So, it was one year ago today that I got off my ass and decided to start putting finger to keyboard and launch Torontosportsmedia.com. Who would have guessed that one year later, my little site would be home to 30,000 set of unique eyeballs a month and over a 100,000 pageviews. I must say I am humbled.

TSM started in part out of frustration and in part out of the love of the game. Frustration with how our teams and games are covered and I think the love the of the game thing is obvious. I was fortunate enough to spend some time in the business when I wore a younger man’s clothes and I realized that I missed it and wanted a way to stay involved. This site has allowed me to do just that. I don’t fancy myself an insider or one who knows much of anything more than the average fan. I just like taking the time to talk to people, to listen and then to express myself on my Apple Macintosh laptop (when it’s not dead).

I have to say I owe a lot to several folks for getting the site to where it is. There are, of course the oopmah loompas behind the scene who have helped a non-techy look sharp and sophisticated (the good folks at hooplah, onroad, Alan, Slava and anyone else I am forgetting). I have had the helping hand of my good man LT from day one. He is a super fan, a great fill in and loves the teams and games as much as I do. The many many sites that link to TSM on a daily basis are just awesome. I am in awe of the spectacular work that you folks to each and every day. Whether or not blogging is accepted in the mainstream sports media, there are some amazing, truly amazing writers out there and I tip my hats to each of you.

To those of you who have emailed me, reached to me, offering advice, information and news and just plain support I hope that the site is what you have hoped. I enjoy “speaking” to you about the business and look forward to doing so in the future. Thanks to those who have also taken the time to do a podcast, there should be more time to do more this year as I have help in doing so and learned the tricks of the trade.

To the many folks who have been kind enough to write for the site, I thank you on behalf of all the readers as well, Anthony, Victor, RotoRob Dan and Lilly.

Most of all, I thank those of you who come back each and every day to read what I have to say. I especially appreciate all those who comment, post and take part in the conversation. I know many don’t agree with me or my views or those of other readers, but you have validated my hunch, that there is an appettie for this type of information on a daily basis. To my man Mike S for helping with the radio lineups, to Eggbert, Daniel, Julian, Wendel, PPP, The Meatriarchy, Mike, EYE, Al from Burlignton, and of course Nealio, keep it coming fellas….If I forgot someone shame on me.

Here’s to another good year of sports in the Toronto and cheers to those who cover it.

Make sure you check out Dan’s NBA draft coverage tonight, we will be back tomorrow afternoon with NHL draft coverage.

This little tidbit just popped up on the Globe site:

“Maybe Brian Burke has a trading partner before the NHL entry draft, after all. Atlanta Thrashers general manager Don Waddell admitted Wednesday he is listening to tenders for the fourth overall selection at the draft Friday evening, and he revealed he has swapped trade ideas with his Toronto Maple Leafs counterpart. “We’re certainly going to look at the trade market, but we’ve had no serious offers,” said Waddell, who was asked if he has been contacted by Burke. “We have talked to everyone. He has a better chance of getting to No.1 if he already has the [No.]4.”

Earlier tonight Darren Dreger announced that he has learned that Burke is actively shopping the #7 overall pick in attempt to secure a current roster player who can help now, and no that roster player is not, according to double D, Vincent Lecavailier. Dreger is saying that the Isles are going to stay away from John Tavares and draft Victor Hedman. This to me should be good news for Burke. If he really wants to get Tavares, he has a better shot trading to 2 then he does to 1. I can’t imagine too many current roster guys he can get in exchange for the 7th pick that I would really want (and that are realistic returns).

rumour on the globe is here

I love this quote from Bettman on the Tampa situation:

“I think sometimes they get a little overblown. When you have partnerships, people don’t always see eye to eye on everything, it’s like a marriage, like friendships, like all relationships,” he told a news conference in Montreal after a meeting of the league’s board of governors. “Sometimes these issues come to more of a head because people in other businesses are under more pressure. I don’t think any of them warrant the amount of attention that they’re getting, but they’re there and they’re all being dealt with.”

Ummmm, given your history with honesty on these matters mr. commissioner, I am finding this response to be anything but credible or the least bit believable.

Bettman is here

Andy Strickland has a pretty good rumour on his ESPN blog:

“Word is Phoenix turned down an offer from Toronto that would have sent Ed Jovanovski and the 6th overall pick to the Leafs for Kaberle. I hear Phoenix didn’t want to give up the pick.”

Let’s hope they change their mind, eh EYE??

The next couple of days should be amazing folks, lots of speculation and tons to talk about…Keep tuned to all the outlets and of course to TSM for the updates…

Thanks again to all, this has been really, really fun.

TSM

As a kid born on April Fools Day, I have had every and I mean every prank attempted on me. So from me to you…Hope you enjoyed your morning laugh!

TSM

Congrats Alex, welcome aboard!

If you only watch one video today make it this one:

Evening from Berlin. Sad to say, despite my best efforts, I failed to find Berezin. In fact, it was impossible to find the existence of hockey in these parts at all. I can assure it wasn’t for lack of looking.

