In any event, it got me thinking and provided me with the impetus (i.e. excuse) to consider some of the best clutch shots in the history of the Raptors.  As such, I now present the Raptors top five game-winning shots and in true NFL network style, we’re going to count them down from five to one:

5) DEMAR DEROZAN VS ORLANDO MAGIC

Last season was a campaign of ups and (mostly) downs for our beloved Raptors.  One of the better ups was this buzzer-beater by DeMar DeRozan in Orlando.  Whether it becomes the catalyst for him to take his game to another level, remains to be seen.

4) CHRIS BOSH VS WASHINGTON WIZARDS

My sports-hate for Chris Bosh is well-documented on this website.  I actually didn’t like him, even when he was in Toronto.  I always felt like he was a fraud, masquerading as a franchise player for the Raptors. I never bought it and often found my case proven in the key moments of tight games.

Having said all that, I guess showing the above game-winning shot actually sabotages my argument, (which wouldn’t be the first time.)  In any event, nice shot Bosh.  Now if you could choke just enough on Thursday night to stifle the Heats chances of winning, I’d really appreciate it.

3) TJ FORD VS L.A. CLIPPERS

This was a big moment for the Raptors during the 2006/07 season, when they were on the way to their first ever Division title.  And to be able to prove they could win without Chris Bosh was huge, helped in no small way by shots like this one from TJ Ford.

(Apologies for my inability to find a shorter clip. Fast forward to the 1:20 mark if your pushed for time or just suffering from ADD.  Mind you, if you do suffer from ADD, the chances are you’ve already stopped reading, making this whole paragraph irrelevant.)

2) VINCE CARTER VS BOSTON CELTICS

Like Bosh, we can sports-hate Vince Carter as much as we want. However, unlike Bosh I think we can all still agree Carter remains the best player ever to wear a Raptors jersey.  His time in Toronto is jam-packed full of highlights, including this amazing buzzer-beater against the Celtics.

(For me, there’s something poignant about the commentator comment: “the stuff that legends are made of.”  Despite everything Carter’s achieved as a player, there will always be the feeling that he still had another level to take his game to.)

1) MORRIS PETERSON VS WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Now admittedly, I’ve only been following the Raptors since 2006, when I first came to Toronto.  As such, maybe that’s why this still remains my favourite moment as a fan.  In many ways, it personified the special season the Raptors had in 2006/07 and still sends a shiver down my spine.  Take a bow ‘Mo Pete’.

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Despite only being 32 years old, Robert Earnshaw has enjoyed a professional playing career that spans three decades and includes over 200 goals. Perhaps his most impressive achievement, is being the only player to have ever scored a hat-trick in all four divisions of the English football league and at international level.

Earnshaw played internationally for Wales, but was actually born in Zambia, where he spent the first five years of his life.  He also lived in Malawi before moving with his family to Wales at the age of nine, which proved to be the stepping-stone towards his career as a professional footballer.

The striker is curretly sixth in the MLS scoring charts with six goals.  In the second of Blue Toro’s new series of monthly interviews, we spoke to Earnshaw about how he’s adapting to life in Toronto, his contract situation and what he likes to do in his free time.

BT: Robert, thank you for taking the time to speak to us. How have you found living in Toronto so far?

Robert Earnshaw:  I love it.  You usually get an instinct for a place when you first go there.  Straight away, as soon as I arrived in Toronto, I knew this was the right place for me and I needed to be here.

And that’s still how I feel now.  The people are great, they really make you feel welcome and the city’s amazing.  Also, working with Ryan Nelsen and the coaches, they’ve really helped me to do well, which has had a big impact on me.

That’s why I came here, to do well and to try and help the team as much as possible.  That’s one of the big things in football, if you’re playing in a good environment, it provides the feel and mind-set for you to do the best you can.

BT: Have you had much reaction or interest from people back in England about playing over here in Toronto?

