Problems the Leafs will face

So we all thought the Toronto Maple Leafs organization decided to rebuild the team from the bottom by dumping heavy contracts and basically throwing the season to have the chance of picking Jonathan Tavares. Bryan McCabe, Mats Sundin, Kyle Wellwood, Darcy Tucker-the old guard of the Leafs has been replaced by Hagman, Grabovski, Finger, Van Ryn, Moore, and Schenn. The new look, younger Leafs are not supposed to be this good.

Problem:
The problem now is, although still early in the season, but what if the Leafs continue to play like this throughout. Lets say they finish 9th, 10th, or maybe 8th and make the playoffs - is this really a success? The point of rebuilding is to throw your team in the gutters for a few season so you can mimic the Penguins and draft players like Crosby, Malkin, and Fleury. Finishing in the middle of the pack with a 10th or 15th pick is in essence slowing down the team and their rebuilding process. Do you really think Antropov, Grabovski, Van Ryn, and the current Leafs team have the players to build a franchise around? Next season they will continue with the mediocrity hence the cycle they have been trying to pull away from with the Sundin and McCabe era.

What can be Done:
Is there really a way to solve this problem? Ron Wilson has done a great job coaching and getting the most from the players and transforming them into a hardworking, in-your-face type of team. Its not like he can start telling the players to throw in the towel. Lets face it, this current team is not going to be on top of the Eastern Conference anytime soon, sooo... what now Toronto. Hard work can always win you some games, but maybe a little more than they wish and a little less than being an elite team. They are in a tough spot. This is neither rebuilding nor an attempt at a Stanley Cup, so being in the middle of the pack is the worst scenario for this organization.
I think there is two things the team can do.

1. Think this is a start of something good and start trading for players that will help the team. Players with potential that can also be built around with. Instead of taking the draft pick route, pickup good young players and sign franchise players in the off-season and speed up the rebuilding process. The team has an identity now, so build around the identity instead of players.

2. Continue with the original plan of draft picks and start dumping players whos stock has risen from the beginning of the season. Antropov, Ponikarovsky, Kubina, and get some draft picks. Literally throw the season away and load up on draft picks.

The mediocrity of the Leafs Oranization has been a constant for too long. We are seeing the old leafs in the team this year just with new players, new coach, and a new playing style. The expectation has been lowered so it seems all good and rosy now, but if looking into the future, this is the worst case scenario for the organization. Something has to be done soon, or the Stanley Cup drought will continue in Toronto for another 40 years.

What if the Patriots won the Super Bowl with Matt Cassel

Imagine the improbable. The headline: Patriots win the Superbowl with Matt Cassel.
On September 7, 2008, the dream of Patriots winning the Superbowl was torn away by Bernard Pollard along with Brady's anterior cruciate ligament and his medial collateral ligament. The nightmare of Patriot's fan became a reality, Brady was done for the season. Just two games prior (referencing back to the 07-08 season) Patriots was on top of the world. With a perfect season, awaiting to play the unlikely New York Giants in the Superbowl, and basically broke every offensive record in the books. That all seemed so far away on September 7th with Brady hurt lying on the ground screaming and grabbing his knees.

Fast forwarding to present day. Patriots still has an impressive record on the back of an unlikely source, Matt Cassel. The question is, what happens to the Patriots, Matt Cassel, and Tom Brady if they pull off a Superbowl win this season. Don't laugh now, but it really is a possibility. A little far-fetched, but not impossible. Brady has had a couple setbacks from infections that has led to more surgery so maybe the Patriots wouldn't want to rush him back for the beginning of next season. Maybe trade away Cassel? Some teams might think hes a legitimate starting quarterback so in that case there is no point keeping Cassel behind Brady when instead they can receive a leigitmate commodity back for him. Maybe Boston should immediately have a statue outside Gillete Stadium to honor Bill Bellichick. What I know for sure is for the Pats to sit/trade/release/dump Brady in favor of Cassel.
There are many possibilities but the Patriots are in a way, surprising everybody sticking with Cassel and doing as well as they are.

