1) COLBY RASMUS

Colby Rasmus finally went for a long overdue haircut, dispensing with the long, flowing locks, in favour of…………a mullet?!  I know people often say it doesn’t matter what someone looks like as long as they’re playing well, but there has to be some limits surely?

2) ANDREW WIEDEMAN

Almost at the opposite end of the spectrum was Andrew Wiedeman, seen here modelling a suit for Empire Customs Clothing.  I guess it makes sense, using a young, good looking, professional athlete to promote your company.

Now, if Wiedeman and his teammates could start looking as sharp on the field, I’m sure Toronto FC fans would really appreciate it.

3) CHAD OWENS

The Argonauts Chad Owens this week ‘huddled up’ with the Good to Grill restaurant in Kapahulu, Hawaii, to launch a new ‘Power Up’ menu that helps optimise workouts.  I’m not questioning the quality of the food, but it looks for all the world like the customer Owens is posing with, is basically asking him to pull her finger.

4) JOSE REYES

The sooner Jose Reyes can get back on the field, the better.  In the meantime, here he is posing in his kitchen.  I can only assume he also ate something from Owens new ‘Power Up’ menu.

5) PHIL KESSEL

The Leafs Phil Kessel often receives a lot of unfair criticism for being shy, but this is entirely understandable when you’re having to deal with the vultures, otherwise known as the Toronto media.  And if the above is any indication, I can see why he would also want to keep his distance from the fans.

Yes, Leafs fans are to be applauded for their passion, but with the team out of the playoffs, what sane person would voluntarily walk around dressed like that?  I don’t know what the odds are of his being single, but that’s one bet I’d take.

6) JOFFREY LUPUL

Joffrey Lupul was fortunate enough to be invited onto Paul Allen’s yacht party in Cannes.  I could be more concerned about the Leafs winger taking charge of the yacht without a licence, but, given his recent history, he’s more likely to break down first.

7) QUINCY ACY

It may be the off-season, but that appears to mean nothing to the Raptors Quincy Acy, seen here rehydrating himself after an intense workout.  It’s okay Quincy, you can stop pretending to take your job so seriously.  No one else has done for the Raptors in recent seasons.

8 ) JOSE BAUTISTA

And finally, a couple of fans were thrilled when they thought they had bumped into Jose Bautista.  I know the Blue Jays slugger and his teammates had been coming out flat in games until recently, but this is ridiculous.

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However, more often that not, this is not a fair assessment. What? You want some proof?  Okay, fine.  Look no further than Brandon Morrow’s reaction after giving up back-to-back home runs for the Blue Jays against the Orioles last night:

The best bit about it, is the way everyone else in the dugout goes out of their way not to react, as if someone having an epileptic fit is a normal thing:  “Move along everyone, nothing to see here.”

Fortunately, it didn’t matter too much in the end, as the Blue Jays went on to beat the Orioles 12-6.  However, it was good to see Morrow showing some passion.

In fact, in a lot of ways it reminded me of how Ricky Romero used to react whenever something bad would happen to him…………………….Hold on, that was actually meant to be a positive!

Credit: @gamereax.com

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The Argonauts have just released the following statement:

Mississauga – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is pleased to announce that it has signed import WR Michael Williams.

Drafted 10^th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Williams spent five seasons with the Lions, Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks. In his five years, he played 56 games, accumulating 127 receptions for 1,526 yards and five touchdowns. Williams’ 2010 season in Seattle was his most impressive, as in 14 games he made 65 catches for 751 yards and two touchdowns.

Williams was a dominant college receiver. As a two-year starter at the University of Southern California, he played in 26 games and totalled 176 receptions for 2,579 yards and 30 touchdowns. 

**********

When you mention the name Mike Williams, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘draft bust’.  While this may or may not be fair, there’s no escaping the fact that the former 10th overall NFL draft pick has been a disappointment.

However, a move to the pass-friendly environment of the CFL may be just what the former Detroit Lions wide receiver needs to rejuvenate his career.  And who better to have throwing the ball to you, than the three-time Grey Cup champion, Ricky Ray.

If the USC graduate cannot thrive in Toronto, the chances are he will never fulfil his undoubted potential.  Argonauts fans looking for any positive sign should consider Williams 2010 campaign, which offered a glimpse of what he is capable of achieving under the right circumstances.