I just read a really good article by Jim Kelley. Yes you read that correctly. His take on the Berger affair is good. It is fair and balanced. Kelley sees Berger’s point in asking the question he asked and also accepts that Berger didn’t mean to question Wilson’s integrity in so asking the question. I don’t buy that at all, but so be it. I think Berger knew exactly what he was doing. He was trying to elicit a response from the coach and I have to believe he is happier then a pig in shit to be getting this type of attention. Kelley also sees Wilson’s point. He concludes that both guys were just doing their jobs. I think that is true too. Both have reputations and both have egos. Both also have jobs to do. Good work on the part of Kelley.

I need a microscope to read his blog, but Brady has a good take on the Berger episode too. I like this part the best, check it out for yourself though :

“Anyway, Berger likes to poke and prod and if injected with the truth serum, has wanted a public blow-up such as what happened last night for some time. It’s a wonder it took nearly 70 games.”

Leafs vs the bolts tonight…A game for the ages. Not staying up to watch that tonight. Too tired and I have to get up too early. Is my man LT playing the point for the Buds yet? One more injury and he may get the call.

Does anyone else find it funny how reporters from one outlet refuse to name a reporter from another? I am sure someone is going to tell me why they do it, or the reasons why they do it, however, it sounds funny as hell. Case in point:

“Leafs coach Ron Wilson got into it with a radio reporter following the game, suggesting that the radio guy had questioned his integrity. The radio guy didn’t see it that way. ”

That from Steve Buffery’s article in today’s Sun. Now, everyone reading that knows he is talking about Berger. There is no mystery here. Why, not just say the name? By the way, Berger gets a lot more attention on Hanky’s site then he does from the radio gig, shouldn’t he be referred to as a blogger as opposed to the radio guy? The National Post handled it differently, referring to Berger by name but also stating that he contributes (if you can call his work a contribution) to the paper. The Post does a nice job of transcribing the whole episode and even placing a link to a video from youtube. You can read it here

Interesting that both Mike Toth and Jeff Blair absolutely roasted Ernie Whitt for his managing of team Canada in the WBC, saying that he actually did a worse job of managing then Buck Martinez. Fan post game guy Mike Wilner however didn’t see it that way…”Ernie Whitt is going to take a lot of heat for this, and may not even be back as the manager of Team Canada in the future, but don’t put this on him.” Whose opinion you going to go with??? I thought so. Is it true that the game only drew 12,000 fans Monday night to the TED??? If so, paint me stunned. I wonder if game 2 of the regular season of the TBJ will see a similar drop in attendance. One last thing on Wilner, I may not be a big fan, but I give him credit, he responds to most comments on his blog. That shows class and professionalism. People take time to comment and does the same by responding. Good on you Mike.

Ummmm, not that anyone appears to care, but the Raptors are currently the 4th worst team in the league. You read that right. 4th from the bottom! They have lost 6 in a row and are a very respectable 2-8 in their last 10. Raptor fan, whomever and wherever you are, I feel for you. A bad team, with what looks like no reason for hope… Someone smarter then me tell me if the current coach gets extended. With the team this bad, are they going to sell any season tickets next year? The Detroit Pistons announced a 10 % reduction on tickets for next year…hint hint….. No back to your regularly scheduled programming.

More tomorrow when I land back in Toronto.

Gainey takes over. What the hell was he waiting for??

By LT

I don’t think that any of the TSM faithful will be too surprised by what Burke did / did not do today.  It became very evident over the past couple of weeks that the priority would be to move the UFA’s that might net a return.  Not making other meaningful deals may simply set Burke up for an active day at the draft….We’ll see (and hope).

1. Tampa Deal

• Leafs used their cap space and favourable financial position to secure a 4th round pick…that’s it..
• Kolzig is hurt and will likely retire, Heward has injury issues and I don’t know much about Rogers but don’t think he’s expected to amount to anything…if he does, bonus.
• Can’t argue with this trade…a few bucks for a 4th round pick.

 2. Moore to Buffalo

• A 2nd round pick – not bad for a guy that we picked up on waivers last year and will be a UFA at the end of the season
• While we don’t know what the bid/ask was last night during contract discussions, I think Moore is taking his chances – I’d be surprised if he gets the ice time in Buffalo to maintain/pad his stats like he had in Toronto…he may regret not taking the offer.

 3. Antropov to NYR

• Similar to Moore – we got something for a guy that would have walked away for nothing as a UFA
• Too bad his good play started at the end of his contract and only netted us a 2nd round pick after what we invested in him
• I don’t know what the conditional pick parameters are but I doubt its for a 1st rounder

 4. Gerber Pick Up from Sens (waivers)

•  For $200K for the rest of the year…ok, big deal perhaps they simply want to continue to insulate Pogge or have him remain in the minors to gear up for the AHL playoffs…dunno….
• I’ve heard Gerber has played awful in the AHL – perhaps Burke simply wanted a warm body and not subject / embarrass Cujo over the last stretch….whatever.

5. Reitz Pick Up from Rangers (waivers)

• Another much a-do about nothing.
• As long as projects don’t screw up cap space in the future, who cares.

 I’m looking forward to hearing from Howie et al….should provide TSM with lots of good material!