Keep in mind I am speaking of the Pats winning the Superbowl. Even if they don't win this season, if Cassel has an incredibly successful season which leads to a playoff win or two, these scenarios can still be played.

Tragedy for promising rookies

This has been a catastrophic year for the NHL and their prominent rookies. Luc Bourdon and Alexei Cherepanov, both first round picks had their lives cut short unpredictably from accidents that arguably, could have been prevented.

Alexei Cherepanov:
The death of Alexei Cherepanov is an incredibly tragic one. This promising rookie for the New York Rangers was only 19yrs old with a full life ahead of him. He was suffering from chronic ischemia which was not detected and eventually led to his heart attack during a game in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) playing for the Avangard Omsk.

Earlier this year in May, Luc Bourdon was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. A first round pick by the Vancouver Canucks, Bourdon was a fan favourite here in Vancouver. Having won the gold medal in the World Junior Hockey Championship hosted in Vancouver, everyone was anticipating great things from this player in his career. Unfortunately, his motorcycle riding hobby cost him his life.


What can be done:
In the case of Luc Bourdon, I think NHL and the organizations need to spend time educating their young players. Teaching them that they have too much to lose to venture in these dangerous activities. I know in NHL contracts, the players are prohibited from doing certain recreational events and if caught they will be suspended or fined. I am not too sure how contracts work and if all players are under the same clause, but there should be something to prevent them from partaking in certain activities. They have too much invested in these players and they should do anything they can to make sure they are safe. Ben Roethlisberger almost lost his life to a motorcycle accident as well. This has happened too often to be ignored.

Alexei Cherepanov had an existing heart condition that was never detected during any physicals in Russia and North America. It is really amazing with the amount of tests the players go through, they missed his heart condition. David Carle had to quit hockey due to his medical condition which was detected early enough to prevent a tragedy unlike Cherepanov. If Cherepanov's condition was detected then the misfortune could have been prevented. Maybe more detailed testing? I am not an expert on the tests players go through, but obviously it was not detailed enough for them to miss Cherepanov's heart problem.

Controversies:
Now the New York Rangers are seeking compensation from the NHL to reselect their no.17 pick in the 2nd round of the 2009 NHL Draft. I haven't heard anything about the Canucks and if they want to or will proceed in asking for a compensation for Luc Bourdon. These situations are separate, but I know hockey is a business, but I can't believe the Rangers is asking for another pick. How can you ask for "compensation" for a person's death. Its not like insurance where the family receives money for a person's injury, but they are treating him as an object commodity that they wish to replace. Not cool NYRangers.
This blogger piece agrees with my thoughts on the Rangers:Cherepanov situation as he/she explains it in a different manner.

Marketing a Sports League

Hey David Stern, Gary Bettman, Roger Goodell, and Bud Selig, listen to me -a nobody- on how to market your leagues.
Every league has their goods and bads. Here are the DO's and DONT's for those people out there who wants to start their own professional sports league - or something for the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL to mull over on marketing their leagues. (keep in mind these are things that happens within the sports organically that will attract the fanfare and i dont mean marketing by advertisements and spending money. However, commissioners can do their best to guide some of these suggestions instead of preventing)

These are the goods and necessities for creating a fan-base and attractions from new fans:


Superstars:
What else is more important than having superstars in your league. These people can single handedly draw in millions of fans. Think of any league and people can name the superstars not even being an advent fan. NFL-Tom Brady. NHL-Sidney Crosby. NBA-Kobe Bryant. MLB-Derek Jeter. Look at MLS and the $250Million dollar contract to David Beckham and you can see how much they believe in the Superstar factor.

Personality:
All leagues need charismatic people. I am not necessarily talking about people that are asses but those who talk the talk and walk the walk. The ones that show emotions and entertain. NHL has Jeremy Roenick who speaks his mind which might not be popular with the league, but fans respect him for that. They might not be the superstar of the league, but just as important for a league. NFL-Chad Ocho Cinco Johnson. NBA-Rasheed Wallace.

