" Kornberger
1B Fletcher "Business" Vynne
RF Jon "Burnin" Syrnyk
CF Tyler "Lost" Wilson
SS Sean "Mount" Everest
DH "No" Nick Harper
SP Scott "Doc" Webster

George Fox got out to an early lead, scoring two runs off of "Doc" Webster in the First Inning, and continued their lead, in the Third Inning, scoring 8 more runs off Webster before Kurtis Schumacher came in to finish out the inning.

In the Top of the Fourth, UBC got two runs back, as off of a Tyler Wilson Ground-Out, Brendan Kornberger came home, and then when Nick Harper got his hit, Fletcher "Business" (Who's name may have to switch to Slumping if he continues his recent play) crossed home plate, 10-2 George Fox Bruins.

However, the Bruins got Three runs back the bottom half of the inning, off the Junior Schumacher, bringing their lead up to 11 runs, 13-2 George Fox.

Ben Hoekstra pitched the 5th Inning, and allowed one run giving George Fox 14 runs to UBC's 2 on the night. After UBC's Top of the Sixth the game was suspended due to darkness, probably because there were many rain delays in UBC's game against PLU and in the game against the Bruins.

Player of the Game: Brett Murray (1)

UBC plays tonight against Linfield College.

UBC at Cal Poly: Feb 21st

UBC was coming off a tough loss to NCAA Division I UC Riverside Tuesday, and were eager to get back out there against another Division 1 Club, the Cal Poly Mustangs.

Their Starting Batting Order was as follows:
2B Sammie "The" Starr
3B Brett "Vet" Murray
LF Nic "Bomb" Lendvoy
C Brendan "Korny" Kornberger
RF Jon "Burnin" Syrnyk
1B Fletcher "Business" Vynne
DH Scott "Doc" Webster
CF Tyler "Homer" Wilson
SS Ted "Silch" Wilkie"

On the Hill: Lefty Andrew "LaFleur

After Nic Lendvoy singled in the Top of the First, Brendan Kornberger doubled, and Lendvoy took a risk by going for home, and was eventually tagged out before crossing home plate, ending the Top Half of the First, and not being able to swing momentum in UBC's way early.

In the Top of the Third, Craig Leebosh entered the game, Pinch Hitting for Freshman standout Sammie Starr, walked but ended up being tagged out to end the inning. The Bottom Half of that inning was one UBC, especially Andrew La Fleur will never forget.

LaFleur gave up 4 Runs, before Greg Chong came in to relieve the Ancaster, Ontario native of Pitching Duties. Chong didn't do much better, with Four Runs crossing the plate when he was on the mound, but he was only charged with Two of them, as LaFleur was given credit for 6 of Cal Poly's 8 3rd Inning Runs.

UBC made up for a Couple of the Runs they gave up in the Half Inning before, by scoring two runs (Brendan Kornberger and Fletcher Vynne) in the Top of the 4th all with Two outs. Scott Webster had the RBI (For Kornberger's) while Vynne scored on a Passed Ball. 8-2 Mustangs going into the Bottom of the Fourth.

Another Mustang run crossed home, bringing their lead to 7 Runs, 9-2 Mustangs.

In the Bottom half of the 5th, Greg Chong was replaced by Brendan Rolfe, a Senior 6'4 Pitcher. Rolfe fared worse than Chong, allowing 4 Runs in the Bottom of the 5th, 13-2 Mustangians going into the Top of 6.

Sean Everest was brought into the game for Craig Leebosh in the 5th, and in the Top of the 8th was hit by a Pitch scoring Jon Syrnyk, bringing the Mustangs lead down to 13-3.

In the Bottom of the 8th, Brett Murray (3B) came into pitch, moving DH Scott Webster to 3B, and then he was replaced by Mike Styrna. Long of the short of it is, Styrna went to Third, Murray was the Pitcher for Rolfe. Murray was actually pretty good, allowing two hits and two strikeouts in his only inning of work, but UBC didn't bounce back, losing to the Mustangs by a final score of 13-3.

Player of the Game: Jon Syrnyk (1) 1-5, R, 2 SO


UBC plays Today (Friday) against George Fox and Pacific Lutheran, those recaps will be up once their Box Scores are available. These are UBC's first games of the Yamhill County Spring Classic.

Divison 1 Too tough for T-Birds: Feb 18th through 20th Recap

Sorry I didn't post this earlier, but last night there was a um...problem and I decided to do UBC's First Three Game recap tonight.

The T-Birds got off to one of the best possible starts in their History Sunday in LA, as they beat the Occidental College Tigers 6-0. A combined shutout from UBC Pitchers Andrew LaFleur who started the game, Brendan Rolfe, Greg Chong, Doug Grant (Who is also one of UBC's starters) and Brett Murray a P/INF. Offensively, the T-Birds were helped especially by Freshman Nic Lendvoy's Home Run blast in the 6th Inning with a man on. Lendvoy's Homer put UBC up 5-0, and Freshman INF Sammie Starr brought home the Final Run, with a double in his First Collegiate AB. On another note, Senior Tyler Wilson did not dress as he was out with the flu.

Player of the game: Nic Lendvoy (1)
Now, Occidental College nor UBC had a Box Score up of Sunday's game so that's all I can tell you but for the other two...I can give you alot more info.


Coming off an Opening Day win, the Birds were excited to get a shot at The Master's College Mustangs.

For UBC Their Starting Lineup looked like this:
2B Sammie "The" Starr
RF Jon "Burnin" Syrnyk
3B Brett "Jet" Murray
C Brendan "Korny" Kornberger
DH Mike "Fright" Styrna
1B Fletcher "Business" Vynne
LF Nic "Bomb" Lendvoy
CF Tyler "Homer" Wilson
SS Ted "Silch" Wilkie
SP Scott "Doc" Webster

Sammie Starr kicked things off with a Walk, and by the end of the inning was at Third Base, but unfortunately Mike Styrna struck out before "The Starr" could cross home. Mustangs' Steve Shaver was thrown out at home plate in the bottom of the first, and if he had been safe, it would've been a whole different ball game.

In the Second, UBC went down 1-2-3, as did Master's if you don't count their walk by Robert Short.

The Third brought a lead into the Mustangs view, as they managed to get 3 runs passed Scott Webster and the T-Birds, that spelled the end for "Doc" Webster in his first UBC Start/Debut.

UBC tied the game back up in the Top of the Fourth thanks to a 2-RBI double by Nic Lendvoy (Who had the Homer in Sunday's game) and Ted Wilkie's Ground Out that scored "Bomb" Lendvoy. Lendvoy, Mike Styrna and Fletcher Vynne had the runs in that inning.

Junior Left-Hander Kurtis Schumacher came in for the Doc, and allowed two hits in the Bottom of the Fourth, maintaining UBC's tie with the Master's College.

Despite an opening walk in the Fifth by Brett Murray, neither Fletcher Vynne, Mike Styrna or Brendan "Korny" Kornberger could do anything, stranding the 6 foot Senior at First Base.

As Tim Woodward came in for the Master's before the Sixth inning, UBC sure took advantage. Woodward's First Batter was Hot Bat Nic Lendvoy, who was walked. Next up was Tyler Wilson who Grounded out. After Wilson's Ground out, and thanks to a Wild Pitch by Woodward during Ted Wilkie's AB, Lendvoy was at Third Base already when Wilkie doubled to left scoring the Freshman Lendvoy. With two out and a run scored, with Wilkie positioned on Third Base, Jon Syrnyk failed to bring the Senior home, stranding him on base after a Fly Out. Lendvoy scored on Wilkie's Hit, bringing the score to 4-3 for the Visiting T-Birds.

The Mustangs wasted no time in the bottom half of the inning, as Derek Ricketts homered to Left Field, tying the game back up, this time with both teams having four runs each. The Master's didn't manage or get any more Dingers or runs for that matter in the Sixth, something that manager Terry McKaig had to be happy about.

