In case you were too busy enjoying your reading week or travelling to North Korea with Dennis Rodman, here’s what you missed this past week in the world of sports …
BASEBALL — The World Baseball Classic got underway this past week, as most of the world’s best are competing for their countries in baseball’s only international competition. Canada opened the competition with an embarrassing loss to Italy, 14-4, but quickly bounced back by defeating Mexico 10-3. However, the real story from Canada’s second game was the wild brawl that broke out between the teams during the ninth inning, to which we all thought, “c’mon guys, let’s be friends for Nafta, ok?” The Canadians were unfortunately eliminated from the tournament after suffering a 9-4 loss to the United States. The remaining teams in Pool 1 include Japan, Netherlands, Cuba, and Chinese Taipei. Team USA, Italy, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic make up the second round Pool 2 participants and will battle for the right to advance to the Championship round on Mar. 17-19. Also, the MLB regular season opens in just over two weeks, so get excited.
HOCKEY — We’re more than halfway through the shortened 48-game NHL schedule. To no one’s surprise, the Chicago Blackhawks went their first 24 games without losing in regulation, collecting 45 out of a possible 48 points—like, no big deal. They’ve since lost two straight regulation games, so maybe it’s time to panic—or not. Also to no one’s surprise (at this point), the Montreal Canadiens lead the Eastern Conference with 38 points, backed by strong scoring depth and a hot goaltender, Carey Price. If they keep this up, retailers on Ste. Catherine may want to board up their windows come playoff time. Finally, the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals are stuck outside the playoff picture, while the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and the defending champion Los Angeles Kings are all struggling to separate themselves from their lottery bound Western conference foes. Maybe we should reconsider; this is all very surprising.
FOOTBALL — The fun has just begun for NFL fans. The draft combine came and went, as teams scouted and interviewed some of the league’s future stars, while free agency opened on Tuesday afternoon. Some of the big names on the open market this year include: Steven Jackson, Reggie Bush, Dwight Freeney, Greg Jennings, and Mike Wallace—although all reports suggest that Wallace will sign with Miami. While the destinations of most of these players remains uncertain, two major trades involving star wide receivers occurred on Monday. First, Minnesota traded all-purpose threat Percy Harvin to Seattle for a slew of draft picks. As a result, we’re for putting money on 2012 MVP Adrian Peterson putting up over 3,000 yards next season. Second, the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens traded Anquan Boldin to the team they beat in the big game, the San Francisco 49ers, for a measly sixth round pick. We imagine Boldin is excited to get a chance to play under Coach Harbaugh.
