Sunday, August 19, 2007

Holmes coming home!

Wow,

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (and Eric Tillman in particular) continue to plunder the roster of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Riders have dealt underachieving receiver/returner Jason Armstead to the Tabbies. In return, Hamilton sends over all-purpose back Corey Holmes, and rookie Canadian receiver Chris Getzlaf. Holmes was the Riders MVP in 2005, and the CFL's special teams player of the year. Getzlaf, a native of Regina, has a huge upside. Maybe his presence will kick Andy Fantuz's game back into high gear. Nothing like a little competition to snap a guy out of a sophomore jinx.

If Hamilton wants to keep getting bent over the table in trades with Saskatchewan, I say we let them!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Pistol,

Around the horn time, got some questions/comments.

Did you see the picture of E.T. on Petersen's Blog? Is this guy for real or what? I hate to say it but I think E.T. is setting himself up for a bitter disappointment. Either that or he is going to be the next Premier of Saskatchewan!!!

Number 2, what do you know about Getzlaf, is he future project or will he see limited playing time? Or was this a promotional stunt?? Can he play at the CFL level Pistol?

What's in store for the Regina Red Sox next year, what happenend with Scotty Douglas?

How bout a prediction on the Pats for the upcoming year? Anyone we should be watching in camp, any rookies who could impress?

There ya go Pistol, your comments are not only welcomed, they are appreciated!!!

Coach

Pac58 said...

Coach,

Nobody (seriously, nobody) is a bigger skeptic/jaded old so-and-so than me. But, I'm really buying what ET is selling. He's got this team going in the right direction, and cares about connecting with the fans. That's enough for me.

Getzlaf, I would suggest, is a project. He didn't use up his full CIS eligibility, so he might be a little less polished than some other rookies. But, he's got the size, speed and hands to be a good one. Mind you, that's also the book on Nathan Hoffart. So a good skill set doesn't always translate into CFL success. Or, it may take a while.

Coaching year-round just became too much of a strain for Scott Douglas - especially with two very young kids at home. I know the Red Sox wanted him back, but he pulled the pin in favour of spending summers with his family. He has offered to keep helping with scouting/recruiting U.S. college players for the Red Sox, so that's a big plus. Regina's Rob Cherepuschak seems to have the inside track on the job, but he and his wife just had a baby, so...

The Pats are going to be very strong on the blueline and in goal. Jeff Bosch is going to push Linden Rowat very, very hard - which will bring out the best in both of them. I look for Colten Teubert to have a break-out season. I wouldn't even be shocked to see the "C" on his chest when the season starts.

The Pats desperately need two players to step up and claim the center positions on the first two lines. They may still swing a deal for Vancouver's Tim Kraus, which would take care of one of the spots. Maybe Rudolf Cerveny, one the players they picked up in the import draft can cover off the other spot.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Pistol,

Good reply, much respect for the E.T. comment specifically. He sure is in the public eye, and he sure goes after it. I think the entire province is feeding off this guys enthusiasm. Austin I believe puts a calming tone to alot of things, but E.T. sure is passionate about this team. He may take things a little too personal, but I am with you, this guy is a breathe of fresh air!!

Any chance of Matt Strueby stepping up and grabbing one of the centre positions? Or do you see him as a role player, or do you think he will make the team?

I like our top teams this year. The Riders and Pats will make this year a fun one!!

Coach

Pac58 said...

I have to think young Struebs will be in the mix. I sure hope he's been pumping some iron this summer. 6'1" and 165 lbs? That's downright skinny! (or maybe I'm just jealous)

I could see young Matt being part of the supporting cast at the start of the year, then gradually taking on a bigger role as he gets used to the league and the tempo of the game.

Anonymous said...

WHAT??? 6'1" and 165 lbs?????????

His dad was an imposing power forward, I think he was 200+ in Saskatoon?

Is this guy trying to be the second coming of Gretzky or what. I know kids fill-out but that is very thin!

He is talented, I watched him play alot last year, he is becoming the player many believed he would be as a Flyer!

Coach

Pac58 said...

Late bloomer as a player, so I assume late filling out as well. Who knows, maybe he's packed on some weight over the summer. I was actually going to have Matt on my show next week, but the Pats are scrimmaging Monday night. Rats!

Anonymous said...

Hey Pete, How's your summer been? Been reading you daily man.

The hysteria around the Riders fortunes is good for marketing but it is also the recipe for a huge letdown. A couple of years ago the Lions won like their first 10 games and went into the crapper after that. This squad has to get better d-zone coverage and the defense overall has to stiffen. The second half will test their metal. I am hoping for the best but its a bit too early to book for Toronto. I hope fans understand that but I doubt they do!

The Pats are in the 4th year of a 3 year building process..lol.They will have to really step up and prove they are real contenders. We have been rebuilding too long and the time for the meat is right friggen now. They still need a couple of quality forwards and will probably have to move a d-man. I can think of one or two that could be moved. Leflar will have to be better however he is an enigma. Eberle will likely be better but a 17 yr old can't be expected to carry the team. He will be watched a lot more this year. Parker and Hunt will have to prove they can build a winner and get the job done. If they can't after all this time, well, maybe its time to weigh the options!!

Pac58 said...

OF! Good to know you're still alive. Actually, your comments are probably worth a post of their own, so that's what I'll do.