Asses and BadBoys:
Now everybody hates these people, but they are the catalyst that starts controversies that are neither good nor bad enough to devastate the league. Terrell Owens, Sean Avery, Ron Artest, and Dennis Rodman when he was in the league. They are the ones that get the media attention, hence more coverage for the league, hence more people are intrigued by these players and the league. Any publicity is good publicity.

Now there are also those athletes that might not be the best player, but has the looks to bring in the lady fans. These players will get a notable mention, but not enough for a category.
Looking past the league and its' players, now we move onto the league and the sport itself.

Competition:
How good is a league when a team consistently dominates. Whats the point of showing up to a game when you know your team is going to lose. Sports teams are filled with bandwagoners and these people are what keeps the league running. NFL is the best example. Arguably the best league in North America, competition and the chance of your team winning is a major factor to the greatness of the league.

Record chases:
Remember the Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa chase of Roger Maris's record 61? Some people might say that this event is the single reason for reviving baseball. Everybody wants to witness a record. A story to tell the next generation. "I was alive when so and so broke this record." It acts as a symbol of being part of history and leaving your mark in history.


Marquee championships:
Two great teams with history, superstars, and flamboyancy rakes in the ratings. Look at this years World Series - Phillies VS. Rays. It was one of the worst, if not the worst rated World Series matchup in history. We had a cinderella team that had a 150:1 odds of winning at the beginning of the season making it all the way to the finals and no one cared. The lack of superstars and flamboyant players really hindered the ratings. Celtics and Lakers. There you go. That is a marquee matchup with history, superstars, and vivacious players.

Storyline:
Finally, everybody wants a storyline, a sidenote on top of the game. Maybe two teams with bad blood or controversies - anything to have fans intrigued about the sideshow that occurs during a game. Sometimes the media create a phantom storyline just to get people interested in the game. The Steve Moore and Todd Bertuzzi incident is a perfect example of a storyline. Although very negative publicity wise for the NHL, but many storylines can be created from the incident. Stories are immeasurable and scenarious aplenty, that is what fans want to see - how the story will end.

Brandon Marshall Celebration

Brandon Marshall's celebration attempt to tribute Barack Obama. Do you think if he actually pulled it off will he be condemned or praised.
It all went down last night with the Broncos playing the Browns in a Thursday Night matchup of two young Quarterbacks in Brady Quinn and Jake Cutler. A detailed written enactment of what happened last night can be read here but to sum up. Marshall caught a touchdown with one minute left in the game to put his team up by 3 points. Before the game, everybody on the Broncos knew he would make a statement on national television to show respect to Barack Obama by pulling out a black and white glove from his pants to symbolize unity Barack Obama has inspired in him and Ameica. The problem is, by using a prop during a celebration, the team would be penalized 15yards and with one minute left in the game up by only 3 points, 15yards might possibly lose the game for the Broncos. So the stage is set and just when Marshall is about to pull the glove out, Brandon Stokley ran to him and convinced him not to do it for the good of the team. Eventually Marshall didn't do it, the Broncos weren't penalized 15 yards, and they won the game thanks in part to Stokley.

Now the question is, if Marshall did pull off the stunt, will he be criticized?
The presidential victory by Barack Obama is definitely historical and many people around the world and United States are emotional and inspired by the victory. I personally will not denounce him for it. I think creating a symbol of unity and show how the world has changed since the slavery days and making a political statement is more important than a football game. It is a little selfish on Marshall's part to accomplish a personal agenda by hurting the football team, but in a time like this, it is warranted and I will let him off the hook.

Caitlin Davis Fired as Pats Cheerleader

For those people who doesn't know what happened, Caitlin Davis was a New England Patriots cheerleader but during a party in a dorm room, she took pictures with a drunk boy who had swastikas drawn all over him as well as the words "penis" and "I'm a Jew." It is still unclear whether she was the one who drew on the boy or the culprit was somebody else, but these pictures appeared on Facebook and the 19-year old was fired by the Pats soon after.