Earnshaw: Yes, there’s been a lot of people paying attention to how I’m doing over here, how the team’s playing, what the league’s like and so on.  Obviously, the more British players that come over to the MLS, the more interest there will be, because people will have a connection.

In my case, I’ve played for a few teams in the UK and fans that follow me from my old clubs keep in touch on Twitter, asking me about how it’s going and how I’m doing.  I’ve actually had a lot of people getting in touch when they’re out in Toronto, saying they’re going to come and watch me play.  So in terms of people showing an interest, that’s definitely encouraging for both myself personally and the league as a whole.

BT: As you say, there’s been a few players that have come over from England to play in the MLS.  Was there anyone you spoke to before deciding to come over here to play, or did you just decide for yourself?

Earnshaw: To be honest, it’s something I’ve thought about for a few years. I remember thinking about it when I was at Norwich City, but it was just about picking the right time to come over, because I saw the potential with the MLS back then.  And then over the last couple of years, it’s just become closer and closer to a reality, because I wanted to come out while I was still feeling great, was ready for it and could do well.

It’s funny you ask me about speaking to people, because I was on holiday in Miami last year and I saw Thierry Henry. I’ve played against him a couple of times, but I didn’t know if he’d remember me.  However, he actually come over to me and said hello  and we started chatting.

I asked him about what the league was like and how he’s found it and we ended up speaking for about 45 minutes.  It was good that he took the time out to let me know a lot of stuff.  Anytime you can get advice from someone who’s played at the highest level, that obviously helps.

Also, a good friend of mine, Carl Robinson, who I played with for Wales, gave me a lot of information.  He actually played in Toronto a while ago, before moving onto the Red Bulls and now Vancouver as the assistant manager, so he knows the league well and has seen a lot over the last five or six years.  So I got a lot of good homework done through him as well.

BT: When someone joins a new team, especially in a new country, they aren’t likely to know many people to begin with.  Is there anyone on the team who you’ve hit it off with or hang out with when you’re not playing?

Earnshaw: I mostly hang around with Logan Emory and Reggie Lambe.  Overall though, I think it’s a good dressing room here.  We’ve got a good setup of players who really get on with each other, which is rare to see.  Everyone gets on, so generally we’re all laughing and joking and hanging out with each other.

The great thing about Toronto though, is that you can be on your own and still enjoy the city.  As I said before, everyone is so friendly over here, so I’ve made a lot of friends over the last few months.  You want the best situation possible and it really helps, especially when you move over from the other side of the Ocean.

BT:  Compared to England, how do you find the whole media setup over here, especially with the fact the media are allowed in the locker room after games?

Earnshaw: It definitely took some time to get used to and even now, it still feels so different.  However, it’s refreshing as well.  I mean, I watch a lot of NBA basketball, so I know from that the media go into the dressing rooms.  As such, I feel I was able to adjust quickly, because I was already aware of it.

Don’t get me wrong though, as a British player, it’s still very different coming over and having the media able to see you so soon after a game, especially when you lose!

BT: I know your contract runs out on July 1st.  Has there been any update yet on you staying in Toronto?

Earnshaw: Not yet, but we’ll see in the next couple of weeks, because I’m hoping to stay here.  For me, it’s been brilliant, I’ve really enjoyed it, coming here and working with the coaches and the team.

I have a drive for this soccer team and that’s what I feel coming out every day to training and to play games.  I really want to help push this team further along, because it’s still a progress in terms of where we want to get to.

But yes, in terms of my getting a new contract sorted out, we’ll see.  I’m very calm about it right now, because I’m just concentrating on doing well for the team and helping us win. Everything else will take care of itself.

BT: When you’re away from the game, what do you enjoy doing?

Earnshaw:  I like watching films, but I recently started playing the guitar and found a teacher to help me, so that’s probably my latest passion away from football.  It’s definitely inspiring me, but I hope to eventually move back to learning how to play the piano, which I started years ago   However, it was difficult to keep practising with my travelling around everywhere, which is why the guitar is so good, because  I can be on away trips and still practice

Music in general is a passion for me, both playing and listening.  I’ve been to a few concerts over here, which is fun.  You get to go and watch people and bands more regularly over here, who you might only get the chance to see once every few years in the UK.