Brett Murray opened up the Seventh with a walk, followed by a Brendan Kornberger out. With Murray already at Second base, Mike Styrna walked giving a force out at any base but home plate. Freshman Pitcher Mark Hardy pinch hit for Fletcher Vynne next, and had success singling to left, scoring Murray and advancing Styrna to Third. Hardy was then caught stealing and then Nic Lendvoy Grounded out to end the inning.

Jordan Anderson came in to pitch for UBC in the 7th and 8th and was flawless, and then when he got into the 9th, he met trouble. Jon Syrnyk and Brett Murray fortunately enough had scored in the Top of the 9th to bring UBC's lead to 7-4 but that wasn't enough for UBC in the end.

On a Four run inning, which had both Jordan Anderson and Freshman Ben Hoekstra pitch for the Birds, saw a disastrous inning and in the end, a loss in a game that could've easily been won.

Final Score: UBC 7, The Master's College 8.

Pitching Line for UBC Starter Scott "Doc" Webster: 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO
Road Kill Sports Player of the Game: Nic Lendvoy (2): 1-3, 2 BB, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 2B

Now onto UBC's Game Today at UC Riverside, the first of two Consecutive games against NCAA Division I Opponents.

Batting Order for the Birds:
2B Sammie "The" Starr
RF Jon "Burnin" Syrnyk
3B Brett "Jet" Murray
C Brendan "Korny" Kornberger
1B Mike "Fright" Styrna
LF Nic "Bomb" Lendvoy
DH Dave "Junior" Dick
CF Tyler "Homer" Wilson
SS Ted "Silch" Wilkie
SP Doug "Mugged" Grant

Senior Pitcher Doug Grant was tested early and often in his Second Career start against UC Riverside Tuesday, his first start of the 2007 season. Before Grant set foot on the mound, UBC had gone scoreless in the first inning, despite Freshman INF Sammie Starr being on Third base. Carl Uhl scored Riverside's First Run of the game during the Bottom of the First, and was just one of many nightmares for Doug "Mugged" Grant on the night.

Riverside brought their lead to 4-0 after a 3 Run bottom of the Third that saw Doug Grant's ERA grow even more. Just think, if this had been against a Divison III School, UBC would actually have a shot at winning, but a Division I team? Nah.

After the Fourth Inning, UC Riverside had another run across the plate, UC Riverside 5, UBC 0.

UBC First got on the Score Sheet in the Sixth inning, with two runs of their own. Dave Dick and Brendan Kornberger were the ones that came home, thanks to a 2 RBI hit by Senior Tyler Wilson.

After UBC's sudden spark, Mark Hardy came into pitch for Grant, and did alright. In the Bottom of the 7th, the Highlanders scored, but fortunately that was their last run. UBC had one last run thanks to a Nic Lendvoy RBI single and a Brendan Kornberger run. That last run brought UBC within Three but 6-3 was the Final Score.

Pitching Line for SP Doug Grant: 5 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO
Road Kill Sports Player of the Game: Brendan Kornberger (1): 2-4, BB, R, SO

UBC Plays Cal Poly Tomorrow night and head to the UBC Fan Page (tbirdbaseball.net) to get the link to listen to the 6 PM game for Free.

The UBC Fan Page has all kinds of inside info as does Notesfromthenat.com (Vancouver Canadians Fan Site). NFTN has an interview taken from another site on Oakland Manager Bob Geren so be sure to head over there as well to read what the new manager has in store for the A's.

UBC Week of Feb 18th through 25th Preview

This is going to be a weekly thing, of previewing the UBC Thunderbirds baseball games (Week by Week) and having recaps after each and every game (Or in the case of two games in the same day...recaps of both after the two are finished).

Feb 18th: 1 PM Pacific at the Occidental College Tigers, Los Angeles, California.

The T-Birds start their 2007 season during the Annual California Road Trip, and kick things off against the Occidental College Tigers. The Tigers will play their 8th game of the season Sunday against UBC and have a record of 4-1 going into their 2 game Saturday against Cal Tech. UBC will likely put Senior Doug Grant (EDIT: Andrew LaFleur pitched, Doug Grant pitched on Tuesday against UC Riverside) on the mound, and Brendan Kornberger behind the plate, along with players such as Fletcher Vynne and Tyler Wilson in the Infield and Outfield. Catcher Adam Franks is the key player for Oxy College, and has another year to go after 2007 since he is only a Junior. This is going to be a key game for T-Bird fans who want to know whether this team is up to the task of heading to the NAIA World Series for the Second Year in a row.

Feb 19th: 2 PM Pacific at the Master's College Mustangs, Santa Clarita, California

This game will be the Second of the season for UBC, who will most likely bring Lefty Andrew LaFleur (EDIT: Scott Webster Pitched) out to start the game, in one that will promise to be a thriller. The last two times these teams have met, the Mustangs have won, including last season when Brad Ashman took the Thunderbird loss. Freshman Infielder Caleb Mintz of the Mustangs is the #3 Batter in the order, and has done the most damage heading into the Master's Saturday doubleheader, hitting .400, with Two Dingers and 14 RBI.

Feb 20th: 3 PM Pacific at UC Riverside Highlanders, Riverside, California

The Highlanders are a Division I NCAA Team and will be in most people's opinions the toughest game UBC will play this season. Ranked #26 on the Baseball America Pre-Season poll, Riverside is deadly on Offence and can tear you apart with their Pitching. Last time these teams met Brad Ashman took the loss, and hopefully this time UBC can win the game, instead of being on the other side of the Game Results. Junior IF Aaron Wible is the player to Watch offensively with a Homer and 14 RBI heading into their Weekend series against the U of San Francisco.

Feb 21st: 6 PM Pacific at Cal Poly Mustangs, San Luis Obispo, California

The Mustangs will be the Second Mustang team UBC has faced in two days, (Master's College) but will be the most difficult out of the two. This Division I School isn't as tough as the Riverside Highlanders, but have had some success in the past including with Fireballer Jimmy Shull who played for the Vancouver Canadians (He is no longer with Cal Poly of course). This season it is Junior Infielder Grant Desme who had 4 Home-Runs heading into the weekend. UBC needs to come out strong, as they finish their California part of this Road-Trip.

Now onto the games at the Yamhill County Classic in Oregon:

Feb 23rd: 10 AM at Pacific Lutheran Lutes, Newberg, Oregon

The Lutes lost last year to UBC, with Doug Grant starting for the T- Birds (He may again), but this time in Game 1 of the Yamhill County Classic, the Young T-Bird squad will be up against a more mature Senior like Lute team. The Lutes have 4 Players at .500 going into Saturday Feb 17th, but in only 8 At-Bats Tyler Green has a Homer and 3 RBI batting at the .500 level.

Feb 23rd: 2 PM at George Fox Bruins, Newberg, Oregon

The Bruins, another NCAA Division III School, beat UBC last season and going into this weekend, 2-0 for 2007. Filled with many Seniors, the Bruins are already expected to beat UBC, even before the Birds have started their season. Last year's meeting between the teams, was thought by many, to be the best game (or one of) from last season, and there were many thrillers.

Feb 24th: 4 PM at Linfield College Wildcats, McMinnville, Oregon

The Wildcats, and here comes another shocker, are also a NCAA Division III School, and have many great players on their 2007 team including Drew Van Cleave and Caleb Kearns. Van Cleave is the hottest player out of the gate, and just two games into the season had a Homer and a couple RBI to go with it. This game will be the final game at the Yamhill Classic, where the teams know ahead of time who they play, because Saturday's game (The 25th) will be the Playoffs.

There is this week's preview, a recap for Tonight's Giants game as well as Tomorrow's T-Bird game will be up this weekend.

