Tyler in Thornhill, Ontario asks…

Should Alexander Ovechkin be suspended for his hit on Brian Campbell?

Answer: Yes

Alexander Ovechkin’s hit on Brian Campbell was a clear attempt to injure. One may make a compelling argument that too many steamboats passed before the Capitals’ forward nailed Campbell. But, the lateness of the check was insignificant.

The problem was the angle of the hit. The Blackhawks’ defenseman was facing the end boards. Ovechkin pushed Campbell into the boards from behind. The Russian sniper appropriately received a match penalty for the vicious hit.

Now, the National Hockey League ought to throw the book at Ovie. His dangerous check warrants at least a five-game suspension.

Click here to see Ovechkin’s vicious hit on Campbell.

Alexis in Ottawa, Ontario asks…

Why is Cito Gaston the manager for one year?

Answer: The higher ups

Sixty-five year old Cito Gaston, arguably the worst field manager in Major League Baseball, is entering his final season in the Blue Jays’ dugout. The obvious question must therefore be asked. Why not replace him this year?

The answer reeks of meddling from the higher ups, particularly president Paul Beeston. Frankly, it does not fit the rebuilding mold of general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

Beeston and Gaston have a history. The two won a couple World Series rings together in 1992 and ’93.

2010 should be an ugly year for Toronto. As such, leaving Gaston, a local hero, at the helm makes business sense.

Cole in Thornhill, Ontario asks…

Are you a fan of the NHL’s new headshot rules?

Answer: Yes!

Upon approval from the National League’s board of governors and competition committee, new headshot legislation will be in place next season.

A hit to the head from the back or side will be outlawed. Put simply, a shoulder hit to the cranium will only be legal if a player is skating towards a hitter. Blindside hits will be banned.

While the NHL should ban concrete shoulder and elbow pads, the recent ruling is progress. Penalizing blows to unsuspecting players will not eliminate physicality from the game. But, it will make the sport safer.

Brett in Toronto, Ontario asks…

Who is the best baseball player of all-time?  

Answer: We will never know.

Sports fans have a desire to quantify and rank athletes’ careers. Put simply, people want to know who the best was.

While analysts, statistic junkies, et al claim to have accurate lists, these declarations are based on incomplete evidence. Statistics cannot wholly account for the differences between eras. Changes in technology, competitions levels, the coaching focus, and the degree of racial equality (to name a few) ensure that juxtapositions of players from many decades will always be lacking.

As such, historical grades and “all-time rosters” are mere speculation.

Babe Ruth could have been an average player if he played today.

Answers:

Sammy in Thornhill, Ontario asks…

Roth, can you name 13 things that are as useless than watching hours of coverage of yesterday’s trade deadline?

There are an infinite number of things that are as useless as yesterday’s National Hockey League trade deadline coverage. But to ensure pragmatism, here are thirteen:

1. A teenager’s text messages
2. Sarah Palin’s foreign policy
3. A Don Cherry lecture on tolerance
4. The locution “whether or not” (whether implies not)  
5. Louis Vuitton and Juicy pet clothing
6. The NDP singing O Canada to protest Harper’s prorogation
7. North American airport security
8. TMZ
9. Epic Movie
10. Plans for a Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup parade
11. A sleeveless shirt in the Arctic
12. The “Shoes” video on You Tube
13. Most Guinness world records

Richard in Toronto, Ontario asks…

Of significant players who have not been rumored to be on the move at the deadline, who do you think may be dealt?

Answer: Nobody

Two major trades were completed before the deadline-the Kovalchuk and Phaneuf deals.

Usually, players whose names have floated around the rumor mill are the ones who are moved. Shocking transactions do not typically occur, as most eleventh hour trades involve expiring contracts and depth players. As such, an unmentioned superstar moving is unlikely. Alexei Ponikarovsky, Dennis Seidenberg, Ray Whitney, Lee Stempniak, Scott Walker, Aaron Ward, Kamil Kreps, Carlo Colaicavo, Keith Tkachuk, Ethan Moreau, Mike Comrie, Jason Strudwick, and Sheldon Souray (among others) should be at the forefront.  

TSN and Sportsnet may boast that deadline day is always very busy. The reality is that most of the trades are insignificant. This year is unlikely to bean exception.

Yesterday, Simon in Buffalo, New York asked which MLB team is most improved heading into the 2010 season. On the flipside, which club has been most weakened?

Answer: The Los Angels of Anaheim

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim had a devastating off-season. The franchise lost three of its best players, including the versatile Chone Figgins, ace John Lackey, and relief pitcher Darren Oliver.

With Figgins out of the fold, the Angels has lost one of the best leadoff hitters in the game. In 158 contests last year, the Leary, Georgia native stole 42 bases and posted a sparkling .395 on-base percentage. While the club with the worst name in sports has plenty of options for the first spot in the batting order, namely Erick Eybar and Maicer Izturis, Figgins was the most attractive choice. Unfortunately for manager Mike Scioscia, he will see his former third baseman often, for the Angels and Chone’s new team, the Seattle Mariners, are in the same division.

When Lackey signed with the Boston Red Sox, the Halos lost its ace. The University of Texas at Arlington alumnus recorded a 3.83 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 27 2009 starts. (more…)

Simon in Buffalo, New York asks…

Jake, the MLB’s Spring training is here and I couldn’t be more excited. Which team do you think has improved the most I like the Mariners. Your thoughts?

 Answer: Seattle Mariners

Your assessment is sound, Simon!

With the additions of Cliff Lee, Chone Figgins, and Milton Bradley, the Seattle Mariners, barring injuries, should compete with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a division title in the American League West.

The M’s now possess the best 1-2 punches in Major League Baseball.

Offensively, Ichiro Suzuki and Figgins should be a force to be reckoned with. Last season, they posted .386 and .395 on-base percentages respectively. Their career OBP are .378 and .363 correspondingly. Both men have excellent speed. (more…)