But with last nights performance our eyes and our hopes just rose to a new level of excitement.

Ricky Romero showed his poise, his effectiveness and his swagger last night when he threw seven complete innings of no-hit baseball. It was broken when Romero hit White Sox batter A.J. Pierzynski and the next batter, former Blue Jay, Alex Rios was lucky enough to get a hanging changeup that he took over the left field wall.

One hit, two earned runs all conceived in the eighth inning at the Rogers Centre.

However it was how Romero was pitching, his performance wasn’t luck, he was throwing clean strikes, he had great control and he threw a great fastball and had good break on his off speed pitches. If Romero can continue to develop into the pitcher the Jays have hoped he be, he could soon be the ace of this struggle franchise.

Romero would be the pitcher the Jays now need after they departed Roy Halladay, this offseason, to the Philadelphia Phillies.

What makes this a great scenario for Romero is that he has taken some much criticism for underperforming. He is remember as the player taken ahead of Colorado Rockies allstar shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in the 2005 MLB draft. He can rebuild his stature and maybe bring a fan base back to the Roger Centre every time he pitches.

This kid, in my opinion, will be the ace shortly. Hopefully the Jays continue to ride this hot start out, because we all know they could use it to win fans back.

Mike Wobschall

April 14, 2010

I know when I read the Toronto Star sports I always find myself looking for the Damien Cox articles.

This man is a hockey genius. He talks about issues all around the NHL, he focuses on the Toronto Maple Leafs, must take a TON of effort, and he is very reliable and presents his articles and his thoughts very thoroughly.

When you read his articles you feel the sense of connectivity. You can relate or you can acknowledge that he is right regularly. If you get the chance to read his articles I say take the time, you’d probably find out more varieties of hockey news.

I give credit to Cox. He writes about the Leafs and takes criticism because they are a very sensitive topic around Ontario, heck even Canada. They have a huge fan base and Cox provides us with Leafs news constantly.

I may hate that franchise, but when you’re so caught up in sports you make sure you listen to what other people have to offer. Damien Cox has gathered my attention from articles he writes and I hate the topic he chooses to write on. But that just gives me more reason to rant on about him is because if he can convince me, someone who would never think to care for the Leafs, then heck he can do just about anything.

Mike Wobschall

April 14, 2010

As journalists we are always perceived as the bad guy/woman. No matter what we write people think, how could they write about that? Do they not have any feelings? but really it’s to provide viewers with global news. People read articles because they are interested in the story or topic.

We will always have critics. We need to accept this and continue to do our job.

Saying that what is it about celebrities that seem to grab your attention? Is it because you’ve got a Hollywood crush? Is it because they are easier targets than reality? Is it because it’s just always placed in front of our faces? Who knows, only you have the answer.

Than there is arts and entertainment journalism. It can be just as much as celebrity journalism, but it has a lot more value.

When we write about arts and entertainment we express ideas and interests, which ultimately benefit the readers knowledge and perception on our columns.

There was an article I read in the Toronto Star, where arts and entertainment is written at it’s best.

Brian Rayner is a columnist for the Toronto Star and lucky him (sarcastically) he got to attend the Hedley concert in Toronto on Easter Monday.

Rayner wrote about the concert so it would gather the minds of not just “tweens” and teens, but to gather a mature audience. He mentioned things that the band did, such as jokes that the teens/tweens wouldn’t understand or hear entirely. Or when the band setup a fake campsite, on-stage, and popped open a few Corona’s and sang praise of drinking cold beers, who doesn’t?

As the show progressed Hedley played a show that would attract some of the older audiences attention, so that they didn’t have to sit there dull-faced.

What I am trying to say is that celebrity journalism isn’t the type of journalism we are taught. When you read a story in the arts and entertainment it helps, all of us, realize that this is what entertainment journalism should be. And we remember that everything we are delivering is to benefit our audience instead of harassing someone, or telling lies.

Arts and entertainment is the real journalism, don’t fall into the celebrity journalism trap, because once you fall deep enough you’re stuck.

Mike Wobschall

April 7, 2010

Lohan had just finished leaving the Club Deux nightclub, in Los Angeles, and then getting rejected at the doors of another nearby nightclub. Shortly after getting rejected, Lohan was seen falling flat on her face outside of the nightclub.

