Tuesday, December 23, 2008
MORE HOLIDAY BLOGGING
- I can say with certainty that Richie Hall joining the Edmonton Eskimos hasn't sunk in yet. Seeing our own "Smiling One" in Green & Gold with a "EE" hat on was a painful picture. But, we're happy for him.
- The festive season has been a blur of Christmas parties for rodpedersen.com. The other night I was at a function loaded full of football types, and many members of the "Old Boys Club". It was there I learned the CFL assistant coach carousel is about to be given a gigantic heave.
When it stops, Rick Campell will land in Winnipeg as the Bomber defensive coordinator and Greg Marshall will end up back in Edmonton. That's IF "Marsh" doesn't get the Argo top job. And I'll be surprised if he does. It could happen though, as Danny Barrett took his name out of the running on the weekend.
When it stops, Rick Campell will land in Winnipeg as the Bomber defensive coordinator and Greg Marshall will end up back in Edmonton. That's IF "Marsh" doesn't get the Argo top job. And I'll be surprised if he does. It could happen though, as Danny Barrett took his name out of the running on the weekend.
- Over my shoulder, Chapters is open extended hours and the doors are open as I sit here at 9:15am. They've got 'Green Magic' for sale in the BEST OF SPORTS section, which is cool.
We are less than 1,000 book sales away from being a BEST SELLER!! Thanks to everybody who came out to Northgate yesterday for the book-signing.
And it's also available at all Saskatchewan Safeways.
We are less than 1,000 book sales away from being a BEST SELLER!! Thanks to everybody who came out to Northgate yesterday for the book-signing.
And it's also available at all Saskatchewan Safeways.
- But that Brett Favre biography with the CD inside looks VERY tempting. Hey family, if you're reading this, please put it under the tree.
- When it's this cold, I start feeling sorry for people. And things. I feel sorry for the pets that get locked outside and forgotten and freeze to death. I feel sorry for the late-teens and 20-somethings who drive a rust-bucket that won't start in the cold and their day is ruined (like what happened to me hundreds of times when I was that age). Like I said, it's time to warm up. I don't miss those days. Thanks again Saturn of Regina.
- When it's this cold, I start feeling sorry for people. And things. I feel sorry for the pets that get locked outside and forgotten and freeze to death. I feel sorry for the late-teens and 20-somethings who drive a rust-bucket that won't start in the cold and their day is ruined (like what happened to me hundreds of times when I was that age). Like I said, it's time to warm up. I don't miss those days. Thanks again Saturn of Regina.
- My grand plan to broadcast Rider games in the summer and live in Phoenix in the winter is really starting to look good.
-Yah, I'll be around to broadcast Rider games in the new stadium/entertainment facility. It's been quite a week and somehow or another I've managed to rub elbows with some significant government officials over the past few days.
I'm sure they would string me up if I divulged the details (and they told me they read the blog), but suffice it to say that by sound financial planning and management over the next few years, this new stadium/entertainment complex will be paid for.And there's enough money for a hospital in Moose Jaw and a childrens' wing at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon so don't get your panties in a bunch.
I'm sure they would string me up if I divulged the details (and they told me they read the blog), but suffice it to say that by sound financial planning and management over the next few years, this new stadium/entertainment complex will be paid for.And there's enough money for a hospital in Moose Jaw and a childrens' wing at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon so don't get your panties in a bunch.
We MIGHT be able to host the 2012 Grey Cup in the new facility, but it'll be tight time-wise.I laugh at how people think Jim Hopson, Pat Fiacco and Brad Wall just "casually" threw out this new stadium talk like it had just come into their heads. THEY'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS FOR MONTHS!And I think it's cool we refer to the Premier as "Brad". And it's cooler that he wants it that way.
- For those complaining about not being able to watch Rider games outside, get over it. We should sacrifice a state-of-the-art facility that's the envy of the country because of MAYBE half-a-dozen days at the most? C'mon!
Yah, they're imploding Domes in the states. Big deal. You can't compare Regina to Seattle. Think about it.
Yah, they're imploding Domes in the states. Big deal. You can't compare Regina to Seattle. Think about it.
- Sobering thought though: This was brought up at another Christmas party -- a new stadium means we'll never watch another game in Mosaic Stadium/Taylor Field ever again.
Wow. Yikes. But we'll get over it.
Wow. Yikes. But we'll get over it.
- In my opinion, say your good-byes to Maurice Lloyd. For one, he told Carm he'd like to try the NFL as a special teams player and for two, he's going to the highest-bidder which is likely Edmonton or B.C.