Away from music, I just like to enjoy what’s around me.  Toronto’s a great city because you can relax and be free to go out for walks around the city and get to know the place.  As everything’s fresh, you tend to just find things out as you go along and that’s been one of the best things about this experience   It’s a big place, with a lot of people and a lot to do, so it’s good just to be out and about, enjoying the city.

The other thing I like to do is watch basketball, which I love.  When I came over, I went to see the Raptors play as much as possible before the season ended.  I always try to pay attention, so I spend a lot of time watching games.

BT: Thanks for your time Robert. Hopefully your contract situation gets resolved soon and maybe you can put a clip of you playing your guitar on Youtube.

Earnshaw: (Laughs) Thank you and I might actually do that when I get better!

Photo credit: www.torontofc.ca

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In the meantime, the charismatic shortstop has decided to join Vine.  While I find the mobile app a bit hit and miss, if Ben Scrivens recent efforts are anything to go by (here and here), I’m hopeful the entertaining Reyes will give us plenty to smile about.

Here’s his first effort:

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With the non-waiver trade deadline fast approaching, teams are in the process of determining if they fit into the category of buyers or sellers.  Even though July 31st doesn’t actually mean the end of player movement altogether, it still represents a key point in the MLB season.

With playoff hopefuls battling for position, one of the key areas where they are looking to bolster their ranks is in the bullpen.  However, the biggest issue with this is the apparent lack of quality relievers realistically available.

This is why, according to sources, Casey Janssen is receiving a lot of interest from other teams.  Among those reportedly interested in acquiring arguably the Blue Jays best player this season include; the Rays, Tigers and Dodgers.

Janssen, who has only blown one save opportunity in 2013, certainly appears to be an attractive proposition, especially when you include his age (31) and contract.  The former fourth round draft pick is in the final year of a two year $5.9 million deal, which pays him $3.9 million this season. (The Jays hold a $4 million club option for 2014.)

One other factor that further strengthens the Jays bargaining position, is their upturn in form.  As recently as four days ago, Gregg Zaun suggested they should be sellers, but with the team winning five straight and nine out of 12, they are finally in a position to challenge for a playoff spot.

As such, the Blue Jays are now firmly in the driving seat in terms of Janssen.  Certainly, while nobody wants to see him leave, you can guarantee Alex Anthopoulos will make sure any deal for one of his key assets works out favourably for his team.

Theoretically, the loss of Janssen could be made easier by the presence of Sergio Santos, who the Jays bought in specifically to be the closer.  However, questions remain about the durability of the former White Sox player, who is not expected to return until after the All-Star Break.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Paul Sancya

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In all honesty, this is really just an excuse for me to let off some steam about whatever’s on my mind right now.  Plus, why spend good money on therapy, when you can just unload on the general public instead?  In any event, I now present Blue Toro’s inaugural ‘Top 5 thoughts of the week’, influenced (i.e. totally ripped off) by the likes of Peter King and Jason Whitlock.

1) KHALIF MITCHELL

After Ricky Ray, it is my humble opinion that Khalif Mitchell could hold the key to the Argonauts season.  In fact, the defensive tackle may well decide if the Double Blue are to successfully repeat as Grey Cup champions.

Mitchell’s issues with being an Argonauts player have been well documented, since his trade from the BC Lions.  While no one would ever question the talents of one of the CFL’s most feared defenders, this doesn’t help the Double Blue if they can’t even get the guy on the field.

Fortunately, Mitchell seems to have finally accepted playing for the Argonauts, for this season anyway.  In fact, if the above photo is anything to go by, the 2011 CFL All-Star appears to almost be embracing it!  Fingers crossed he remains in a good place mentally, resulting in the Argonauts benefitting on the football field.