Giants at PG: Recap

Here is last night's Giants recap from Joey Kenward:

by Joey Kenward (Voice of the Giants)

For the first time this season, the Vancouver Giants suffered a loss to the Prince George Cougars. Friday night at the CN Centre, the Cats skated away with a 3-1 win in a great goaltending battle between Tyson Sexsmith and Scott Bowles.

The only goal scored in the first period came on the Giants first power play of the game. Tim Kraus fed the puck of the middle of the neutral zone for J.D. Watt who quickly busted through the Cougars d-men. Watt made no mistake snapping a shot high on the stick side of Bowles. Jonathon Blum gets the other assist on Watt's 28th of the year eight minutes into the game.

In the second period, the Cougars equalized after a turnover at the Prince George blue line. Cody Franson wound up mishandling a pass and Dana Tyrell raced up ice on a 2-on-1 rush into the Giants end. His shot got behind Sexsmith for his 21st of the season, unassisted at 6:46.

The eventual game-winning goal came past the midway point of the middle frame as Greg Gardner was able to get behind the Vancouver defence and beat Sexsmith along the ice. Curtis Patterson and Kalvin Sagert notch the assists on Gardner's 8th of the year. It was also his second game-winning marker of the season at 11:19.

Vancouver had some great chances to score in the remainder of the second period and into the third period as well but couldn't beat Bowles. On the flip side, the Cougars had a great chance to put things away when they had a 5-on-3 man advantage, but Sexsmith came up with some big stops, the biggest being a huge glove handed grab off a shot from the slot by Devin Setoguchi.

Quickly after that save, Kraus was able to get free on a short-handed breakaway but couldn't get the puck behind Bowles. That would be the last great chance for Vancovuer, including when they had the extra attacker on the ice. However, Evan Fuller capped things off for the Cougars with an empty netter with seven seconds left in the game.

The Giants wound up out-shooting the Cougars 26-16 on the night. Vancouver finished the game going 1-for-7 on the power play and a perfect 9-for-9 on the penalty kill. The night also marked the end of the longest scoring streak of any Giants player this year as Michal Repik was held off the score sheet. He had gone the previous nine games in a row with at least a point.

Now with a record of 36-13-3-6, the Giants remain in top spot in the B.C. Division. They get set for their final game in Prince George this season Saturday night. Game time at the CN Centre is 7:00pm PST.


Once again, I appologize for not doing my own recap but the easiest for me to recap are Saturday night games.

When I first started this blog I had intentions of posting about Baseball, and Football but realized that from November-March there is nothing to talk about CFL and MLB wise so I decided to add Giants recaps. The UBC Thunderbirds start their season tomorrow and the MLB Spring Traning is fully underway by this time next week, so it'll be less focused on Hockey, and more on Baseball and in May, the CFL.

UBC Thunderbirds Season Preview

It is that time of year again. The Smell of Pine Tar. The Scent of Grass. That's right, BASEBALL TIME! The UBC Thunderbirds will kick off their 2007 season Sunday against Occidental College, in the first game during their Annual California Road Trip.

Last year saw the T-Birds baseball team advance to the NAIA World Series, with veterans like Johnnie Yiu, Connor Janes, Brad Ashman and Tyler Wilson patrolling the field, but this season the T-Birds are without those players due to their age and will have to rely on the likes of Sammie Starr, and Doug Grant to come back to the NAIA World Series.

Manager Terry McKaig is back with Assistant Coaches Cav Whitely and Shawn Corness returning, but face a complete face lift of ages of the players, with there being only 6 Seniors on the team. Last year, there were on average 6 Seniors in the Starting Lineups!

Two players returning from last season, Doug Grant (Senior) and Andrew LaFleur (Junior) are supposed to be in this year's pitching rotation, as for the third player, I can get back to you next week. My guess would be that Brendan Rolfe or Freshman Ben Hoekstra will be the Third Pitchers but right now it's anyone's guess unless someone has some inside info.

Behind the Plate Brendan Kornberger will lead the way after a great 2006 campaign, and will have plenty of depth behind him with Freshmen Nick Harper and Zack Ross. Dave Dick, a Junior, will play OF/Catcher so he may see some time catching pitches as well.

Fletcher Vynne, an Import 1B, will lead the way at First, with guys like Craig Leebosh and Mike Styrna backing him up. Vynne was average in his 2006 appearances and with his height (6 foot 3) can do some damage over the new Nat Bailey Stadium Fence.

Ted Wilkie and Sean Everest will most likely be the 2B and SS starters respectively, and former High School All-Star Sammie Starr should see some serious playing time as well. If Matt Chester (A 2B/OF) goes for the 2B instead of the Outfield, Everest and Starr will be seeing most games from the bench, but if Chester goes into the OF, Sammie, Sean and many others will be seeing alot of the new Nat Bailey Infield Grass. Craig Leebosh, Mike Styrna round out the backups (Although Styrna has a shot for 2B).

At 3B Brett Murray has guarenteed the position. The Senior from Vancouver may put up Monstrous numbers this year, and he should considering his senority. Mike Styrna also has a shot at Third, but it wouldn't be permanent as Murray has impressed over the last couple of seasons, and will improve to get his shot at being a starter in the NAIA World Series.

Tyler Wilson, Jon Syrnyk and either Matt Chester or Dave Dick (Both play Multiple positions). Those are your top Outfielders this season, with Syrnyk and Wilson pretty much guarenteed spots. Nic Lendvoy is also in the mix, but as a Freshman, won't have much shot at doing much, unless one of the four listed above are injured.

Wilson was great last year, filling in when needed and if last year was any indication, we're in for a treat in 2007.

Scott Webster is expected to be the DH for UBC, as well as many other candidates such as Sammie Starr, Zack Ross and Mike Styrna (Whose name I've mentioned far too many times in this posting).

UBC has a shot at getting back to the NAIA World Series, but with mostly a Freshman team, they have to have alot of Team Chemistry in order to do so.

Go T-bIrds.

This week's preview (Feb 18th through 25th) will be up this weekend.

News and Notes: Feb 15th

Well, Vancouver lost to Tri-Cities last night and that's all that can really be said about it. I promise that for Friday and Saturday's games I'll have detailed recaps because I can listen to the game with those two being non-school nights.

- UBC starts their 2007 Season Sunday in California, and this blog will have a Season Preview along with the next week in games preview Saturday!

- CFL Schedule came out yesterday and it is Terrible. Too many Thursday night doubleheaders and not enough Friday doubleheaders. The Lions have two Thursday night Home Games in the Summer, and a 6:00 PM Home Start time in November. To see the full CFL Schedule look here: [url]http://www.cfl.ca[/url]

- Spring Training starts Tomorrow for some lucky Pitchers and Catchers in the Oakland Organization, and look for a handful of them (Minor Leaugers) to be cut before the Season starts in April.

- Javier Herrera and Jeremy Brown are one of a few former Vancouver Canadians who have signed a One Year Deal with Oakland, which may not be so good for Herrera who (As a C's alumni from 2004), a Steroid Abuser in 2005 meaning he missed a handful of games, and he had to have Tommy John Surgery last year. Herrera may surprise us all, and all we can do is hope.

Interview with Dave Michael Garg

Today's interview is with BC Buzz Radio Host Dave Michael Garg.

Dave (who some of you may remember as Davin from Vancouver Canadians games a couple years ago as the On-Field announcer), hosts the Majority of shows on BCbuzz.ca and has maybe 5 or 6 shows that are aired each week that he does alone!!

Road Kill Sports: Two years ago, when you were teaching kids how to pronounce Chalon Tietje's name at Vancouver Canadians games, did you ever think that you'd be where you are today interviewing individuals such as Bob Lenarduzzi, Bill Good and Sam Sullivan?

Dave Garg: I’ve certainly followed an unexpected path the past two years. But you know, being the on-field announcer for the Vancouver Canadians was the springboard for my career in media, providing my first opportunity to speak before a large group of people.