She claims that the bouncers had pushed her, forcing her to fall. She also claims that other people are targeting her and setting her up so she looks like a mess. Blah blah blah.

Come on.

I am sick and tired of reading Lindsay Lohan stories. She was the one that ruined her own career. Why should we care so much? Is it us that try to escape our own problems by focusing on others? Is it because she did or does have money? Is it because she is young?

Seriously it’s pathetic and basically I am saying why should we care?

Mike Wobschall

April 7, 2010

Allegedly A sex tape of Sandra Bullock and her, soon-to-be, ex-husband Jesse James may be brought to the courts bargaining table.

Jesse James supposedly has a tape that Bullock and James made during one of their sex episodes. The tape has James dressed as Nazi with a Hitler mustache and having laced sex with Bullock.

The beliefs are that James will use the tape to bribe Bullock into paying James a feasible sum to keep her mouth shut. If she doesn’t cooperate than James possibly would release the tape and jeopardize Bullocks career.

I don’t have facts on this, but if there is a sex tape out there, than the chances of this only make sense.

It’s ridiculous to think of all that James has put Bullock through and now this may be on his mind. Come on Jesse take your punishment, be ashamed, and move on. You’ve made the mistake of cheating on one of America’s finest women and you’re the one who needs to regret that everyday of your life.

For those of you reading my blogs I want you to listen to my thoughts carefully here.

This is not any of our business. I ask and hope none of you take this and use it against Bullock. She is the victim and what they choose to do behind closed doors is their decision.

Sandra don’t give in. You’re better than that, move past and forget him. Remember, he is the one who is missing out on everything you are.

Mike Wobschall

April 7, 2010

I was reading an article on Yahoo.com that caught my attention. I found this story so humourous that I figure I should share it and collect your opinions. So hear it is.

Kenyon Martin is a power forward who plays for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. On Thursday he approached his Range Rover with anger.

When Martin got to his car he noticed that inside of the luxurious SUV was buttered popcorn. Someone from the Nuggets organization had filled Martin’s car with the popcorn.

Kind of funny right? Not so much. Kenyon was outraged.

“That ain’t no [expletive] joke,” Martin said. “I’m going to find out who did it … put my [expletive] hands on one of y’all. I’m going to put my hands on whoever did it. You better believe that. It’s [expletive] personal. You better believe it.”

Come on Martin lighten up. All of “y’all” in the NBA have enough money to buy these type of vehicles. I am sure if you didn’t threaten your teammates someone would confess and tell you it was them right away. I understand it’s your vehicle and it’s your property. I know I’d be pissed off to, but I don’t make millions of dollars. Remember you’re set to make $32 million for the next two seasons, that can buy you a lot of Range Rovers.

Usually when you have people that feel comfortable enough to joke with it’s usually because they like you and feel comfortable having fun with you. You’d expect that from teammates would you not? That’s the whole idea of team bonding. You are all professionals and grown men, you all should get along to begin with, these guys are like your brothers.

Yes who knows it was probably heat of the moment thing for you, as it might be with most of us. But if I were making that kind of money I would be able to get over it very fast.

Kenyon also threatened to skip out on playoffs if nobody confessed to the incident.

I just can’t get enough of this. You’re a great player Kenyon but your positive attitude seems to be lacking a little bit. Do what you do best, play basketball and make money doing it. Keep a positive attitude. There are many people who’d love to trade lives with you, live it an enjoy it.

On a positive not apparently things have settled down a little bit.

“It was just an April Fools joke that went horribly wrong,” said a member of the Nuggets organization who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “The kid thought it would be funny and it wasn’t. Kenyon was back at practice today and everything was fine between him and his teammates.”

So who knows maybe Kenyon has cooled down, but we will remember one thing, to never play a prank of him again!

Mike Wobschall

April 4, 2010

The Jays had a variety of options and had to finalize their pitching staff yesterday morning. Dana Eveland pitched fantastic for the Jays this spring and has earned a spot in the rotation as their fifth pitcher, leaving Brett Cecil off the big club… for now.

