SATURDAY MUSINGS WITH ROB VANSTONE

By Rob Vanstone Sat, Jan 30 2010 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

A few thoughts on a slow day . . .

• The Roughriders' interest in re-signing tailback Wes Cates seems to have increased. Two months ago, I would have bet the mortgage that Cates would not return, but there seems to be a greater appetite for re-signing him. Cates did not have his best year in 2009, but stats don't tell the whole story. His blocking is an under-rated, yet important, component of the offence. It was his key block, remember, that sprung Darian Durant for a touchdown run in the Grey Cup.

• I would bet the mortgage that Stevie Baggs will test free-agency. I'm not convinced that he will leave, but why not shop around?

• At last word, slotback Andy Fantuz had not come to an agreement with an NFL team. That was as of three days ago. Time is running out.

• Paul LaPolice is among the candidates for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' vacant head-coaching job, but it still sounds like Greg Marshall is the front-runner. LaPolice will be a CFL head coach some day. I wouldn't be surprised if it happens a year from now, if Ken Miller follows through on plans to step aside. LaPolice is off-the-charts intelligent and is a head coach in waiting.