This all happened at Boston College where I have actually been to and at this private jesuit university, I doubt they will let her off the hook that easily. It really is a great school but you can tell by the non-sorority there, they have strict rules. This has made it to National news and I don't think this is the publicity the school wants. Anyways, back to Caitlin Davis and the rest of the people who posts inappropriate pictures on Facebook. These things come back and bite you in the ass if you are not careful. I am sure she didn't think it was a big deal, but when you are under the spotlight like that anything will be scrutinized. I am always amazed at the stuff people put on Facebook especially the ones who cannot afford to lose their reputation. Mostly these famous girls who does something crazy - then to have their pictures on the web - and pays for it after. Buck Burnette is another prime example of people putting stuff on Facebook and paying for it. He posted "all the hunters gather up, we have a #$%&er in the whitehouse" as his Facebook status after Obama's presidential victory. How can people be so stupid.
So in conclusion and to sum up. Facebook is bad. and Sucks to BU (I thought this was hilarious when I first heard it at BC (Boston College) For all you Golden Eagles out there)

Where is Sundin Going Part Deux.

Another week with more speculations on the Mats Sundin return front. Everybody in the hockey world is still asking, "where is Mats Sundin going" and all the fans are wondering about the constant rumors on Mats Sundin. This week he met up with Mike Gilles while the Canucks had a roadtrip through California and I don't think anything interesting came from the meeting. But Gilles is a man of little words not giving an inch to the media and rumours, so I am wondering what was said and if Sundin showed any interest in the Canucks. He also met with Brian Burke of the Ducks since he is working out in L.A. Here is an update on the Sundin front from individual teams worth mentioning.

Vancouver Canucks:
I really am skeptical on Sundin going to the Canucks. Besides the money, which I don't think he needs, does he want to move to the West with all that travelling? Out of all the teams in the running however, I think he would help the Canucks the most. Think of this line. Wellwood, Sundin, Demitra. Or even better, Sundin, Demitra, Gaborik. That will give Heatley, Spezza, and Alfredsson as the best line in hockey. I hope it happens, but I really doubt it will. We can dream can't we.

Anaheim Ducks:
I swear if Sundin goes to the Ducks, Brian Burke has officially driven the team down to the ground. Why I say that is because they would need to trade away players to make cap room for Sundin. Remember the Andy MacDonald trade? That sure blew up in their face. Looking at their salary cap issue, I don't see anyone who they can trade away without devastating the team. Beauchemin, R. Niedermeyer, Ryan, Kunitz? Teams will line up for players like these. Morrison, Marchant, O'Donnell? No one would want these players for that price. I don't think Sundin will go to the Ducks. Maybe that is a blessing in disguise for them.

Ottawa Senators:
Even with Sundin in the lineup, its not going to fix the goaltending problem they are and will be facing. Why Ottawa, Sundin. Do you really want to ruin your Toronto reputation by joining Ottawa? They are farther away from the Stanley than New York Rangers. So why would he choose to go to Ottawa.


New York Rangers:
I still think NYR is high on the list of teams Sundin will likely end up with. Yes Salary cap issue is still a problem, but a team one step away from the Stanley Cup and the chance of playing in New York City are all great selling points. Who wouldn't want to play for the New York Rangers.

Conclusion:
I still think he will end up with Toronto. I know his house is up for sale, but I just have this feeling he is returning to TO. Especially the way the team is playing, they are not bottom dwellers like everyone thought they were going to be, so its not a total waste of him to return and strengthen his legacy of the wealthiest hockey team in the world.
Who knows. I can also see him landing with some weird team out of nowhere. New Jersey? Philadelphia? Calgary? San Jose? Detroit? A more detailed look on all the teams in the Sundin Sweepstakes.