Interesting story, I joined the Vancouver Canadians as an intern, getting paid peanuts (literally, since the Canadians are a baseball team). I was just supposed to assist in promotions and game-day operations, but the Director of Games Day Operations thought I had potential. She put me behind the microphone, to announce on-field contests and promotions. It allowed me to gain confidence speaking, develop my voice, and think better on the fly. Which ultimately led to, as you mentioned, interviewing great guests like Bill Good and Sam Sullivan. But you know what? I’m still learning, and always looking to improve.

RKS: Using the past month as a timeframe, what has been your most memorable interview?

DG: Well, having worked in radio for over 2 years now, I've certainly had the chance to conduct some very memorable interviews, including Walter Gretzky (Wayne's Father) and Jean Beliveau. But just looking at the past month (So in other words, since we've started bcbuzz.ca), I would have to say Kid Carson, morning show host on the Beat 94. 5.
Funny guy, we just fed off each other, ending up with a fast-paced and entertaining piece. Also, since we're roughly the same age (I'm 22, he's 27), we had no issues joking around with each other. I certainly didn't hesitate to ask him anything.

RKS: Youve' talked to interviewees about Global Warming, but now it's your turn to answer, what do you think on the environmental situation roaming our earth?

DG: It’s evident that you are an avid listener at BC Buzz! It’s always
great to have a dedicated listener.

I think global warming is the number one issue on the international
level, something which affects everyone, no matter of age, country,
income, or gender. I’m very happy to see movement upon the top ranks:
scientists publishing reports, politicians making the environment their
top priority, and so forth. But its what we can do as individuals
that’s important. I saw that Al Gore and Richard Branson are offering
$25 million for a solution that lowers carbon dioxide levels in the
atmosphere. That’s all swell, but I don’t think I will be sending in
my solution any time soon. I mean, I did well in science, but not that
well!

There’s the obvious things that we should do: carpool, turn off the
lights, and recycle. But just like we now have detailed nutritional
information on all food items, I think we should be able to easily know
the environmental facts on each product. For instance, was it produced
in an environmentally-friendly factory? Is it green-friendly to use?

RKS: Was BC Buzz an instant idea, or was it a gradual step-by-step thought process?

DG: I used to host a sports radio show on a small community radio station.
My main demographic was listeners. But with a 8:30 timeslot on Friday
mornings, I didn’t always have a lot of people tuning in!

One day, a buddy of mine asked me what I did with the shows after they
were finished. I had no idea what he was talking about. But he clued
me into the power of the web, which makes sense, because he is a web
designer. Along with my producer, Cynthia Wildman, the three of us
began developing what is now BC Buzz (www.bcbuzz.ca). It took a long
time, 6 months huddling around the computer Wednesday evenings.
Business plans were written, videos were produced, shows developed,
partnerships formed, interviews conducted, and much more…so it was
certainly a step-by-step process.

RKS: You host 7 of 8 BC Buzz shows, do you ever feel rushed with deadlines (Although every show has a different deadline) or overwhelmed at all?

DG: Without a shadow of a doubt. I brainstorm story ideas, conduct the
interview, outline the piece, and do the editing as well. This on top
of my sales, promotions, and management obligations. So I’m busy. But
its worth it, no complaints. Very fulfilling, and I do believe this
could become something big. We just recently added 3 more people to
the team. Which should help reduce my work load a bit. Just a little
bit.

RKS: In the first segment of Sports Bar, you interviewed Vancouver Canucks
fans who talked about how far they thought the Canucks would go, and
with
their recent success, do you think that a berth in the playoffs is a
given?

DG: No. Just as the team got so hot, they could get cold just as quickly.
Look at the Montreal Canadiens. They were 2nd in the East, 1st among
the Canadian teams. Now, they are struggling to stay among the top 8.
Especially if an injury were to hit a Sedin or Luongo. Especially
Luongo...who’s the backup again? This guy just doesn’t take a night
off.

While the playoffs are not a certainty, I do think the Canucks will be
playing past the regular season. Even if they don’t have the most
offensive team, I really like what appears to be solid team chemistry.
Choosing to move forth without both Bert and Crawford (plus Jovo, May,
among others) was a gutsy both by Dave Nonis, and its paying off. The
Canucks are now a TEAM, not just a collection of individual talents.

RKS: BC Lions or Vancouver Canucks? Who's the favourite team for you?

DG: BC Lions. I love hockey, but enjoy the Lions more because the players
are just regulars joes. Less ego, more community involvement. Ryan
Thelwell attended the launch event for BC Buzz (WinterBuzz), and he was
just a joy to speak with, launching jokes left and right. They buy
their clothes at Winners, just like the rest of us!


RKS: Thanks Dave!

Really appreciate him doing that for the site, and be sure to tune in every week day on bcbuzz.ca to hear new episodes of your favourite streaming shows.

News&Notes Feb 13th

- Nat Bailey Stadium's New Fence should be up and running (Well hopefully only the balls are doing any actions like flying) but in order to be one of the first to see it, head down to Nat Bailey during the week of March 20th as UBC hosts many College Baseball games.

- Garet Hunt will be out for the season, which means when Lance Bouma and James Wright head to the U-17 Games at the end of the month (This month or March if only I could find a link...) for a week or so meaning Mike Piluso will re-join the team for a while, along with either Brad or Cam Reid of the Midget Greater Vancouver Canadians.

- CFL Schedule will be approved this week in Montreal at the Winter Meetings, according to Eric TIllman, so by Friday we'll know when BC will open at home.

- Tonight we have an interview to be posted so come back before you go to bed!

Kelowna at Giants Recap

Here is Joey Kenward's take on last night's game, and for the record Sunday through Thursday games are hard to write about because of school work etc. so most of the time I'll use Joey Kenward's work.

Another big offensive outburst by the Giants on home ice propelled Vancouver to a 7-0 shut-out victory over the Kelowna Rockets Sunday night. The win keeps the Giants two points ahead of the Kamloops Blazers for top spot in the B.C. Division.

Brendan Mikkelson got the Giants on the scoreboard in the first period. With Wacey Rabbit having crashed into the Rockets net behind goalie Torrie Jung, Mikkelson let a long shot go from the left wall. Michal Repik and Milan Lucic chip in the assists on Mikkelson's 4th of the season. It was also his 2nd game winner of the year and it came at 8:20.

The Giants made it 2-0 on the power play a few minutes later as Repik converted with a snap shot from the bottom of the right face off circle. Rabbit and Cody Franson help Repik score his 20th of the year at 14:35.

Lucic gave the Giants a 3-0 lead with a late power play goal in the period. A point shot by Franson would be deflected on net by James Wright. Lucic was able to get his stick to the puck before it crossed the line. For the Giants leading scorer it was his 24th of the season at 18:28.

Mike Wuchterl increased Vancouver's lead in the middle period. After taking a pass from Mitch Czibere in the left face off circle, Wuchterl let a backhanded shot go that beat Jung high to the glove side. Wuchterl tallies his 8th of the year at 5:01.

Repik scored his second of the game as he re-directed a point shot from A.J. Thelen. Repik's 21st made it 5-0 at 8:02.

The final goal Jung would surrender came to Lucic on another Giants power play. Jonathon Blum fed the puck to the line for Brett Festerling who put a shot on net. Milan Lucic was able to deflect it to the back of the net for his 25th of the campaign at 17:25. It was also Lucic's 11th power play marker of the season as Jung would be replaced after the period by rookie goalie Daniel Salamandyk.

The only goal the Giants would score in the third period came when the Rockets had a power play. Rabbit wound up stripping the puck off of David Schulz at the blue line and wound up converting on a breakaway. For Rabbit, who hadn't scored in his previous eight games, he cashed in his 4th of the year. It was also his 2nd short-handed goal of the season and it came at 3:11.