2) TROY CORDINGLEY

I’ll pre-empt this rant but almost sabotaging myself and admitting I’m not one of these people who knows the ‘ins and outs’ of the NLL, and more specifically, the Toronto Rock.  Having said that, even after a couple of weeks to reflect, I still don’t agree with the decision to get rid of Troy Cordingley as head coach

Yes, I understand expectations were high after clinching homefield advantage for this seasons playoffs, before being unceremoniously knocked out by the Minnesota Swarm.  However, the fact the Rock were even in this position in the first place was, in large part, because of Cordingley.

This is a guy who took the team to two championship games (winning in 2011) and won two East Division titles’ during his four year tenure.  The last time I checked, that should be more than enough success to keep your coaching gig, regardless of what professional sport you’re involved in.

And while the Rock’s GM, Terry Sanderson, felt fresh leadership was needed, I’m not buying this after such a short run by Cordingley (who, by the way, was named 2013 NLL head coach of the year).  Something doesn’t quite add up and the whole situation has left a bad taste in my mouth.

3) JOSE BAUTISTA

I’m sure I was just one of many people who were annoyed by Jose Bautista’s antics last weekend, when he was ejected in the ninth inning of Sunday’s loss against the Rangers.  After mistakenly believing the first pitch was a ball, he mentally checked out and never recovered.

However, the slugger proved yet again that he has the mental fortitude to bounce back from adversity.  Even though the Jays lost the following night in foggy Chicago, Bautista’s two home-run performance was the perfect response to his critics.

He then followed this up the next evening, by tying the game in the ninth with another homer, which helped catapult the team to a 7-5 victory.  Suddenly, the Jays are on a four game winning streak and have won eight of their last 11.  Maybe, just maybe, this team is finally turning it around.

4) ANDREA BARGNANI

I’ll admit it, I’m one of those people (idiot’s?) who truly believed Andrea Bargnani was going to live long and prosper with the Raptors. (Okay, fine. I went to see the new Star Trek film a few nights ago, which, by the way, is 100 times better than Hangover III.)

However, even I finally accepted this was not going to happen, after the way the Italian performed during this past season.  Not that this stopped me from feeling bad about all the abuse and criticism he received from media and fans alike. Until now.

As per the above photo, taken by Bargnani on holiday in Sabaudua, Italy, this qualifies as reason number 4,759 why we should never, ever, feel sorry for professional athletes.

5) ROBERT EARNSHAW

And finally, we end with the most surreal event of the last seven days: A Toronto FC win! And get this, TFC’s scoring came via an own goal and a ‘towering’ header by Robert Earnshaw, who stands all of 5ft 8.

Seriously though, congratulations to Ryan Nelsen and his team for pulling off the 2-1 win in Washington, D. C.  Even a ridiculous amount of injury time at the end of the second half couldn’t stop Toronto FC getting the well deserved victory.  Hopefully they can double their one-game winning streak next weekend in Houston.

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Let’s hope this kind of consistency becomes the norm for this team, as it will mean more opportunities to see Munenori Kawasaki and Emilio Bonifacio display their celebration dance from last night’s impressive 8-0 win in Texas:

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Actually, given the results of the Jays and TFC so far in 2013, it might not be such a bad thing if fans are still being distracted by the Leafs.  Let’s get to our top athlete sightings of the last seven days:

1) NAZEM KADRI

We start off with Nazem Kadri, who was in Watchfinder looking to buy a watch, which might not be the best of ideas.  It’s probably the last thing Kadri (and his teammates) needs after all the clock-watching they did during the last ten minutes of game 7 against the Bruins.

2) CHAD OWENS

This weeks free pass goes to Chad Owens of the Argonauts, partly because he had such a great season last year.  However, it’s more to do with the advice 9f my lawyer, who was worried about what I might write about his companion in the picture above.