What now for the New Jersey Devils

With Martin Brodeur out for 3-4 months, the question begins for the New Jersey Devils on what they are going to do without him. Trade? Signings? Who is going to step up? How are they going to win games?
First of all, they are not going to find a replacement for Martin Brodeur. The greatest goalie of all time will not and cannot be replaced that simply. They are going to ride Kevin Weekes for the next 12-16weeks and whispers of Khabibulin going to New Jersey is just that, rumors that will not come to life.
A strong coached team and timely scoring by Parise and Gionta will keep them competitive till his return.
They are still a very good team and they are not in as much trouble as many believe they will be. I believe they will be over .500 while Brodeur is injured and continue to charge into the playoffs after his return.
Yes I said it here. They are still going to make the playoffs despite losing Brodeur for a long period of time. I can see them going out and trading for offensive power or defensive players to sure up the team from other areas of the ice instead of solely relying on the solid goaltending of Martin Brodeur like the past 15years.
What I am more disappointed in is that Brodeur will most likely not break Terry Sawchuk's NHL record of 103 shutouts but will most likely break Patrick Roy's NHL record of career wins at 551. Don't worry about the Devils though, they will be fine without Marty as I have listed here on my NHL playoff predictions.

NHL 2009 Stanley Cup Predictions

We are about a month into the season and with looks at teams and their new acquistions, it is time to make a prediction on what the NHL East and West will look like come late April.
Many teams are a trade away from being either great, or put them over the hump. We now know that Mats Sundin is returning to the NHL and whichever team he chooses to land with will easily get that boost. But not considering these possibilities, here is the standing after 2460 NHL Games.


East:
1. Montreal Canadiens
2. New York Rangers
3. Tampa Bay Lightning
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. Buffalo Sabres
6. Washington Capitals
7. Boston Bruins
8. New Jersey Devils
Bubble teams: Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers

-NY Rangers, and Montreal Canadiens will be the class of the East throughout the season.
-Tampa Bay with a slow start to the season will pick it up with all that talent and win the South East. Too much talent on the team to be at bottom of the East.
-Pittsburgh is still a strong team but with all the losses during the off-season, they'll finish in the middle of the pack.
-Buffalo will surprise everyone this season, but with Vanek and Miller leading the team, they will be a strong team.
-Washington is a young offensively gifted team that is a year or two away from becoming the beast of the East.
-Boston Bruins is a solid team that will sneak by Philadelphia and make it into the playoffs. A team that gets little respect is actually stronger than most think.
-NJ Devils despite losing Brodeur for an extended period of time, the Devils will prevail and sneak into the playoffs on the grounds of a strong team play and Parise stepping it up


West:
1. San Jose Sharks
2. Detroit Red Wings
3. Calgary Flames
4. Anaheim Ducks
5. Chicago Black Hawks
6. Edmonton Oilers
7. Nashville Predators
8. Vancouver Canucks
Bubble teams: Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild

-San Jose Sharks will have a strong season under a new coach and overtake Detroit as the best from the West.
-Detroit Red Wings will continue to be a dominant team, but Osgood will be their achilles heel during the playoffs.
-Calgary Flames will prevail from the North West and take the division. A strong all around team with questionable coaching will have a decent playoff run into the 2nd round.
-Anaheim Ducks is still a strong team but no longer the threat back when they won the Stanley Cup. They are neither on the rise or decline and will just stay in this position for the next few years.
-Chicago Black Hawks, a young team with Toews and Kane will surprise everyone and finish quite high in the West
-Edmonton Oilers is a fast and young team that can make the playoffs if they can rely on their goaltenders.
-Nashville is a team that continues to make the playoffs despite losing players every year.
-Vancouver Canucks is one of the bubble teams that can be great with couple trades. Offensive scoring is desparately needed but if the lineup stays as is, they will barely make the playoffs or possibly miss the playoff. However, with the addition of a couple offensive players will have them contend for the North West Title.

Final:
New York Rangers and the San Jose Sharks will play in the final with Patrick Marleau hoisting the cup over his head.