- Who's the Riders' next defensive coordinator? I don't know. If I had a bet, I'd say Gary Etcheverry but that's based on nothing whatsoever. I haven't spoken to E.T. in weeks so I have no idea in which direction they're leaning.
- That's all I wanted to say. Thanks for reading, Happy Holidays
Rod P.
- That's all I wanted to say. Thanks for reading, Happy Holidays
Rod P.
Rod Pederson Blog
Rod's Blog
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS RIDER FANS!Posted by Riders on Monday, December 22, 2008 at 10:54:00 AM. -->
[ Recent Entries ] [ Archive View ] You are viewing the 5 most recent entries in Rod's Blog.-->
HAPPY HOLIDAYS RIDER FANS!Posted by Riders on Monday, December 22, 2008 at 10:54:00 AM. -->
It's been awhile since we last wrote in this space. In fact, it was the week after Calgary's Grey Cup win, and it's taken that long to get over the bitter way the 2008 Saskatchewan Roughriders' season ended.
As a matter of fact, I asked Rider head coach Ken Miller on the postgame show of the western semifinal loss when he'll be over the hard feelings and be able to appreciate the team's 12-6 season. He said in his American drawl, "It'll take awhile."
And I'm not sure he's even there yet.
It has definitely been a head-shaking month and a half since the season ended. I always wonder what it would be like to talk to someone who's been away from all communication for a month, and then tell them all that's gone in in Riderville since they were away.
"Richie Hall's gone? Jason Clermont's a Roughrider? We might be getting a new stadium? What?" I'm sure they'd say.
The Hall and Clermont moves may only be two simple transactions but they promise to affect the very foundation of Canada's Team. Richie Hall spent two decades with the Green & White, but he's fled to the Green & Gold to become the Edmonton Eskimos head coach.
I laughed, and then I cried when I read that Richie and Eskimos' boss Danny Macoccia hit it off so well in the interview that his hiring became a slam dunk. No surprise there -- you could put Richie in a room with the Grinch and they'd both come out smiling. He's that infectious.
We'll miss him terribly, but there's not one member of the Rider Nation that's not elated for him to finally get the chance he's coveted for so long.
The search is on for a replacement, but GM Eric Tillman may not have to look to far as insiders feel Rider defensive assistant Gary Etcheverry will take over the DC role.
As for Jason Clermont, well, I could barely contain my excitement as I watched that scenario unfold. Cut by the BC Lions on a Wednesday, J.C. was wearing a Rider jersey just eight days later. No one's more excited than Jason.
Rider offensive coordinator Paul Lapolice is licking his chops at the thought of the damage Clermont and Andy Fantuz can do as the Riders' Slot Machines. Paul is spending the holiday season devising a new type of offense that will best deploy #'s 82 and 83, and the talents of returning quarterback Darian Durant.
As for the new stadium, Rider President Jim Hopson got the province buzzing on a CKRM radio appearance three weeks ago in which he stated political leaders are "moving in the direction of a new stadium".
Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall have jumped on board, but are getting all their ducks in a row first. That includes doling out funds to other priorities, but also making plans to erect the greatest entertainment facility in western Canada, if not the whole country.
A City of Regina feasibility study is ongoing, but it's being funded by the provincial government.
We sit and wait for the results.
As for Rider fans, they're doing what they do; trying to sort out where the team is going for the upcoming season. They're wondering who the quarterback depth chart will consist of, what free agents we'll lose, who the starting receivers will be, etc, etc.
But to me, that's not a real worthwhile exercise. At this point last year on the calendar, we still had Kent Austin as head coach and players Kerry Joseph, Reggie Hunt, Corey Holmes and Fred Perry on the roster.
That didn't last long! While I don't expect radical changes like that this off-season, no one really knows where the franchise is going except Eric Tillman himself.
I'm spending the holidays reflecting on all that's right with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Back-to-back 12-6 seasons, a year where every ticket to every game was soldout, and the fact the Riders are still organizationally on top of the CFL mountain.
Let's count our blessings!
(Rod Pedersen is Voice of the Riders on CKRM Radio)
As a matter of fact, I asked Rider head coach Ken Miller on the postgame show of the western semifinal loss when he'll be over the hard feelings and be able to appreciate the team's 12-6 season. He said in his American drawl, "It'll take awhile."
And I'm not sure he's even there yet.
It has definitely been a head-shaking month and a half since the season ended. I always wonder what it would be like to talk to someone who's been away from all communication for a month, and then tell them all that's gone in in Riderville since they were away.
