CFL wrap: Okay, okay let's hear itI was wrong about Durant and he's the best thing to come along since Tim Hortons announced it's new sun-dried tomato chicken wrap. Tim's reminds us of its glorious mouth watering value packed adventure at every possible commercial break emphasizing it's "in your face marketing assault" on your senses, but Durant is still somewhat less convincing even after his 500-yard passing game and a few thrilling critical scampers to keep important drives alive in the barn burner against the Stamps. This particular "devil's advocate" tends to focus as much on his two fumbles and penchant for interceptions. If Fantuz is not the Canadian Player of the Week then apparently they didn't get my vote.
New Edmonton GM Eric Tillman got a close up look at his new three-ring circus as a rusty Anthony Calvillo easily rolled over the Esks.
A special teams play helped Toronto edge Winnipeg and put some luster on a yawner.
Another CFl note is that Jesse Lumsden has signed with the Stampeders, who are already loaded at running back. The Riders missed the boat here even if the guy is made of glass. Lumsden was worth the gamble, especially being a Canuck.
MLB wrap: Wrapped within the intrigue and suspense of the various pennant races are the last ditch efforts to capture the individual awards and the focus on personal accolades sometimes is all you have left if your club sucks (Blue Jays). Jose Bautista shattered the Toronto record for home runs in one year and with one peek at Kyle Drabek it's easy to suggest he has a shot at next year's Rookie of the Year.
The toughest trophy chase will be for the Cy Young and MVP awards, which is not uncommon. Josh Hamilton has clinched the AL batting title, as has Carlos Gonzalez in the NL.
Roy Halladay would be the front-runner for the NL Cy Young hardware and if CC Sabathia finishes strong he ought to own the AL trophy.
The Rockies' Gonzalez may also have out dueled both Votto and Pujols for the NL MVP and is the most exciting player to come along since Willie Mays. The AL award is up for grabs with Joe Mauer still in the runningbecause of his extra value as a catcher.
Atlanta's long-legged slugging rookie Justin Heyward looks to have the NL Rookie of the Year in the bag, but the AL picture is a bit more cloudy. Although it's a rarity when a pitcher takes home the prize, that trend has recently changed with three of the last six awards going to pitchers. Ray's righty Wade Davis is in the mix and having a splendid year. He looks to have a terrific career in front of him. So did Washington National's phenom Stephen Strasburg until his arm exploded like a Dollar Store wine glass. Enjoy the limelight now because when Karma comes calling your career can slip down the toilet faster than a teenage overdose of lemon gin.
NFL wrap: As is the case in most football games, it often comes down to a duel between the quarterbacks. The "Manning Bowl" went as scripted with big brother Peyton bloodying the nose of his baby brother. Houston's Matt Shaub threw for nearly 500 yards to upset Donavon McNabb's Skins.
Baltimore's Joe Flacco is an enigma being classed as a star in the making, but he stunk out the joint as Ray Lewis blamed the refs for their pathetic performance. You have to score to win folks - regardless of how many gangsters you employ at linebacker.
The Vikings lost another with Methuselah throwing three picks and fumbling once in the end zone. Jay Cutler outplayed pretty boy Tony Romo of Dallas and Kyle Orton did what he does every year looking like Johnny Unitas for one or two games and giving the Denver fans some false hope with a big win.
My Steelers continue to win without a QB, but then again they have Troy Polamalu. His shampoo commercial is the funniest thing on TV and he plays like he has springs in his cleats.
Mike Vick looked like he could start for any team in the NFL but was relegated back to the bench because of some unfathomable commitment to unproven Kevin Kolb. The next day, the Eagles coached changed his mind and made the right decision.
The Jets' David Sanchez knocked off Brady and the Patriots and squares off against divisional rivals, the Miami Dolphins next week in an early season must win if they are to be considered legitimate.
NHL camps are in high gear and pre-season is underway so I'll soon provide you with a preview column to shatter your hopes about pretenders like the Leafs and my Habs. Thanks for reading.
