Bring ‘em on!

No, I’m not talking about the other teams just yet; we are only two days into training camp. I am speaking of new teams to the league. There was a recent story that expansion may include Quebec City, and I say great, plus bring on an Atlantic Canada team. And, although many may disagree, bring back Ottawa as well. Heck, anyone else want to join the party? I realize many things have gone wrong with expansion in the past, but I feel part of that was the ownership and location of the new teams, as well as the powers that were in charge of the league at the time. Perhaps the league should consider expansion once again. Not immediately, but over the next five years or so. Football is hot (to say the least) in Quebec; take advantage of it while you can. Ottawa will work with the right people. Look at Hamilton: local guy has success, even with a marginally decent team over the last number of years. Look at their record last year, yet they still continued to sell out the stadium. If you build it right they will come. The Atlantic Provinces have been a long time coming…will it ever fly? I have no idea but why not give it a try. Will it give the league a black eye if they try and it fails? This is the part where many will shake their head, but I say try the USA again but only 4-6 teams and the proper research and planning will have to be done. Places like Fargo ND, somewhere in Idaho, Detroit. Yes, I said Detroit; hopefully Windsor and surrounding would support it, plus Detroit has no NFL team (tongue firmly planted in cheek). You get my drift. I think Mark Cohen is a great addition to the CFL, based on his credentials, and could just be the right guy to deal with expansion. Am I off my rocker? Some will think I am, but what the heck, many have thought I have been of my rocker before. Some were even right. The question you may be asking is: Why expand? To be honest, I just think more teams = more competition = not seeing the Riders play (fill in a western team here) four times in a year = good football. Plus a better TV market would follow, which should in turn mean more $$ for the league and upwards and onwards from there. Would Mark Cuban be in any of these plans? New League Or, would we say ‘stay away you crazy man’. Just a few of my thoughts, not new to anyone but there for you to ponder.

We had the big man ET on Sportsline tonight and, as always, he was a great guest. Things I can share include the fact we should not all get carried away with Luca’s punting as of yet. We need to put it in perspective for now, yes, he has been kicking well but there is no rush, and the pre season games will give us all a better idea of how both kickers are doing. I also asked if Chris Best and Drew Tate have too much anticipation hyped on them right now, and not an exact quote, but the answer was ‘yes’. Again, Tillman said to keep things in perspective as they are young and have a lot to learn still, but that they will grow and continue to learn. Also, some of the recent moves are not necessarily for 2007 but for 2008-09 and 2010. Rod will have more on his blog http://www.rodpedersen.com/ and of course on the 620 CKRM morning sports. To listen to tonight’s Sportsline in its entirety, please use the link on the right hand side to get to the pod casts. I’m not sure exactly when it will be up, but keep checking.

I would just like to say thank you so much for stopping by my little dog and pony show here. 531 hits yesterday and over 360 as of 8:42 p.m. tonight. Wow. I appreciate it. I know many were here for the pictures but I hope a few that had not been here before, read a few of the articles as well. I will try and take more pictures on the days I get a chance to get to camp, and will defiantly be taking some up in Saskatoon on Saturday for Rider day in Saskatoon.

Today’s Lyrics

“I cant seem to see you baby
although my eyes are open wide
But I know I’ll see you once more”

Look out Saskatoon, the boys will soon be back in town.