"Richie Hall's gone? Jason Clermont's a Roughrider? We might be getting a new stadium? What?" I'm sure they'd say.
The Hall and Clermont moves may only be two simple transactions but they promise to affect the very foundation of Canada's Team. Richie Hall spent two decades with the Green & White, but he's fled to the Green & Gold to become the Edmonton Eskimos head coach.
I laughed, and then I cried when I read that Richie and Eskimos' boss Danny Macoccia hit it off so well in the interview that his hiring became a slam dunk. No surprise there -- you could put Richie in a room with the Grinch and they'd both come out smiling. He's that infectious.
We'll miss him terribly, but there's not one member of the Rider Nation that's not elated for him to finally get the chance he's coveted for so long.
The search is on for a replacement, but GM Eric Tillman may not have to look to far as insiders feel Rider defensive assistant Gary Etcheverry will take over the DC role.
As for Jason Clermont, well, I could barely contain my excitement as I watched that scenario unfold. Cut by the BC Lions on a Wednesday, J.C. was wearing a Rider jersey just eight days later. No one's more excited than Jason.
Rider offensive coordinator Paul Lapolice is licking his chops at the thought of the damage Clermont and Andy Fantuz can do as the Riders' Slot Machines. Paul is spending the holiday season devising a new type of offense that will best deploy #'s 82 and 83, and the talents of returning quarterback Darian Durant.
As for the new stadium, Rider President Jim Hopson got the province buzzing on a CKRM radio appearance three weeks ago in which he stated political leaders are "moving in the direction of a new stadium".
Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall have jumped on board, but are getting all their ducks in a row first. That includes doling out funds to other priorities, but also making plans to erect the greatest entertainment facility in western Canada, if not the whole country.
A City of Regina feasibility study is ongoing, but it's being funded by the provincial government.
We sit and wait for the results.
As for Rider fans, they're doing what they do; trying to sort out where the team is going for the upcoming season. They're wondering who the quarterback depth chart will consist of, what free agents we'll lose, who the starting receivers will be, etc, etc.
But to me, that's not a real worthwhile exercise. At this point last year on the calendar, we still had Kent Austin as head coach and players Kerry Joseph, Reggie Hunt, Corey Holmes and Fred Perry on the roster.
That didn't last long! While I don't expect radical changes like that this off-season, no one really knows where the franchise is going except Eric Tillman himself.
I'm spending the holidays reflecting on all that's right with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Back-to-back 12-6 seasons, a year where every ticket to every game was soldout, and the fact the Riders are still organizationally on top of the CFL mountain.
Let's count our blessings!
(Rod Pedersen is Voice of the Riders on CKRM Radio)
US BOWL GAMES AND CONNECTIONS TO RIDER PROSPECTS
Football maven John Lynch provides this holiday NCAA Bowl game primer for connections to the Riders:
"Valero Alamo Bowl ---Tuesday December 30th at 7 pm ----Missouri {9-4}versusNorthwestern {9-3}{ESPN }----Missouri QB is Chase Daniels who was a secondrunnner up for the Heisman Trophy in 2007. 37TD passes last year and 33 morethis year can make all the throws but is only 5 -'10"so probably will be a late NFL draft choice at best. We should see him by October 1st.
Tillman is very high on him.Brian Johnson Quarterback Utah {12-0} ---can make all the throws --good scrambler play Alabama {11-1} 7.20 Fox January 3rd in the Allstate Sugar Bowl --Superdome New Orleans .Should be drafted.
University of Ole Miss Runnin Rebels 8-4 against The Red Raiders of Texas Tech 11-1in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on Friday January 2nd at two on Fox.Austin is the Offensive Co- ordinator of Ole MissThese are the only two Daniels and Johnson that I am aware of but will seeif I can get some more info and will get back to you if I find anything else out.JL"
"Valero Alamo Bowl ---Tuesday December 30th at 7 pm ----Missouri {9-4}versusNorthwestern {9-3}{ESPN }----Missouri QB is Chase Daniels who was a secondrunnner up for the Heisman Trophy in 2007. 37TD passes last year and 33 morethis year can make all the throws but is only 5 -'10"so probably will be a late NFL draft choice at best. We should see him by October 1st.
Tillman is very high on him.Brian Johnson Quarterback Utah {12-0} ---can make all the throws --good scrambler play Alabama {11-1} 7.20 Fox January 3rd in the Allstate Sugar Bowl --Superdome New Orleans .Should be drafted.