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That actually looks like a lot of fun.  And given that the Blue Jays have yet to beat the Yankees in New York this season, we can’t even blame this as the reason for losing both games last weekend.

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As if we even needed it, yesterday’s performance by Jose Bautista against the Tampa Bay Rays provided a reminder that we should never, ever, count him out.  I’m not sure which aspect was more impressive: the two home runs, going four for four, or the fact he accounted for all of the Blue Jays scoring.

In any event, it seemed like a good excuse to show five of our favourite Bautista home runs from his time with the Blue Jays:

1) 50TH HOME RUN

This was indeed a special moment, when Bautista hit his 50th home run during a 1-0 win in 2010 against the Mainers.  What made it even more impressive was that it was one of only two hits Felix Hernandez (who was on his way to winning the AL CY Young award) gave up that day.

It’s just a shame more people weren’t there to see it.  Ironically, in years to come, there will be at least 50,000 people who claimed they were at the Rogers Centre that day to witness the event.

2) OPENING DAY 2011

Entering 2011, fans wondered if the previous season was a one-off, never to be repeated, magical campaign for Bautista.  However, he picked up right where he left off in 2010, hitting a home run on opening day in a 13-3 win against the Twins.

3) THREE HOME RUN PERFORMANCE

This was the moment when we realised beyond all doubt that Bautista’s previous 54 home run campaign was not a fluke.  In fact, he made it look almost too easy, blasting three homers in another rout of the Twins.

4) BAUTISTA VS HALLADAY

Most Blue Jays fans were crestfallen when Roy Halladay left, mostly because he was one of the few consistent bright spots on the team.  However, the great thing about sports is that there is always someone else just around the corner for you to cheer for.

Nowhere was this more evident than when Halladay returned to the Rogers Centre in July 2011 to face Bautista, who managed to hit a solo home run in the 4th inning.  (Of course, we’ll conveniently gloss over the fact Halladay went on to throw a complete game in a 5-3 victory.)

5) FIRST HOME RUN OF 2013

Coming into 2013, there were concerns about if Bautista was fully recovered from the wrist injury that affected his previous season.  Would he be able to retain the violent swing that characterised his hitting style?

Fortunately, down 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth, during the second game of the season against the Indians, Bautista soon dispelled any worries, with his first home run of the year.

Photo credit: @listindiario

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There’s no denying Toronto sports fans have a reputation for booing athletes who previously played in their city.  Some deserve it (Chris Bosh), some don’t (Lyle Overbay) and others, we need to just let it go after nine years. (Vince Carter.)

In any event, we shouldn’t be too surprised that Blue Jays fans have been booing Yunel Escobar, who is currently in town with the Rays for a three-game series.

The question is, does he actually deserve to be booed?  In all honesty, yes and no. Here’s why:

1) HIS TALENT

There’s no denying Escobar has superior talent.  However, for every highlight reel clip created, he has just as many ‘brain-fart’ moments. (That’s the technical term in case you’re wondering.)

For example, the clip above displayed Escobar’s power at its best, as he blasted a grand-slam home run for the Blue Jays.  However, one of the more common complaints usually associated with his time in Toronto, was how he didn’t take full advantage of his explosive hitting power.

2) HIS CELEBRATION ON VICTORIA DAY

After hitting a two-run homer on Monday against the Blue Jays, Escobar pounded his chest with his right fist and flashed his arms wide in a safe sign as he crossed home plate.

On the one side, maybe you shouldn’t be acting like this after all the problems you caused in Toronto last season.  In fact, maybe Escobar shouldn’t be doing this at all, given his reputation in general.  (Remember how relieved the Braves were to get rid of him when he was traded to the Blue Jays?)

However, sport is all about emotion.  Be honest, if you were getting booed by 30,000 people every time you came to bat, wouldn’t you want to respond in kind? (I’m afraid I live by the motto that two wrongs do make a right.)

3) SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS

Despite everything that’s happened, isn’t it nice that Escobar still takes the time to sign autographs for the fans?  Seems like a generous and stand-up thing to do, despite getting booed by the fans.

On the other hand, it’s pretty much part of the unwritten job description for a professional athlete.  In fact, who does Escobar think he is, arrogantly going around offering his autograph to everyone? (Yes, that’s right. We’re only at number three and I’m already struggling to come up with decent reasons.)