Politics and Monday Night Football (MNF)

Sports and Politics background:

Barack Obama and John McCain in an interesting move, is appearing in front of millions of football fans on Monday Night Football (MNF) the night before the election hoping to sway some votes in their favor. Political Campaigning this time around has taken them on some unconventional routes to win the confidence and support of voters. Sarah Palin dropped the puck at the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers back around mid-October. Politics and sports are now more than ever intertwined as they try to create the camouflage of these politicians rooting for your favorite team thinking this will win them a vote.

Do you even care?

So the important question is, do you even care that Chris Berman is interviewing McCain and Obama? It seems like it has nothing to do with their policies or the election in general. But I guess appearing on the biggest stage in American culture, Monday Night Football, and speaking to millions of people wouldn't hurt. MNF is averaging 12.2million viewers this season. I am sure the number will be even higher come Monday night with non-traditional football fans tuning in to see whatsup.

I wonder if anybody will vote in the favor of a presidential candidate because of what they said on MNF. I would think the day before the election that all, if not majority of the people know who they are voting for. I just find the appearance on MNF by both candidates to be quite pointless.

Months of campaigning is almost to an end with the last stop at Monday Night Football. Soon enough we will find out whether those appearances on Saturday Night Live, Monday Night Football, and 30minute infomercial helped anyone with their campaigning.

NBA prediction - Lakers and Celtics Round 2

Everybody wants to know who is going to be in the NBA finals come 2009 and whos' going to win it all. Lakers and Celtics again?
What else can be better for the NBA than to have two of the biggest NBA franchises from the East coast and the West coast renew their rivalry from the 80s. Bird and Johnson two decades later have been replaced by Kobe, Gasol, and Bynum VS. Garnett, Allen, and Pierce.
Remember last year the intensity Garnett, Pierce, and Allen showed hoping to win that first title. Now having won the title, I just hope they still have the same drive and hunger to repeat. Kobe still wants to prove to everyone that he can win a title without Shaq, and with a healthy Bynum and Gasol, they should be able to hold up their end of the bargain.
The season long and injuries aplenty. Disregarding outside factors such as injuries and ridiculous trades by Memphis, the two teams should be putting a huge grin on David Stern's face with another round of huge ratings from eyes across the globe.

Teams from the West hoping to dethrone the Lakers: San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets

Teams from the East hoping to dethrone the Celtics: Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers

As Garnett would say: AAAANYTHING IS POSSIBLLLLEEEE!!!!!!!

PS. Celtics in 6

Scariest Looking Athlete

With Halloween behind us now, it is obviously the time for us to look at who the scariest looking athlete is. I know everyone has their opinion, but here is my list of six. This list is not to disrespect the players but all fun and games.


#6 Greg Oden:
This rookie sensation out of Ohio State is only 20years old but looks 40. Greg "Olden" as he is often referred to on the net, not only looks old, but also has a body of a 40year old. He has been hurt all of last season and during his first game this season, he injured himself again. I wonder what he's going to look like when he's actually 40. Maybe he'll defy aging and look the same for 20 more years.


#5 Chris Bosh:
When a player has been on one team for a long time, maybe he'll start to look like the team mascot. Maybe its' the hair, but he is slowly turning into a raptor himself. Although he looks like a dinosaur now, his potential of turning into Chris Bosh again shouldn't be too hard. Just lose the dreads Chris. PS. I respect him fully with his comical postings on Youtube. Great Guy


#4 Sam Cassell:
I think his major downfall is the shape of his head. His face has been photoshopped beside many alien pictures, but I personally don't think he looks scary. I didn't say anything about weird looking, but not really scary looking. Maybe if he grows some hair it will be better? I don't know, but most of the time when referring to odd looking athletes, his name will be brought up.


#3 Mike Ricci:
Hockey players are warriors on ice. They fight and they hit, so getting nicked up with a broken nose and scratches on the face is normal. Mike Ricci has had a wonderful career in the NHL, and he has the scars to prove it. Unfortunately, many of the scars are on his face. Maybe its the long hair too, but the Fabio hair doesn't really work well on him. He once was a decent looking lad, but the wear and tear of the NHL can be seen all over his face.