Cecil also pitched incredible during this years spring ball and made his last two outings phenomenal. On Wednesday Cecil faced off against the World Series runner-ups the Philadelphia Phillies. Cecil pitched six strong innings, allowing just two runs while walking nobody and striking out, all-star first baseman, Ryan Howard on two separate occasions. The week before Cecil pitched another six scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox leaving Cecil to believe that he’d made the Jays rotation. Cecil however wasn’t on high hopes and was prepared for the demotion.

“They just said `be ready,’ and I sure will,” said Cecil, who went 7-4 with the Jays last season. “I know how things can turn around. I’m just happy I’m doing as well as I am. I just need to continue doing that and stay on the top of their list as far as being the first pitcher up if something happens.”

Toronto’s ace for the year is Shaun Marcum who will take the mound Monday when the Jays travel to Texas to face Scott Feldman and the Rangers. Marcum will be followed by Brian Tallet, Ricky Romero, Brandon Morrow and Eveland. While the Jays have room in their bullpen for the injured Marc Rzepczynski (finger) and Dustin McGowan (shoulder), both of whom will start the season on the disabled list.

Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos admits that Cecil’s performance this spring was very good. However so was the left-handed Eveland’s performance. Eveland finished the spring with a 1.23 ERA and struck out 19 batters in his 22 innings of work.

All that remains is to see if the Jays made the proper move. We will find out when the season starts in Texas on Monday. The Jays will play two more exhibition games against the Houston Astros before traveling to Texas for the season opener.

This is great for the Jays. They now have a finalized staff and if Eveland can pitch the way he has been the Jays will have a very good pitcher in their hands.

With the departure of the games best pitcher, Roy Halladay this offseason to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Jays were looking like a marginal pitching team. Now looking at the way these pitchers have performed we have some depth to work with if one pitcher fails to maintain his stature. Once McGowan and Rzepczynski return from the disabled list the Jays have some prime pitching on their mound. And their bullpen looks strong with Jeremy Accardo, Scott Downs, Kevin Gregg, Casey Janssen and Jason Fraser headlining their bullpen.

Now if the offence can provide support, like last year, than the Jays might possibly be contenders this year. Lets bring on the season!

Mike Wobschall

April 2, 2010

The explosives were found in Agincourt last inside of a storage unit while police officers were conducting a search.

Toronto police closed several streets and parts of two major highways to transport the explosives.

To think everyone driving on those streets had no idea that some coward/idiot left explosives right under their noses. People could have been seriously hurt or possibly killed and they were able to live another day. That’s a scary fact, we fear to much in this world already and now it seems we need to be scared to live our everyday life. Who knows what tomorrow holds when we wake up? It’s disgusting to think that there are people living on this earth who could actually wake up and decide “Today is the day I write my name in history.”

But honestly what kind of sick person wants that sort of publicity? If they didn’t make it a suicidal bombing they’re going to die or be severely punished anyway. If people found out who they actually were I can assure you that nobody would be able to find any sort of scraps of their remains.

People think that our police services are not doing their jobs. But again think of everything they have to do. You hear stories of the kind of unbelievable calls they receive from some people, and all we can do is shake our heads. Officers unfortunately have to respond to some of these stupid calls and it takes time away from many of society’s actual concerns and needs. So when they do something to this degree we praise them as heroic again, but we have to realize that we don’t give them to many opportunities to respond to the more serious calls.

We need to see them as everyday hero’s. Many lives are lost in every single day from, what others would call, “lack” of response, but they also can save just as many when they are able to be where they need to be. They are highly trained and skilled individuals and yes we need to be comfortable leaving our lives in their hands.

In this case they discovered something HUGE. This isn’t an object or a helpful deed that you just acknowledge and then forget, these were explosives we are talking about. Who knows what type of damage could have been done if the explosives did detonate.

The police officers secured the materials, found, inside of a steel drum and then transported it to a safe location. Upon arrival police placed the unit in a safe area where it was then detonated around 11:15 p.m. last night.

Again these officers risked their lives to save ours. What more can you ask from a hero? They transferred explosives that could have gone off at any moment inside their vehicle while also closing streets and highways to protect those who had no idea. That to me says they truly live to protect our lives, and seriously how many people do that anymore?

I guess that I am saying we need to respect these men and women in blue and see them for what they really are… hero’s.