University of Ole Miss Runnin Rebels 8-4 against The Red Raiders of Texas Tech 11-1in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on Friday January 2nd at two on Fox.Austin is the Offensive Co- ordinator of Ole MissThese are the only two Daniels and Johnson that I am aware of but will seeif I can get some more info and will get back to you if I find anything else out.JL"
RIDERS IN FIGHT FOR LLOYD
Riders in for a fight for Lloyd
By Rob VanstoneDecember 22, 2008
Maurice Lloyd.
Photograph by: Canwest
Robservations ...
Robservations ...
- Bob Wylie is believed to be atop the Saskatchewan Roughriders' wish list as they pursue a new offensive line coach. The position was vacated when Mike Gibson left to become the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' offensive co-ordinator. Wylie spent the past two seasons as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' offensive line coach, but recently left that organization after Mike Kelly became the head coach. With Wylie coaching the offensive linemen, Winnipeg permitted the fewest sacks in the CFL (27) in 2007.
- CFL warhorse Dave Ritchie could also become part of the Roughriders' coaching staff. Ritchie, a highly reputable defensive co-ordinator, could assume that role if Gary Etcheverry does not get the nod. The defensive co-ordinator's position opened up Wednesday when Richie Hall was named the Edmonton Eskimos' head coach. Even if Etcheverry is chosen, Ritchie may resurface in Saskatchewan as the assistant head coach. Ritchie received his first CFL head-coaching job in 1993 when he was hired by then-B.C. Lions general manager Eric Tillman, who is now the GM in Saskatchewan. Tillman seriously considered hiring Ritchie as the Riders' head coach in December of 2006, only to opt for Kent Austin. The rest is history.
- Roughriders middle linebacker Maurice Lloyd should attract plenty of interest from CFL teams once he becomes an unrestricted free agent in mid-February. Look for the Lions and Edmonton Eskimos to make spirited pitches for Lloyd. He was brought into the league by then-Riders GM Roy Shivers, who is now in charge of player personnel for B.C. Hall's presence in Edmonton also makes the Alberta capital an inviting destination for Lloyd. The Roughriders would love to have him back, but the most-lucrative deals are likely to emanate from elsewhere.
- So what happens if Lloyd leaves? Renauld Williams plays middle linebacker in 2009. He could be flanked by Anton McKenzie, a 2008 all-star, and perhaps Sean Lucas (who are to become free agents in February). One player to watch could be linebacker Sam Olajubutu -- a 5-foot-9, 230-pounder from the University of Arkansas. Olajubutu amassed 372 defensive tackles as a three-year starter at Arkansas, twice earning first-team all-star honours in the Southeast Conference
- Chase Daniel, a quarterback with the University of Missouri Tigers, is one of the jewels of the Riders' negotiation list. Daniel, a Heisman Trophy finallist in 2007, has followed up by throwing 37 touchdown passes (four more than last year). At 6-foot-0, Daniel is undersized by NFL standards. Do not be surprised if he lands in Regina some time in 2009.
Monday, December 22, 2008
POTENTIAL FREE AGENTS IN 2009
2009 Potential Free Agent ListThe free agent period begins at 12:01am et on February 16-->
Quarterbacks
Player
N/I
2008 Team
NOTES
Marcus Brady
Alouettes
Anthony Calvillo
Alouettes
Marcus Crandell
Roughriders
Darian Durant
Roughriders
Running backs
Player
N/I
2008 Team
NOTES
Mike Imoh
Alouettes
Jesse Lumsden
Tiger Cats
Fred Reid
Blue Bombers
Charles Roberts
Blue Bombers/Lions
Fullbacks
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Graeme Bell
Blue Bombers
Neal Hughes
Roughriders
Jeff Piercey
Tiger Cats
Slotbacks
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Ben Cahoon
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
D.J. Flick
Roughriders
Wide Receivers
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Brian Bratton
Alouettes
Arland Bruce
Argonauts
Andrew Nowacki
Eskimos
Dave Stala
Alouettes
Ryan Thelwell
Stampeders
Offensive Linemen
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Mike Abou-Mechrek
Roughriders
Bryan Chiu
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
John Comiskey
Eskimos
* Re-signed with Eskimos
Chris Cvetkovic
Blue Bombers
Scott Flory
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
