Canada Wins the World Juniors 2008
The Canadian team this year was a little bit shaky at times but they managed to overcome it. They were not as dominate as the previous world juniors when we seemed to demolish every team that we had faced. This year it seems that the boys in red and white decided to give everyone else a chance for a change; maybe make it a little more dramatic. Then again, what could be anymore dramatic than the shootout win against the Americans during last year’s gold medal match. But nonetheless, this year was just as exciting.Unfortunately, our game winning streak in the world juniors ended this year at an impressive 20 games. Beaten by the Swedes during the round robin portion, it was fitting to face them again in the gold medal game. It was even more fitting that we won the game in overtime against the spirited Sweden team. Just imagine if this one went into a shootout as well. All in all it was sweet retribution for ending that extraordinary streak.
I have to say that I’m a little disappointed that nobody else takes this event as seriously as the Canadians and Americans. I’m referring to the fan turn-out when the world juniors tournament is held anywhere other than North America. The stands always seem so empty. I’m just glad it’s back in Canadian soil next year. Ottawa, here I come.
Here’s a shout out to this year’s golden boys…
Jonathan Bernier from Laval, QC
Steve Mason from Oakville, ON
Josh Godfrey from Kingston, ON
Logan Pyett from Milestone, SK
Thomas Hickey from Calgary, AB
Drew Doughty from London, ON
Luke Schenn from Saskatoon, SK
PK Subban from Rexdale, ON
Karl Alzner from Burnaby, BC
Stefan Legein from Oakville, ON
Steven Stamkos from Unionville, ON
Zachary Boychuk from Airdrie, AB
Brandon Sutter from Red Deer, AB
Brad Marchand from Hammonds Plains, NS
Colton Gillies from Surrey, BC
Kyle Turris from New Westminster, BC
John Tavares from Oakville, ON
Riley Holzapfel from Regina, SK
Shawn Matthias from Mississauga, ON
Claude Giroux from Ottawa, ON
Matthew Halischuk from Mississauga, ON
Wayne Simmonds from Pickering, ON
Congratulations and thanks for doing your country proud!!
Intentional Walks are Crap
It’s the bottom of the ninth of an all important match-up between division rivals. The tying runner is on third, awaiting his chance to head for home. On the mound is last year’s Cy Younger, looking to cap a brilliant night off with one more out. Up to bat is the reigning MVP, ready and focused for the task at hand. The fans fall silent, creeping to the edge of their seats. The catcher looks to his dugout and, after receiving a signal from his coach, jumps to the side and holds his mitt in the air. Ball 1, ball 2, ball 3, ball 4!!! What the fuck?!?!?
These moments are what sports are all about. Two great athletes ready to do battle and test their honed skills against one another in a single climactic event. The players get to show the world what they’re made of and the fans get a show for their money. An automatic highlight reel regardless of the outcome. Calling for an intentional walk in a moment like this is down-right wrong. I say, let the players play and the fans enjoy.
Good coaching? Fine. Good sportsmanship? I think not. In hockey, would it be fair for the opposing team to define who takes the penalty shot? In soccer, the free kick? Basketball, the free throw? Then why would it be any different in baseball? Sure, the opposing team isn’t exactly dictating who gets to bat this situation, but they sure as hell get a say in who doesn’t; and that’s the same thing in my mind.
Yes, I understand that a ban on intentional walks would be difficult to implement and administer. After all, it could have just been 4 misplaced throws. But, isn’t this why the people upstairs get payed the big bucks, to provide solutions for difficult dilemmas? I honestly believe that getting rid of intentional walks would do wonders for the game of baseball. Hell, I don’t even like baseball.