Mike Wobschall

April 1, 2010

Colin Campbell, Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations, is the NHL’s disciplinarian and now has the opportunity to suspend players who deliver an unexpected head shot.

The rule takes place in the NHL immediately.

The role was officially handed to Campbell when the executive board of the NHL Player’s Association announced they supported the rule. The NHL’s board of governors has already said they will give unanimous support.

We can’t forget that unpunished act that Matt Cooke of the Pittsburgh Penguins got away with. For those who don’t know check out the video.

The NHL’s board of directors took no action on the hit and Matt Cooke didn’t serve any sort of suspension. Which put the NHL commissioner Gary Bettman under a bit of fire whenever the topic “head shots” arises. Now Bettman says he believes it is the right thing to do and that it will protect the players. Which is exactly what the NHL needs to do. Kudos gentlemen.

“The elimination of these types of hits should significantly reduce the number of injuries, including concussions, without adversely affecting the level of physicality in the game,” Bettman said.

Players have been trying to enforce a rule like this to protect themselves and teammates. Players around the league have expressed their beliefs both prior to the rule, and then after when it took effect.

“Anything that we can do to make this game safer is a key thing,” veteran Anaheim Ducks forward Teemu Selanne said Tuesday night. “If you make big hits and you get a two-game suspension, I don’t think anybody learns from that. If you give right away 10 games, then you set the example. It’s going to cost you — big time. I think you’re going to think about it twice.”

Not only will the rule take place during the regular season, but Campbell can also make his ruling during the playoffs. With only 135 games, in total, remaining it seemed that this rule should have been placed for next year. But why wait until somebody possibly dies? The NHLPA and representatives have done the right thing, for once.

The NHLPA say that they want to keep working with the NHL so that the game will be safer in the future.

“We are encouraged by the league’s recent willingness to explore on-ice rule changes as a means of reducing player injuries and have no doubt that by working together, a safer working environment can be established for all NHLPA members,” the union said in a release.

Finally the game is being played for the excitement and the love of the game instead of the idiotic acts and bad judgement plays.

Back to the action.

Mike Wobschall

March 26, 2010

As I was on my way back, I received some news that shocked me. I was warned about the new law Kingston Police have been enforced upon by their Police Chief Stephen Tanner. The law was published in the Kingston Whig Standard back in January.

I realize I am a little bit late, but I haven’t been home for quite some time and I had someone tell me about this so I had to look for myself. To my unfortunate surprise I found out that this was true. So what are the details that come from this new law? For those who don’t know, let me explain.

Stephen Tanner has told his officers that each individual officer must issue 10 tickets a month. This is directed at fast and aggressive drivers.

Even though Kingston’s ticket issuing rose last year by 15% compared to the 2008 stats Tanner says their is even more room for improvement.

“Every officer is certainly capable of issuing, on average, 10 tickets a month or whatever the numbers might be,” Tanner said.

So for those of you who were in my shoes and didn’t hear about this be prepared next time you travel into Kingston. The officers are going to be a little more strict and they will nab you for slightly speeding now.

This is a hard topic to choose a side for. Honestly sitting on the fence makes me feel the most safe.

On one hand I think this is ridiculous. I think that Tanner is doing this because Kingston Police didn’t make much of a revenue last year. This may or may not be true but I heard that if the officers don’t make the ten issues for a particular month that they get suspended. If that is true then I don’t agree with what Tanner is doing. These officers already have a lot of things they have to do and adding more to that is just going to get them pissed off at you.

However saying that I can also agree with this law.

I can’t tell you how many times I have driven and people fly past me. I sit behind the wheel and I hope that there is a cop up the road waiting to catch these people, but there never are. It would make people more cautious with their driving and that is completely necessary.

I have some friends that I fear for. They drive fast and aggressive and I fear that one of these times I will be attending their funeral. See this law would be perfect to stop them.

Now I am not saying I drive the posted limit, but I honestly believe that i am a cautious driver and never do anything that’ll kill me or get me in a lot of trouble.

So I don’t know where this puts me but it did catch my attention. Who knows how many people I will see pulled over this summer. It’s a warning for all of us clueless drivers out there… be careful, drive safe.

Mike Wobschall

March 22, 2o10