Vancouver netminder Tyson Sexsmith wasn't tested a lot in the game, but Kelowna's Evan Bloodoff had a chacne to break the shut-out bid when he was awarded a penalty shot in the final frame. However his shot went high and wide as Sexsmith hung on for his 7th shut-out of the season.

Final shots on goal favoured the Giants by a margin of 47-11. Vancouver finished the game going 3-for-7 on the power play while the Rockets went 0-for-3.

The Giants, who have won six straight on home ice, improve their overall record to 36-12-3-6, good enough for 81 points. Still up by two points on the Kamloops Blazers, the Giants get set to embark on a three-game road trip. It will start on Valentine's Day with their final meeting of the season against the Tri-City Americans. Game time Wednesday from the Toyota Center is 7:05pm PST.



Let's hope Blogger won't have an outage Wednesday when I post the Giants preview for the game against Tri-Cities.

Go GIants!

Oakland and Toronto Blue Jays Projected Batting Orders&Rotations

This MLB season, I will focus on the Oakland Athletics and their minor league system more importantly whenever I can (Sacramento, Midland, Stockton, Kane County, Vancouver) and the Toronto Blue Jays also because most if not all of their games will be broadcast on Rogers Sportsnet, so I can watch the games with more insight than the Oakland Recaps I'll read about. Spring Training Starts in a mere couple days, and today I will preview the A's and Jays Batting Orders and Pitching Rotations. In the coming days, and weeks I will preview the Minor League System of Oakland, and will provide insight on Reports filed by Sportsnet from the Jays Spring Training Complex in Florida, and the A's in Phoenix.

First Oakland.

Batting Order:
1. Jason Kendall,Catcher. Kendall is one of those Over-Rated players in my opinion, offensively at least. Batted .295 last season with a Dinger, but is one of the best Catchers in the game. Kendall is a good lead off guy, because he can get on base succesfully more than not and can draw many walks and hit doubles with his funny lop-sided batting stance.

2. Mark Kotsay, CF. Kotsay is one of those guys you love on a baseball team. He batted .275 last year with just over a half-dozen Homers, and his speed is another key asset. If Jason Kendall can get an extra-base hit, Kotsay more than not can cash him in the next at-bat.

3. Milton Bradley, RF. Bradley is going into his Second Season with Oakland after an amazing season last year that saw 14 home-runs including a memorable one at home against Toronto's BJ Ryan in the Ninth Inning of a game. Bradley can run, hit and go long, but most importantly run in the outfield for those fly balls.

4. Eric Chavez, 3B. When Chavez is healthy, he is deadly offensively and on the defensive side of baseball. Last year he was injured for most of the season which is why his stats weren't as high as previous seasons, but he still managed 22 Home Runs. If Chavez is healthy, bye bye Baseball it's outta here.

5. Mike Piazza, DH. Piazza comes from the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets in the past, and the veteran Catcher will embark on his first DH position with a team. In his first American League season, he will hit 5th and serve as Backup to Jason Kendall. Piazza can hit the ball deep, short, whatever you want and is a good defensive replacement...running however, not his strong point.

6. Nick Swisher, LF. Swisher served as a 1B last year most of the time, and hit just under 100 RBI's with over 30 dingers. Swisher is in the early stages of his career, and if last year was any indication, 2007 should be another career year for the from Ohio State Buckeye.

7. Bobby Crosby, SS. Injury-Prone Bobby Crosby hopes to be Injury-free this season and if not, may not be re-signed when his contract expires. Crosby can be a great player and is still a great prospect, but if he wants to become a Hall of Famer someday, the player who had 9 Homers with a Batting Average under .225 Injuries must be avoided, especially when he has monsturous speed!

8. Dan Johnson, 1B. Last year's Rookie split duties with Nick Swisher in the infield and is looking forward to a season where he is the starter. Johnson was drafted Six years ago, and is definetly one of the better prospects in the system.

9. Mark Ellis, 2B. Ellis missed last year's ALDS and ALCS with an injury and like Bobby Crosby, needs to be healty for a good season. Ellis hasn't had an Injury Free season for a while, making fans wonder what he can do when healty.

Now, Oakland recently signed OF Shannon Stewart so he could be in the Outfield for some games this year, which could move Nick Swisher back to 1B and Dan Johnson back to the bench...more when Spring Training officially starts in a couple of weeks.

On the Bench:
Catcher's Jeremy Brown and Adam Melhuse
IF's Antonio Perez and Marco Scutaro
OF's Javier Herrera, Bobby Kielty and Hirram Bocachica

Oakland Rotation:
1. Rich Harden
2. Dan Haren
3. Esteban Loaiza
4. Joe Blanton
5. Joe Kennedy

Set UP Right-Handed Pitcher: Justin Duchscherer
Set UP Left-Handed Pitcher: Alan Embree
Closer: Huston Street

I'll post Toronto's tomorrow, as well as Giants vs Kelowna Preview.

Kamloops at Giants: Feb 9th Recap

Game: Kamloops Blazers at Vancouver Giants, Feb 9th 2007, Vancouver BC, Pacific Coliseum, Largest ever Vancouver Giants Regular Season crowd (Team History) of 12,808

Starting Goalies:
Kamloops' Dustin Butler
Vancouver's Tyson Sexsmith

Giants Scratches: Lance Bouma, Nolan Toigo (Both Healthy), Mario Bliznak (Injured)

Road Kill Sports Players to Watch:
Blazers Reid Jorgenson
Giants Michal Repik

We have a lot to go through this game so I won't put in all the little details that aren't needed.

We first head to a scary moment for Vancouver Giants fans, and WHL fans alike. Giants 5'8 Tough Guy Garet Hunt while going to hit a Kamloops Blazers hit himself into the boards. Hunt laid motionlessly on the ice for minues, and was then carried off the ice in a stretcher (he was conscious but not moving), and taken to hospital, of course he didn't return. More on him after the game's recap.

Vancouver got on the scoresheet first, when Cody Franson scored his 14th goal of the season, at 11:30, with assists going to Wacey Rabbit and Kenndal McArdle. The goal was scored on the Powerplay, when Mark Hall was serving a Kamloops penalty.

The First Period ended with only 10 Penalty Minutes between the two teams (Probably a new record for a Kamloops vs Vancouver game), a goal, and a player being carried out on a stretcher.

Vancouver wasted no time in the middle frame adding to their lead, when Franson netted his second of the game, on a 5-3 opportunity, and his 15th of the season. The goal was set-up nicely by Kenndal McArdle who passed to Jon Blum, who then one-timed it to Cody Franson for the goal. Dustin Butler wasn't having his usual success against the Giants...yipee!!

A couple minutes later, after a failed attempt by Tim Kraus, Spencer Machacek banked home a rebound, scoring his 14th of the season at 4:15, with Kraus and Captain Brett Festerling being credited with assists. 3-0 Vancouver.

Almost exactly 10 minutes later, a player who hasn't been the best scorer since being acquired in Early December, Kenndal McArdle scored his 14th of the season, at 14:00 thanks to Tim Kraus who had his second assist of the night. McArdle's goal was a goal that put Vancouver up by Four, and was his First goal as a Giant at the Pacific Coliseum (All of his other goals as Giants were on the road).

Two minutes later, Kamloops had their turn to shine, as Tyler Shattock scored his 7th of the season, with Ryan Bender and Brock Nixon having assists on the goal that put the Blazers behind by 3.

As PA Announcer John Ashbridge had just started to announce Shattock's marker, Milan Lucic answered back, scored his 23rd of the season Twelve Seconds later. Michal Repik and Wacey Rabbit had assists on the Fifth Giants goal.

To round out the middle frame, Terrance Delaronde and AJ Thelen were handed Roughing penalties at 17:29 after they exchanged unpleasant words to one-another.

If you thought that the 5 goals in the middle frame were exciting, wait until you hear about the Third Period, that is if you are an OLD SCHOOL kind of person...

