Raptor Ramblings

It's been many months since my draft night comments about the
Raptors. Although my beloved ball team is headed for another trip to the lottery, it has been an entertaining season.

With more than 50 games played so far, I have seen parts or all of about 80% and many of the losses have been heart breakers. The win-loss record is skewed partly by the poor start at 1-15 and partly by the Raps inability to take control of numerous close games. As I type, they've just lost their 6th overtime game - to the Hawks no less. (And wow does Josh Smith look like a nice 6th man to have. Never thought I'd say that.)

The rookies are doing about as well as you could ask. Charlie V is turning out to be a pretty good pick so far (I'd still rather have him than Channing Frye), while Calderon and Graham show some promise for the future.

The trade to bring A.D. back to town and clear cap space soon will hopefully lead to the signing of a free agent or two in the summer. I still miss Jalen though. That guy is a baller as they say, an entertaining quote, and I wish he could have been part of a better team here.

Bosh is having a great season. Mo Pete has really impressed me - and that's saying something. I'm split on Mike James in that I'd love to see him back here but fear he will command too much on the open market considering what guys like Earl WAtson got last year.

The move to get Collangelo in as president and general manager looks good, especially with Embry sticking around too. And Sam seems to have settled down as a Coach. Plus what can you say about Jim Todd, his assistant? The guy sure looks to be a good compliment to the staff.

Here's hoping for a nice first round draft selection again this year - maybe a good young shooting guard to come off the bench - and ideally the re-signing of James, Bosh, and enough left over to pick up Pryzbilla at centre.

I'll keep watching the games this season but until next October, my playoff hopes will shift to the newly re-tooled Blue Jays! Go Jays Go!