3) BEN SCRIVENS AND MIKE KOSTKA

That awkward moment when you take your wife out, bump into teammate Mike Kostka and realise he has more panache when it comes to pulling off the long hair look.  Some advice Ben, try not to think too much about why Mrs Scrivens want the lights dimmed lower than usual tonight……………

4) JOSE BAUTISTA

Here’s a first; an athlete non-sighting of the week, which took place on Monday during the Blue Jays fog-delay game in Chicago.  In all honesty, it’s most probably the best thing that could have happened to Jose Bautista, after his display of petulance the previous day, when he was ejected from the game against the Rangers.

In fact, I’m sure the Blue Jays as a whole wish they could just hide from the fans, given how results have gone so far this season.

5) MIKHAIL GRABOVSKI

Tyler Bozak is currently in negotiation with the Leafs over a new contract.  Apparently, one potential roadblock is the centre’s insistence on wanting Mikhail Grabovski-type money.

If this is the case, Bozak could do worse than show Leafs management the above photo of a rather drunk looking Grabovski enjoying last weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

6) MIKE ZIGOMANIS

This week’s most impressive athlete sighting goes to the Marlies Mike Zigomanis, who decided to go on a full day hike around Machu Picchua in Peru.  However, despite having all the respect in the world for what he did, even when you’re 7,970 feet above sea level, it’s still possible to notice someone’s bad taste in sweaters.

7) MATT DEVLIN

Apparently these fans bumped into Matt Devlin and had a long chat about the NBA Finals.  And of course, there’s no one better qualified to talk about this than someone who commentates on the Raptors and has previously covered the Charlotte Bobcats and Memphis Grizzlies.

8 ) DION PHANEUF

And finally, this weeks Dion Phaneuf sighting comes to us from a fan who spotted the Leafs defenceman while walking home from school.  Funny how Elisha Cuthbert never seems to be with Phaneuf in any of these photos.

Enjoy your weekend!

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Let’s just hope the Leafs backup goaltender doesn’t get caught out as easily by opposition players next season.

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Hey Toronto, what’s happening?  If you haven’t heard, I’m all man, meaning I can admit when I’ve cocked up.  I used the last couple of weeks as an excuse to show hot women, without wondering if they were really sports fans.  One random picture of some babe in a baseball cap was good enough for me.

It’s gonna be different from now on.  This weeks bird, Emily, actually goes to Blue Jays games.  I can’t tell you much more than that, but we ain’t exactly here to read about her life story are we?

Blonde or brunette, Emily isn’t getting kicked out of bed by Jack Douglas.  Follow her on Instagram @emmyfingaz1 and maybe we can all get a heads up on when she’s next going to a Jays game.  I bet her boyfriend will be thrilled.

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However, one person who can’t be accused of this is Mike Zigomanis.  Yesterday, the Marlies forward decided to go on a 10k run……………..in Milaflores, Peru:

That’s definitely an impressive view, although, personally, I’d rather take it in via a cable cart. (Let’s just say I’m permanently in offseason shape.)

However, while I feel the need to question his sanity, it appears that Zigomanis was preparing for a full day walk around Machu Picchua, which is located 7,970 feet above sea level:

Machu Picchu is often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, which doesn’t surprise me after looking at the photo above.  Mind you, given that I periodically get lost whenever I’m walking around the PATH system in the downtown core, maybe I’m not the best person to comment on this.

In any event, the hike was definitely worthwhile for the former Buffalo Sabres draft pick, as evidenced by this picture:

I have all the respect in the world for what Zigomanis did, but I still can’t excuse his choice of sweater.  Oh well, at least he didn’t provide a builder’s bum shot for his followers.

On a more serious note, Zigomanis, who was the Marlies 2013 nomination for Community man of the year, will be participating in The Longest Day on the 21st June.  The Zigomaniacs’ will be raising funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Click here to donate to Zigomanis and his team, or visit this page, to learn more about the event.

Photo credits: @mikezigomanis

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