Just 25 seconds in, Mark Hall and Tyler Shattock were sitting in the box for Kamloops, as were Kenndal McArdle and Brett Festerling for Vancouver after a Mini-Fight between the four occured. Three of the four were in the sin bin for Roughing, while McArdle was serving time for Holding.

Milan Lucic and Matt Kassian were involved in a fight 41 seconds after the quadruplet of penalties were given, making the two penalty boxes tighter than before. That is, for those keeping score at home the first "Official" fight of the hockey game.

1:18 later, Victor Bartley of Kamloops and Tim Kraus for Vancouver (Both had/have siblings on the other team...Bartley is Mitch's younger brother and Kraus is older brother of the Blazers Kevin) were headed to the Penalty Box for Unsportsmanlike Conduct, just one of a "few" to happen in that period.

We now head to 17:37 of the Third Period, when a Huge Scrap ensues with 10 players, and one goalie.

All Five players on the ice at the time for each team were given Fighting Majors, with a player on each team (James Wright and Ryan Bender) also having Minor Penalties, and really, this was a great scrap(s).

Giants Superstar Michal Repik continues to show his physical side, as he fought with Mark Hall.
A Giant who had two Goals on the night Cody Franson got in a scrap with NHL Draft Prospect Keaton Ellerby.
Newcomer to Vancouver AJ Thelen exchanged words with Ryan "Lenda" Bender.
Mike Wuchterl had a pleasant exchange with Alex Rodgers from Kamloops.
And finally, Giants Rookie James Wright took down (In Wright's first fight) Tyler Shattock (Another Rookie)who had participated in two fights before tonight's battle.

Giants Goalie Tyson Sexsmith was handed Two-Minutes for Leaving the Crease and in my opinion, he should've gone after Blazers Goalie Dustin Butler. 6 on 6 would've been nice! And as you can expect, all 10 players (Not Sexsmith) were given the boot from the game, but you have to wonder, if Garet Hunt hadn't been taken to hospital and say he wasn't on the ice of the time of the fight, would he have jumped over the boards to participate? It's too bad we'll never know...

The Fighting (luckily) wasn't over yet, as at 18:40 another Major Scrap Battle began. This time Giants Rookie (And possible Rookie of the Year candidate) Brent Regner went at it with Finnish Superstar Juuso Puustinen, at the same time as Tim Kraus went at Kamloops Captain Reid Jorgenson.

Regner and Puustinen were ejected, as Kraus and Jorgenson were allowed to stay in the game, but why did it matter, they were in the box for 1:20 when they could've been enjoying the luxuries of the showers before their teammates!!

Giants win but forget that, there were 8 fights!!!

Michal Repik and Mark Hall: Winner Repik
Cody Franson and Keaton Ellerby: Winner Franson
AJ Thelen and Ryan Bender: Winner Bender
Mike Wuchterl and Alex Rodgers: Winner Wuchterl
Wright and Shattock: Winner Wright
Lucic and Kassian: Didn't see fight
Kraus and Jorgenson: Undecided
Regner and Puustinen: Regner

Garet Hunt update: Don Hay says 3-6 months with a Broken Femur. That's terrible, terrible news as Hunt was having his best WHL Season and was looking forward to the Memorial Cup. I just hope it isn't as bad as they think, and that it is 3-6 weeks instead of months!

Road Kill Sports Players to Watch:
Reid Jorgenson was for once invisible on the ice, except for his fight with Giants Player Tim Kraus.

Michal Repik had 17 Penalty Minutes, 15 of which came after his fight with Mark Hall at 17:37 of the Third Period. He also had an assist earlier in the game.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:
1. Cody Franson not only had the game Tying goal and Winning goal (Goals 1+2), he was in a rare fight which, even though it may be hard to believe, his Fourth career fight.
2. Kenndal McArdle had a goal and two assists on the night, which is hopefully the start of something new for the 19 year old Forward from Burnaby.
3. Michal Repik had an assist, but really beat up Mark Hall in what may be the best WHL fight in history, because it gave other players time to scrap while the refs were concentrating on Hall and Repik.

Giants next play Kelowna at home on Sunday.

Kamloops at Giants: Feb 9th Preview

Game: Kamloops Blazers at Vancouver Giants, Feb 9th, Vancouver BC, Pacific Coliseum, Estimated Crowd of 14,000

Projected Starting Goalies:
Blazers Dustin Butler
Vancouver's Tyson Sexsmith

Projected Giants Scratches: Lance Bouma (Healthy), Mario Bliznak (Injured), Nolan Toigo (Healthy)

Road Kill Sports Players to Watch:
The Blazers Captain Reid Jorgenson has been on fire in the Dub this season, and is just ready to light it up in his home town.

Vancouver's Michal Repik had a great game Wednesday in his first game back from Suspension, and is ready to put on another show against Kamloops.

Projected Score: 4-2 Giants

The Game's on Shaw Channel 4 at 7:30 PM.

Prince George at Giants Feb 7th Recap

Game: Prince George Cougars at Vancouver Giants, Feb 7th, Vancouver BC, Pacific Coliseum

Starting Goalies:
Cougars Scott Bowles
Vancouver's Tyson Sexsmith

Road Kill Sports Players to Watch:
PG's Scott Bowles
Giants Forward Spencer Machacek

Giants Scratches: James Wright (Healthy), Mario Bliznak (Injured) & Nolan Toigo (Healthy)

The Giants got off to an early lead, just 34 seconds into the hockey game, when Milan Lucic beat Price George Overage netminder Scott Bowles, for his 22nd of the season. Michal Repik making his first appearance since being thrown out of last Wednesday's game against Portland had an assist on the play, bringing his point total to 43 in his 44th game.

Now heading into the middle of the Second Period, Giants still leading 1-0, Prince George answered back as Greg Gardner beat Tyson Sexsmith for his 6th of the season, from Vanduynhoven and Dana "Chick" Tyrell. The goal tied the game up at one a piece, giving PG a home to gain the lead.

Michal Repik wouldn't let the game be tied for long, as just about 100 seconds later, he scored his 19th of the season with assists handed out to Wacey "Twix" Rabbit and Milan Lucic. The Goal put Vancouver ahead by one, and Repik's 44th point of the season (in 44 games) was his third goal in two games.

A rather quiet player as of late, Cody Franson answered the gun, extending Vancouver's lead to two goals, as his 13th of the season beat the netminder Bowles, thanks to Spencer Machacek and Tim Kraus who had helpers on the play. 3-1 Van-City.

The middle stanza ended, but not without three goals, two of which were from Vancouver, that put them ahead by two.

When Spencer Machacek was handed a penalty 40 seconds into the Final period, Prince George wasted no time in their quest to tie the game up, as Ty Wishart scored a powerplay goal, his 9th of the season, bringing the Cougars within one goal. Devin Setoguchi and "Chick" Tyrell had assists.

The Cougars had some chances, but came up empty as Vancouver won the game 3-2 against the 3rd place team in the BC Division.

How our players to watch did:
Scott Bowles made 19 saves of a possible 22, and gave the Cougars life when their offence was to say the least LAZY.

Spencer Machacek had an assist, bringing his point streak to an astounding ONE GAME, while he did have a costly moment when serving a penalty in the third, PG scored bringing themselves within one.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:
1. Michal Repik is coming off his suspension, and showed why he was missed in Vancouver's lineup with a goal and an assist...I should also had he now has 44 points on the season in 44 games and has 43 PIMs, if only that were 44!
2. Milan Lucic had the opening goal of the hockey game just 34 seconds in, bringing life to Vancouver early in the game.
3. Cody Franson was not named a building star tonight but he had his second goal in his last 14 games, and it proved to be the game winner.

Giants play Friday night, at home against Kamloops for Dash For Cash night, as they host the Blazers who are now tied with Vancouver for the lead in the BC Division (Although Kamloops has two games in hand)...both teams have 77 points and have clinched a playoff spot.