4) THE HOMOPHOBIC SLUR

This was pretty much the straw that broke the camel’s back, leading to Escobar leaving town and becoming the main reason/excuse for fans in Toronto to boo him.  But was the intent of the message as sinister as a lot of people believe?

Call me an idiot, naïve, or whatever the hell you want, but I reckon this was a cultural mistake.  I genuinely think Escobar has grown up in the type of environment where this type of language is used (and accepted) regularly.

I refuse to believe he fully appreciated how much of a backlash this would cause.  Also, as has been pointed out before, it is almost like the guy was being thrown under the bus to distract the fans from a season that turned into a disaster after the All-Star break. Are you really telling me no one from the Blue Jays saw the message before the players stepped out onto the field?

However, this still remains as the toughest one to defend on Escobar’s behalf.  There are no circumstances when gay slurs should be used in professional sports.  With the possible exception of any scenario where the two athletes involved in a slanging match are both gay. In that case, it’s just ironic.

So there you have it, four reasons why Blue Jays fans should and shouldn’t boo Escobar.  I won’t hold my breath as to which scenario is likely to be more prominent during todays game at the Rogers Centre…….

Photo credit: @www.mysanantonio.com

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Although the Blue Jays lost 4-3 to the Rays last night (including Kelly Johnson, who predictably followed the lead of other former Jays players, by hitting a solo home run), one of the bright spots was Steve Delabar.  The pitcher came in for one inning and didn’t give up any runs or hits.

However, the fact Delabar is even pitching at all, is pretty astounding in itself.  Look no further than the tattoo on his right elbow in the picture above, which covers a surgery scar.

In 2009, while playing for the Brockton Rox of the Canadian-American Association, Delabar suffered a fractured right elbow.  The injury was so bad, he had to have a steel plate and nine screws embedded into his elbow to stabilize it during surgery.

When you look at that x-ray, the fact the former Seattle Mariner has a fastball that averages in the mid-nineties, is phenomenal.  It’s just a pity other pitchers on the Jays staff haven’t responded as well to surgery.

(Not that I’m naming names or anything………….Dustin McGowan!)

Photo credits: atomicbolt & www.brobible.com

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Argonauts running back Chad Kackert was born in California and went to college in New Hampshire.  After going undrafted in 2010, Kackert participated in training camp for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but was ultimately released.

Kackert eventually signed for the Argonauts in 2011, but found himself sixth in the depth chart.  However, as a result of hard work and perseverance, things finally came together last season, with Kackert becoming starting running back after the controversial release of Cory Boyd.

The move proved to be a success, with Kackert helping his team reach the 100th Grey Cup, where he was named MVP in the Argonauts 35-22 victory over the Calgary Stampeders.  In the first of Blue Toro’s new series of interviews, we sat down with Kackert to ask him about his off-season, last year’s Grey Cup and how close he really was to joining the NFL.

BT: Chad, thank you for taking the time to speak to us. How has your off-season been going?

Chad Kackert: The off-season’s been good thanks.  I’ve just been training and making a move up here. I’ve now got my own place in Mississauga, near where we train and I’m just getting settled in.

BT: Jim Barker said you having several offers from the NFL, before ultimately deciding to resign with the Argonauts.  How tough a decision was it?

Kackert: It was a really tough decision actually.  It involved a lot of back and forth, but when it came down to it and the offers were on the table, it was really about going where people believe in and trust you. Ultimately, there was no question on where that was.

BT: I have to ask, what was the experience like of winning the Grey Cup last season?

Kackert: It was kind of surreal actually.  It seemed to happen really fast.  We made the playoffs, and after beating Saskatchewan to guarantee a home playoff game, we thought we had a real opportunity to do something special.

It was really exciting.  We were 9-9 and who knew what was going to happen. And then everyone seemed to come together for that second period of the Edmonton game, when we set the playoff record for points in a quarter.  It was pretty much right there that we set sail, which I guess is a fitting term for an Argonaut! (Laughs)

After that, we knew we had a tough match up in Montreal, but we went there and took care of that.  Then, when Ricky (Ray) took the knee, I thought: ‘Wow, we’re going to the Grey Cup in Toronto!’

That week leading up to the game seemed a little longer, just getting ready for it all.  I actually had time to enjoy the build up.  Then, when it came down to it, for the first time I think since high school, when I ran out onto the field I just decided: ‘I’m going to have fun tonight.’