#2 Ronaldinho:
I hate how this guy is on the list. With his soccer skills, it really is a shame. I don't want to spend too much time dissecting what is wrong him him, but just look at the pictures yourself and make your own conclusions. I guess in his defence, who needs the looks when you are that good at soccer. He's going to get the girls either way.


#1 Dennis Rodman:
The once badboy of the NBA. This rebounder king with his unique sense of fashion is on the list because... well his piercings, tattoos, attitude, and personality. Didn't he kick a cameraman in the nuts? He is the total package when speaking of scary.

Keys to marketing an athlete

Tiger Woods will eventually become the first athlete to have earned 1 billion dollars from his winnings and endorsements, so the question is, what is the key to successfully market an athlete?
Athlete corporations is something we will have to get accustomed to since more and more athletes are being marketed by huge corporations and no longer are they just athletes, but they're a brand themselves.

So how do you market and brand an athlete?


1. Skills: What else is more important than skills. By having skills you attract fans and attention, with the attention, people would want to purchase your merchandise. According to this person, the most marketable athletes in the USA are: Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, LeBron James, Derek Jeter, Dwyane Wade. One thing in common with these athletes. skills. Nothing beats out the natural skill of an athlete when branding and marketing a person.


2. Success: What can be better for a sports company such as Nike or Adidas to have their athlete in a giant poster holding up a championship trophy. Everyone wants to be linked to success, and the idea of conspicuous consumption where the consumers want to purchase that shoe thinking they can be just like Kobe holding up that trophy. Who wouldn't want to buy something from an athlete who is a 'winner'.


3. Sex Appeal: Now this is what I called the Anna Kournikova section. The lady who didn't win anything, but won the attention of all the marketers. Although we don't like it, but in our society, looks is everything. With looks you can get that job and in Kournikova's case, she can get millions for just looking pretty. This is the case of Sex Appeal > Success/skills. But wait, imagine the ultimate athlete who has both sex appeal and skills. His name is David Beckham.


4. Image: Image is not hard to maintain, but it can be lost very easily with a simple picture or accusation. No company would want to associate themselves with a criminal. You can have all the skills in the world, but image is the number one key to a company as well as an athlete corporation. Just look at Michael Vick. When the dog fighting scandal arose, Nike immediately sacked him not wanting to be associated to a person involved in criminal activities. Image can't make you, but it can easily break you. Without skills, success, and sex appeal you cannot receive a lucrative contract from Nike, but by having the three and not having the "image," the athlete will lose the contract immediately.

Alexander Semin of the Washington Capitals says: "I think that if you take any player, even if he is "dead wood," and start promoting him, you'll get a star." I think on a level that is true. With marketing and branding, a person can be built and hyped up just like wrestlers in the WWE, but without the above 4 qualities and attributes, it is near impossible to market and brand an athlete to an "athlete corporation."

Colts - Patriots this Sunday. Does anyone care?

The Indianapolis Colts is hosting the New England Patriots this Sunday but does anyone really care anymore? Over the past few seasons, this is a marquee matchup with two football powerhouses going at it. Now we fast forward to 2008 with a 3-4 Colts and a Brady-less Pats - how interesting huh... The colts are on the decline and a Belichick's soldier-like team in the Pats without Brady can no longer hold our attention. BOOORING - what other teams are playing now.
The interest has shifted towards Peyton's little brother Eli and the defending Super Bowl champions against the loud-mouth, Jessica I can't play through a broken pinky Romo - Cowboys. The team loading up on the NFL badboys will have to do without Romo once again this weekend nursing his little pinky. Boo Hoo...
And yes, Patriots VS. the Colts has definitely lost its luster this season and possibly forever.

Where is Mats Sundin Going?

As of now, it seems like Mats Sundin is returning to the NHL as he is currently on a heavy workout schedule in Los Angeles hoping to get in shape asap. The question on EVERYBODYS mind is, what team? Here are my top six teams that are interested in his service as well as having the appeal for Sundin to join. I am sure most NHL clubs wouldn't mind having Sundin but trust me, hes not going to LA or Columbus.