Prince George at Vancouver: February 7th Preview

Before I get into the Giants preview, Today marks the one year anniversary of the Conservative Government, and the switch of parties for David Emerson. Let's hope three years from now we'll say "Remember that last election back in 2006..."!

Game: Prince George Cougars at Vancouver Giants, February 7th 2007, Vancouver B.C., Pacific Coliseum

Projected Starting Goalies:
Prince George's Scott Bowles
Giants' Blaine Neufeld

Road Kill Sports Players to Watch:
Cougars Netminder Scott Bowles makes his first appearance against Vancouver this season after being in the OHL for the first half of 2006-2007. Bowles can dominate behind the pipes and will look to beat Vancouver in his first appearance against them in his Overage season.

Giants Spencer Machacek has been on fire lately, and look for the Sophmore player who had a Hat-Trick last year against the Cougars, to come up strong on home ice.

Prediction: Giants by 3.

The Steamboat has docked; A February 6th Edition of News & Notes

Well, this comes as somewhat of a surprise, and there will be many more headlines like this in the coming days of Spring Training, but 6'4 Vancouver Canadian from 2006 Matt "Steamboat" Manship has voluntarily retired. Matt threw hard against the opposition and last pitched an inning for the C's September 4th, against Everett at home, when he threw 2 innings, allowing two hits and struck out a batter. We'll sure miss him!

Another Former C, SS Mark Kiger has been signed to the New York Mets, months after being released from Oakland. Kiger made his MLB Debut in the Playoffs this year, which was great because he got exposure, but had to be cut because he was on their 25 Man Roster. Kiger now joins the likes of Matsui, and Reyes of young shortstops playing for the Mets, although he (Kiger) will be a AAA player this season more than likely.

The 2007 CFL Schedule has suffered yet another delay. The Schedule that was supposed to be released later today, will now be out Friday. Two teams posted their scheds by accident (Winnipeg and Sask) but then immediately removed them, not before fans saw the schedules. (I being one) All I'm going to say is, Saskatchewan visits BC August 2nd (Thursday) and Winnipeg comes to the dome the following Friday August 10th. According to CKNW, the Lions will open the season the last Thursday of June in Toronto against the Argos at 3:30 PM Pacific...6:30 eastern seems like an odd start time to me that's for sure, especially with no game following. The Lions will open their Pre-Season campaign however, at home June 15th against Saskatchewan...as for the rest we shall wait and see Friday.

An anonymous poster last night asked if Vancouver Giants Netminder (Former) Dustin Slade can come back, and the answer is no. Slade is 1-2-1 in Halifax Wolverines land, which is a Junior A Hockey League in the Maritimes, and although wants to now come back to Vancouver, the Giants management won't hear of it. Frankly, I want to see Blaine Neufeld play the majority of games this season for Vancouver because with Tyson Sexsmith, winning the Memorial Cup will be even harder.

Interview with the Fan 590's Mike Hogan

Continuing with Road Kill Sports Interviews (The past two have been Oakland Athletics Prospect James Heuser and Choosemyname.com's Scotty MacDonald, now he is Tyranastoreusrex or something like that:P) we have a new one today to post, and it is with the Fan 590 in Toronto's Mike Hogan.

Hogan hosts "The Bullpen" on the Fan 590, and has such guests as Toronto Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons (In baseball season), Tsn's Chris Schultz and the crew at Sportsnet.

Road Kill Sports: You've been the Voice of the Toronto Argonauts, Vanier Cup Radio Analyst, Political Correspondant in Ottawa and now you're a host with the Fan 590, what has been your greatest accomplishment with all the variety of things you have covered?

Mike Hogan: The most excitement I've ever had in broadcasting was calling Laurier's Vanier Cup win in 2005. It was the culmination of a ride that started when I was asked to broadcast their games in 2003. They entered the season as an underdog because of the lack of success the OUA had in the national semi finals for the previous decade. To see them beat the heavily-favoured Saskatchewan Huskies in one of the most exciting football games I ever saw was a real thrill.

RKS: Don Cherry isn't the most popular guy in hockey talk, but what's your take on his "wacky" analysis, without the Kingston bias?

MH: Love him or hate him Don Cherry is good for hockey. Everyone involved in the game notes what he says on Saturday nights and reacts to it. The fact that his comments lead to so much discussion puts him in a position nobody else has. The fact that he's not in the Hall of Fame as a broadcaster is simply incredible. Besides, Kingstonians stick together!

RKS: Next year the Grey Cup and Vanier Cup will be played the same weekend in the same city, and being the football fanatic that you are, how exciting is that going to be?

MH: Ever see a three year-old kid opening Christmas presents? That will be me for the entire week.

RKS: What got you into Broadcasting in the first place, was it a Childhood ambition or one day you thought that, it's what you wanted to do?

MH: I was the kid who went to bed every night and put the radio under the pillow so I could listen to sporting events and talk shows without letting my folks know I was still awake. The fact that I can combine radio and sports and get paid to do it is still hard to believe.

RKS: This year for the first time in NCAA History a College Bowl Football game was held in Canada, the International Bowl, now is this good or bad for the CFL?

MH: The more people are exposed to football the more (hopefully) they get to like it. I can't see any football being played in the area as a bad thing.

RKS: During the baseball season Toronto Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons called into your show weekly, what do you think is the next step for Toronto to win the World Series?

MH: The ownership is good, I like the GM and the manager, the offence should be great, the defence should be very good, the bullpen will be above average. Can they get ANY results from the 3, 4 and 5 spots in the rotation? If they can, they have a legitimate shot of getting to the playoffs. If they do Halliday and Burnett could take them a LONG way. If they don't get production from the bottom of the rotation they'll be out of it by August.

RKS: Thanks so much!

Giants at Kelowna Recap

First, I'm not going to recap Vancouver's game last night against Kelowna because they were terrible, there's nothing to comment on except if you were in the Okanagan watching the game so here's Radio Play-By-Play guy Joey Kenward's take:

[q]The Vancouver Giants enter the week tied for top spot in the WHL’s B.C. Division after letting a golden opportunity slip away on the road Saturday night. For just the third time this year, the Giants failed to score a goal as they wound up dropping a 2-0 decision to the Kelowna Rockets at Prospera Place.

The only goal of the opening frame came when Myles MacRae broke down the left wing and beat Tyson Sexsmith with a high shot to the top corner. For MacRae, it was his 10th of the year and it came at 9:39.

The Giants had some good chances to capitalize on in the first period, but failed to beat Rockets netminder Kristofer Westblom, including on three Vancouver power plays.

Vancouver then got into penalty trouble in the middle frame by taking four straight minors. Eventually the Rockets made them pay as Clayton Barthel found the back of the net with a shot from the middle of the blue line. Tyler Myers and Colin Long get the helpers on Barthel’s 6th of the season at 10:07.

In the final period, the Giants mounted a series of great chances. Wacey Rabbit was robbed in the slot with Vancouver on the power play while Milan Lucic missed a great chance all alone beside the Kelowna net.

With just under seven minutes gone in the third period, J.D. Watt broke down the right wing into the Rockets zone and cut hard to the net. He wound up being pushed from behind by defenceman Tyler Myers directly into Westblom. Kelowna’s puck-stopper would have to leave the game with what appeared to be a knee injury and was replaced by rookie Torrie Jung. Westblom finished the night making 27 saves.

The Giants continued to mount chances around the Kelowna net, but failed to score. Then Vancouver got into penalty trouble again, allowing the Rockets to finish off the game on the power play and giving them a valuable two points in their quest to secure the final playoff spot in the B.C. Division.

Final shots-on-goal totals favoured the Giants by a margin of 36-21. The Giants finished the night going 0-for-8 on the play while the Rockets went 1-for-11.