This wasn’t about winning a job or about making the playoffs or winning the East.  We were getting to go and play football for the last time this year, so I had to take advantage of it.  I think that’s how everybody felt, so we went out there and kept sailing and the rest was history.

BT: In terms of how you got to this point, I recently shared a photo from a few years ago where you were sixth on the depth chart.  I know you always have to have belief in yourself and a lot of mental fortitude, but was there ever a point where you were close to giving up? 

Kackert: Well, it was definitely tough.  The long story is that I got picked up by Jacksonville and I was last on the depth chart there.  I had a lot of good feedback, but I was still cut.  Then I went to Calgary and got cut again.

At this point, I then found myself coming to Toronto, where I thought I was wanted, and I was sixth on the depth chart! I was thinking: ‘My God, this isn’t like college’. (Laughs) I mean, I knew I had work to do, but then I was dealing with a hamstring issue and I didn’t think I could run.

I thought maybe I’d done enough in the first preseason game, but then I went on the field in Winnipeg and ran around and could feel the hamstring given me some problems.  However, they said I had to still give it a go and play, no matter how good or bad I felt.

So I went and played, but luckily it held up and I had a touchdown run at the end of the game.  After that, things just opened up and since then it feels like it’s just been destiny.

BT: I’m sure you don’t want to look too far ahead at the moment, but have you given any thought about your future after you finish playing? Do you think you’ll stay in football or do you have any other plans and ideas?

Kackert: I’ll be honest, it’s kind of all up in the air. I do know I want to keep my family and the ones I love, close. Again, I want to be where I’m wanted and I’m sure it’ll all sort itself out.

BT: Just finally, can you give fans a little bit of an insight into what you like to do in your spare time, whether it be hobbies, relaxing, or whatever.

Kackert: It actually changes a lot, depending on where I am.  At the moment, because I’m living on my own, I have a little bit more free time. More recently, I’ve been learning how to cook.  I’ve also been teaching myself Polish, partly because my girlfriend’s parents are from Poland.

Outside of training, I’ve actually been watching Lost.  I’ve got three episodes to go in the final season.  I don’t know how it ends, but I’m looking forward to it, so that’s one great way to waste time!

Other than that, I’m just cooking, but also keeping my place clean and trying to keep my mind fresh.  Right now, I’m also transitioning back into studying the plays and getting ready for training camp.

BT: Sounds like you’re definitely keeping yourself busy.  I can’t guarantee you’ll like the way Lost ends, but overall, it is a great series.  Good luck with the new season and thanks a lot for your time.

Kackert: My pleasure.

Photo credits: www.argonauts.ca

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You pretty much know you’ve made it in life, if you find yourself at a yacht party in Cannes on the French Riviera.  To say it’s tough to get an invite, is an understatement.

It normally requires you to be rich, famous, talented and good looking like, say, P Diddy. (Well, I guess three out of four isn’t bad.)  As such, maybe we shouldn’t be too surprised that this ‘exclusive’ list now includes  Joffrey Lupul .

The Leafs winger was lucky enough to be invited to Paul Allen’s yacht party in Cannes.  I just hope he remembered to follow the required etiquette for such events.

I could be bitter about Lupul getting to go to such an exclusive party.  However, the guy deserves the chance to unwind after all his recent injury woes, combined with the way this season ended for the Leafs.

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is reportedly the 53rd-richest person in the world and I guess when you have that kind of money, you don’t worry about much. How else can you explain Lupul being allowed to take charge of his yacht, despite not having the appropriate licence:

When you’re in the company of the rich and famous, it must be tough to stand out from the crowd.  However, Lupul was up to the challenge, proving that his talents extend beyond an ability to stay upright and hit a puck:

There’s no denying that the ability to play the piano is a pretty cool talent to have.  However, I’ll be much more impressed if Mr Lupul continues to make sweet music on the ice next season.

Photo credits: @JLupul

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As such, Blue Toro have rebranded this feature as the ‘Top Toronto sports fan of the week’.  This way, it will be clearer what to be expect, and readers can then decide for themselves if they want to ’read’ the article or not.

This week, we introduce Zara, who lives in Toronto and appears to be a Leafs fan.  However, s0mething tells me you won’t care too much about this:

Yep, Zara’s definitely a Leafs fan.  For some reason, that last photo clinched it for me……

For anyone who’s interested, you can follow Zara on Twitter @Zara9lives and on Tumblr at http://zaramansion.tumblr.com/

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