Another great story from our friends RotoRob

Adding Rafer Alston at the trade deadline was huge for the Magic.

The Orlando Magic is having a fantastic season, building on last yearís success and riding an improved defense towards what could be a 60-win campaign. However, itís reasonable to wonder if Orlando is hitting a wall, after losing six of 14 games in February, a record that might have been .500 for the month had it not been for a great comeback against the Sixers Saturday night.

The Magic is firmly entrenched in first place in the Southeast Division, and isnít really being challenged for third overall in the Eastern Conference, but with Cleveland not slowing down, Orlando is slipping a bit further away from the Cavs and is not gaining on Boston, either. Is this a legitimate contender? The talent is definitely there, but is this team tough enough to go deep in the playoffs? Thatís the big question facing the Magic as the season winds down.

Adding Rafer Alston at the deadline was a stroke of genius, plugging a big hole left by the injured Jameer Nelson. Hedo Turkoglu is starting to play more like the man who was the NBAís Most Improved Player last season as opposed to the inconsistent, often poor-shooting performer heís been most of the season. Orlando lost Mickael Pietrus to another injury, but Courtney Lee has stepped in admirably and, with his recent performance, is providing the Magic with the most consistent play itís gotten out of the two-guard spot all season.

Best of all, Orlando comes home for a pair of games this week in the hopes that it can start to string some wins together after a middling few weeks. If it hopes to successfully chase down Cleveland or Boston, the Magic canít afford any more letdowns this season.

While the Magic offense isnít quite as good as it was last season, when it was the top-scoring team in the East, it’s not exactly chopped liver this year, remaining among the best in the association.

Rashard Lewis was a big part of that attack earlier this season. In fact, he was on a serious tear the last time we checked in on him, but his touches have been down the past couple of months, and February was a real bust, as his shooting went into the tank. Less shots + less makes = unhappy fantasy owners. On the plus side, Lewis snapped a slump and ended the month on a high Saturday, leading the way with 8-for-12 shooting from the floor and 2-for-2 from the line for 23 points. Orlando, one of the most prolific 3-point shooting teams in the NBA, was filling it up Saturday with 15 treys, and Lewis led the way, canning five of them (on eight tries) and pitching in with three assists as well. And with shootout inducing Phoenix coming to town Tuesday, Lewis has a chance to put together back-to-back solid efforts for his owners for the first time since January. Lewis still isnít getting any more touches than he did last season, and when he is getting the looks, the fact that his shot has been in decline for three years running is a concern. He remains an amazing source of 3-pointers ñ give him at least one in 52 straight games ñ but I could see him slipping into the fourth round in next yearís drafts.

Like I said, the Magic likes to employ the deep ball. In fact, Orlando tied a franchise mark last night when it heaved up 37 shots from beyond the arc Saturday. Holy long distance attack, Batman. Lee wasnít exactly red hot, but he led the parade with 12 attempts among his team-high 18 shots for the game. Thatís the most touches the rook has ever had in a game ñ a fantastic sign for his owners. By the way, you can count me among his newest owners, as I got fed up waiting for Rudy Fernandez to earn more PT in Portland, dumping the Spaniard for a different freshman. So far, Iím pretty stoked about the results.

Saturdayís win over Philly was huge. Coming off a disheartening home loss to a severely struggling Detroit team on Friday, there was definitely reason to begin questioning whether Orlando was a contender or pretender. But coming back from 11 points down in the fourth quarter in Philly against a Sixers team that plays pretty well at home will help shut up the critics. The Magic dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring Philadelphia 36-20, with Lee draining 13 points himself, the most heís ever scored in a single stanza. Orlando is now 21-9 on the road, third best in the NBA, and thatís got to scare the crap out of any potential playoff opponent because stealing wins on the road during the postseason is what makes a champion. So as long as the Magic maintain its no fear policy on the road, it will be handful for anyone.

If the season ended today, Orlando would meet the 76ers in the first round — a match up that the Magic would probably be chomping at the bit over. Orlando has now won four straight and eight of its past nine games over Philly. By taking all three games against the Sixers this year, Orlando has swept them for the first time since 1997-98. That Magic squad was a .500 team led by Penny Hardaway, by the way.

The thing about the Magic is it really lives and dies by the 3-ball. It had made just 10-of-30 through three quarters, well below its season average of 39 per cent. So youíd think Orlando would scale back on the perimeter game in the fourth quarter, right? Uh, maybe not. The Magic attempted another seven treys in the final quarter, hitting five of them to change the complexion of the game. Like any jump shooting team, Orlando is prone to slumps, but full marks for plowing through on Saturday.

Been a rough couple of days for leaf fans not named Eyebelief…. so enjoy today’s bikinibeat.org bikini of the day

On Fan 590
– co-host is Kelley
– Jarret Bell of USA Today
– Jeff Blair of the Globe & Mail
– Doug “Moneybags” McLean
– Michael Sanderson (father of Don Sanderson) in studio

On 640 Toronto
440 Jeremy Sandler, Jays writer for National Post
610 Darren Dreger, TSN
630 Jonas Siegel, Leafs reporter
640 Christine Simpson, Versus/NHL Network

Thanks to mike s.