Now with a record of 33-12-3-6, the Giants are tied with the Kamloops Blazers for top spot in their division. Vancouver, who have won three straight on home ice, return to the Pacific Coliseum next Wednesday to entertain the visiting Prince George Cougars. Gmae time is 7:00pm PST. [/q]


So that's Joey Kenward's recap here's mine, along with many other Giants fans...Terrible. This Giants team was great at the start of the year dominating the WHL, and then when Jason Reese was traded to Moose Jaw for Kenndal McArdle everything went downhill. McArdle has been totally useless for Vancouver, while Reese is on fire with the Warriors, and had a Hat-Trick Friday night!

When McArdle, Cody Franson, Brendan Mikkelson, Michal Repik and Mario Bliznak went off to the World Junior Camps in Early December, it wasn't that bad of a showing by Vancouver, until Mikkelson came back after he was cut. This year Mikkelson even when the team was on fire has been the goat and has not contributed at all. We acquired Mikks last year for Max Gordichuk and Scott Gabriel from Portland, and before you know it Mikkelson is out for the rest of the year in his first couple of games as a Giant, and Gabriel is lighting up the Winter Hawks squad. This year, Gabriel is a fighter and can ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTE a couple of points here and there.

Acquiring Rabbit, Thelen and Wuchterl may have been considered great because of their on ice abilities, but you know what, the Giants chemistry went downhill. The only trade I'm happy with is acquiring Blaine Neufeld from Saskatoon, because we gave up a Draft PIck.

Seriously, if Vancouver wants any shot at making the Memorial Cup as WHL Champions not as hosts, they better pick up the slack right now, because otherwise they'll have an 8 week layoff between when they get eliminated in the First Round of the WHL Playoffs and the Memorial Cup.

I'm not trying to sound like any goat here, but this team is terrible, and if you don't believe me, hit up one of the WHL Fan Websites because you'll see their same reaction.

Kelowna at Giants: February 2nd Recap

Game: Kelowna Rockets at Vancouver Giants, Feb 2nd, Vancouver, BC, Pacific Coliseum

Starting Goalies:
Kelowna's Torrie Jung
The Giants' Blaine Neufeld

Road Kill Sports Players to Watch:
Rockets Captain Chris Ray
Giants Milan Lucic

Giants Scratches:
Mario Bliznak (Injured), Michal Repik (Game 1 of a 2 game suspension), and Nolan Toigo (Healthy)

The Giants were coming off back-to-back huge wins, a 4-1 win over Prince Albert, and more recently a 7-1 beating of the Portland Winter Hawks. They wasted no time against the team tied for the fourth spot in the BC Division, as Spencer Machacek beat Rockets Backup (And tonight's starter) Torrie Jung, for his 12th of the season at 3:32. Brett Festerling and Milan Lucic had assists on Machacek's goal when he re-directed his own shot off a rebound into the back of Kelowna's net.

Lucic and Machacek were back on the ice together seven minutes later, with a new center (Tim Kraus) when Tiny Tim (Kraus) scored his 15th of the season at 10:19. Machacek and Lucic had the assists on another spectacular finish by the Giants 19 year old forward.

Not even Fourty seconds later, the Rockets had their first marker of the hockey game, with Evan Bloodoff's 3rd of the campaign, assisted by Tysen Dowzak at 10:51.

The First period came to a close, Giants leading Kelowna 2-1, and being in favour of the shot totals, which stood Giants 11, Rockets 10.

Spencer Machacek wasted no time in the Second Period, just like his first goal of the hockey game, when he scored his 13th of the season and second of the game at 2:10. Tim Kraus and Brendan Mikkelson had the assists on the play, which would be Mikks only highlight on the night.

Nothing else happened in the Second beside Machacek's goal, except for the shot totals. Vancouver lead Kelowna 11-10 in favour of who had the most shots after one period of play, and excluding the first period, Vancouver led Kelowna 20-1 in shots during the middle stanza. That's right Twenty to One! It's too bad we only managed a goal out of that.

After two dumb penalties by the referees during the third, and a 5 on 3 advantage for Kelowna, they capitalized as Captain Chris Ray scored his 15th of the season at 8:12 on the Powerplay (5-3).

It was still a 5 on 4 advantage for Kelowna, and they once again beat Blaine Neufeld tying the game up at 3, when David Schultz scored a marker a minute after Ray's goal.

Now, late in the third, Craig Cunningham (Press Box Lover) had a breakaway on Torrie Jung, but was hooked/boarded at the last minute, you expect a penalty but noooo Referee Andrew "I'm a" Guest doesn't call it, costing Vancouver a goal.

The Game went into overtime, and just after Blaine Neufeld robbed Kelowna on a breakaway, Cody Franson won the Giants the game in Fransonian fashion (Don Taylorism right there for you) beating Jung at 2:07 of Overtime for his 12th of the season with assists going to Spencer Machacek and Wacey "Silly" Rabbit.

Giants win! Giants win! Not their best effort offensively, considering they had 46 shots, oh wait it was Kelowna's Goalie that was awesome. If Shot totals counted how many times one hit the post, the Giants would've been near 50 on that chart, no joke.

Road Kill Sports Players to Watch:
Kelowna Captain Chris Ray had a goal for the Rockets in the Third that really got the tone going for Kelowna, en route to getting a point.

The Giants Milan Lucic had two points, both assists on Vancouver's first two goals of the hockey game.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:
1. Spencer Machacek had a point on each of the Giants four goals, two assists, two markers of his own, way to go!
2. Torrie Jung really deserved it, he had 42 saves in a rare appearance for Kelowna, awesome game for him!
3. Tim Kraus was on fire tonight, and had he not gone off into the dressing room midway through the third, he would've had another point IMO.

Giants play Kelowna in the Okanagan tomorrow night, without Michal Repik.

News&Notes: February 2nd

Another edition of News&Notes:

- The Vancouver Canadians have been sold to Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney (A&W)...in what may have been the worst kept secret in Vancouver. Future plans are a new fence at Nat Bailey (To be put in as early as March), upgrades to the facilities and potentially a AAA team in the next 25 years (That's how long they have a lease for the C's at Nat Bailey). I didn't put a huge post on this because although the C's will be number one on this blog come June, the Giants are our priority.

- The Vancouver Giants Michal Repik will sit out the next two games for the G-Men (Tonight and Tomorrow against Kelowna) due to a Checking-From-Behind Major and Game Misconduct Wednesday night against Portland. James Wright, Lance Bouma and Craig Cunningham will all suit up tonight and tomorrow as a result.

- The UBC Thunderbirds will start their 2007 season without their highly touted Starting Pitcher. Shawn Schaefer is no long with the club due to Academic reasons, leaving Doug Grant as the only known starter for the T-Birds. Schaefer had an excellent season last year, and most T-Bird fans were looking forward to seeing him in action this season. Currently, Schaefer is playing in the PIJHL (Junior B Hockey) for the Ridge Meadows Flames, along side Vancouver Giant prospect Mike Piluso. In 7 games, Schaefer has 14 points.

Kelowna at Giants: February 2nd Preview

Game: Kelowna Rockets at Vancouver Giants, Friday Feb 2nd, Vancouver, BC, Pacific Coliseum

Projected Starting Goalies:
Kelowna's Kris Westblom
Giants' Blaine Neufeld

Giants Projected Scratches:
James Wright & Nolan Toigo (Healthy), Mario Bliznak (Injured MCL)

Road Kill Sports Players to Watch:
The Rockets Captain Chris Ray was furious when his team came up short a couple weeks ago against Vancouver, so don't expect the 20 year old to be shabby in the first of a home and home.

Vancouver's Milan Lucic has been getting in fights, scoring goals and tallying assists lately, including his Gordie Howe hat-trick Wednesday night against Portland, and is known to battle it out against Kelowna.

Now, I don't know if Michal Repik will play Friday, because he had a Major Penalty including a Game Misconduct Wednesday, but let's hope he is in the lineup.