Luke Fritz
Alouettes
Alexandre Gauthier
Blue Bombers
Jason Jimenez
Lions
Gene Makowsky
Roughriders
Joe McGrath
Eskimos
Steve Morley
Roughriders
Dave Mudge
Alouettes
Rob Murphy
Lions
Matt O'Meara
Blue Bombers
Dominic Picard
Blue Bombers
Defensive Backs
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Etienne Boulay
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
Jonte Buhl
Eskimos
Mark Estelle
Alouettes
Scott Gordon
Roughriders
Kelly Malveaux
Blue Bombers
Davis Sanchez
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
Kenny Wheaton
Argonauts
Jordan Younger
Eskimos
Linebackers
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Marc Calixte
Stampeders
Ike Charlton
Blue Bombers
Kevin Eiben
Argonauts
Otis Floyd
Lions
Shawn Gallant
Alouettes
Cam Hall
Blue Bombers
Jamall Johnson
Lions
Maurice Lloyd
Roughriders
Sean Lucas
Roughriders
Anton McKenzie
Roughriders
Kenny Onatolu
Eskimos
Willie Pile
Argonauts
Walter Spencer
Alouettes
Defensive Linemen
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Devone Claybrooks
Alouettes
Brandon Guillory
Eskimos
Jerome Haywood
Blue Bombers
Matt Kirk
Lions
Mike Labinjo
Stampeders
* Re-signed with Stampeders
Jon Oosterhuis
Blue Bombers
Anwar Stewart
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
Gavin Walls
Blue Bombers
Kickers/Punters
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Burke Dales
Stampeders
Paul McCallum
Lions
* Re-signed with Lions
Noel Prefontaine
Eskimos
* Re-signed with Eskimos
Nick Setta
Tiger Cats
* Re signed with original team before deadline
Quarterbacks
Player
N/I
2008 Team
NOTES
Marcus Brady
Alouettes
Anthony Calvillo
Alouettes
Marcus Crandell
Roughriders
Darian Durant
Roughriders
Running backs
Player
N/I
2008 Team
NOTES
Mike Imoh
Alouettes
Jesse Lumsden
Tiger Cats
Fred Reid
Blue Bombers
Charles Roberts
Blue Bombers/Lions
Fullbacks
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Graeme Bell
Blue Bombers
Neal Hughes
Roughriders
Jeff Piercey
Tiger Cats
Slotbacks
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Ben Cahoon
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
D.J. Flick
Roughriders
Wide Receivers
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Brian Bratton
Alouettes
Arland Bruce
Argonauts
Andrew Nowacki
Eskimos
Dave Stala
Alouettes
Ryan Thelwell
Stampeders
Offensive Linemen
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Mike Abou-Mechrek
Roughriders
Bryan Chiu
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
John Comiskey
Eskimos
* Re-signed with Eskimos
Chris Cvetkovic
Blue Bombers
Scott Flory
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
Luke Fritz
Alouettes
Alexandre Gauthier
Blue Bombers
Jason Jimenez
Lions
Gene Makowsky
Roughriders
Joe McGrath
Eskimos
Steve Morley
Roughriders
Dave Mudge
Alouettes
Rob Murphy
Lions
Matt O'Meara
Blue Bombers
Dominic Picard
Blue Bombers
Defensive Backs
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Etienne Boulay
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
Jonte Buhl
Eskimos
Mark Estelle
Alouettes
Scott Gordon
Roughriders
Kelly Malveaux
Blue Bombers
Davis Sanchez
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
Kenny Wheaton
Argonauts
Jordan Younger
Eskimos
Linebackers
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Marc Calixte
Stampeders
Ike Charlton
Blue Bombers
Kevin Eiben
Argonauts
Otis Floyd
Lions
Shawn Gallant
Alouettes
Cam Hall
Blue Bombers
Jamall Johnson
Lions
Maurice Lloyd
Roughriders
Sean Lucas
Roughriders
Anton McKenzie
Roughriders
Kenny Onatolu
Eskimos
Willie Pile
Argonauts
Walter Spencer
Alouettes
Defensive Linemen
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Devone Claybrooks
Alouettes
Brandon Guillory
Eskimos
Jerome Haywood
Blue Bombers
Matt Kirk
Lions
Mike Labinjo
Stampeders
* Re-signed with Stampeders
Jon Oosterhuis
Blue Bombers
Anwar Stewart
Alouettes
* Re-signed with Alouettes
Gavin Walls
Blue Bombers
Kickers/Punters
Player
2008 Team
NOTES
Burke Dales
Stampeders
Paul McCallum
Lions
* Re-signed with Lions
Noel Prefontaine
Eskimos
* Re-signed with Eskimos
Nick Setta
Tiger Cats
* Re signed with original team before deadline
Saturday, December 20, 2008
DARIAN DURANT
For more info on Darian Durant click herehttp://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=260223&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_cfl
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