Montreal Canadiens:
Montreal made a hard push for him during the trade deadline last season and also the offseason by acquring his rights from the Maple Leafs. Having signed Robert Lang has basically pushed them up to the cap limit. I think in a perfect no-cap world they will and can sign Mats Sundin but with this current CBA, it is now unlikely for them to get Sundin.

Sundin Montreal bound: 4/10 - because of the possibility of winning of a Stanley Cup


Chicago BlackHawks:
This is a new team that has recently sparked some Mats Sundin rumours. They are also very close to the cap, but their advantage is that by dumping the heavy contract of Nikolai khabibulin they have cap space left to sign Mats. There are also teams interested in Khabibulin so this could very well work. The question is, would Sundin really want to play for Chicago? They are not a Stanley Cup contender yet in my opinion and I don't think Sundin can push them over the top. So would he want to go there just to help develop some future superstars? My answer is... NO

Sundin Chicago bound: 3/10 - I don't see why he wants to go Chicago, the money he can get from Vancouver, and the chance at a Stanley Cup he can get with NYR or MTL.


New York Rangers:
Another team very close to the cap, but I NYR will actually trade away players to make room for his services if he is willing to join the team. The team most likely to win the Stanley Cup on this list with the off-season addition of Markus Naslund and Wade Redden has solidified the team as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

Sundin New York bound: 6/10 - if he wants to come back to win a Stanley Cup, NYR is his best bet. The problem is still the cap space and the issue of unloading players to make room. But if Sundin joins, think of the firepower they would have on the team.


Vancouver Canucks:
The team most likely to offer the most dough for his services. With a sub-par start to the season, Sundin would be taking a gamble on a team that is neither going up nor down. I think the Canucks are one or two forwards away from making a deep run in the playoffs especially with a solid D core and Captain Luongo in net.

Sundin Vancouver bound: 6.5/10 - If he is coming back for money as well as a chance for a Stanley Cup, Vancouver might be in the mix. The problem I see is, even with Sundin in the lineup, Vancouver still needs help with scoring. One more offensive forward would do... Gaborik anyone?


Tampa Bay Lightning:
A team that loaded up in the off-season only to not live up to the hype/expectation so far this season. I blame it on the coach. With that much firepower and a decent back-end, they should be competing near the top of the division.

Sundin Tampy Bay bound: 3/10 - Don't understand why he would want to go Tampa Bay. If they could offer him the money, then why not choose Vancouver? Doesn't seem like they are going to win the cup this year, so why not choose Rangers or Montreal? Living in the hotbed of hockey for majority of his career, does he really want to go to an area where they don't care about hockey? Tampa Bay imho is the most unlikely team for him to land with. But who knows, crazy things happen in this game.


Toronto Maple Leafs:
Now Toronto... the team raising eyebrows with their modest success so far this season. Looking to rebuild but playing a solid team game at the same time under Wilson, Toronto is proving to everyone that they're not throwing in the towel this season just to enter the Tavares sweepstakes. Nonetheless, they're still a team that is rebuilding with no true superstars on the team that plays a tough grind-it-out game everynight.

Sundin Toronto bound: 8/10 - The leader of Toronto for the past decade, I don't know if he wants to throw that all away by joining another team just to win a Stanley Cup. If so, he would've waived his no-trade clause last season. Maybe he thinks with him in the lineup, they can surprise everybody and make it in the playoffs which would definitely solidify him as one of the greatest Leaf of all time.


The possibilities are endless with every team wanting the superstar, but only one will get him. My pick is Toronto or Vancouver considering the cap issues and chance of success. The problem is I don't think he wants to throw away his legacy in Toronto for the money. My prediction is... he'll be back with the blue and white this season and the next. But who knows, maybe he'll end up in Philly or some team that is completely off the radar now. We'll have to wait and see.