WCT
Now we all know that Manitoba's six-time Canadian curling champion Jennifer Jones has made numerous fantastic pressure-packed shots in her long illustrious career but the one she pulled off to win the Home Hardware Canada Cup championship ranks right up there with the best. Making her best shot, I think, since that miraculous "in-off" to win the 2005 Scotties, Jones made a very difficult run back double to count three to virtually seal her fourth Canada Cup title, yet another record for her legacy. Many would have you believe that her game has diminished somewhat over the years but the results speak for themselves, meaning she is still the best in the land.
Brad Jacobs' rink won the men's HHCC title with a win over Kevin Koe that was also played in Estevan, Sask. It should also be mentioned how well Mark Kennedy played in the tournament, filling in for Jacobs' regular third Ryan Fry, who didn't play after his self-imposed suspension for his classless drunken and rude behaviour at an event in Red Deer last month. He's expected back soon but I wonder after this big win, just how keen the Ontario boys, deep down inside, will be in accepting him back into the fold. I'm sure they'll welcome him back but he may be on a proverbial short leash.
MLB
Talk about breaking the bank! Baseball's winter meetings begin this Monday and by all indications it should be a very fruitful week for a couple of superstar players who plan to capitalize on their tremendous talents as free agents. And their timing couldn't be better! Both OF Bryce Harper and Manny Machado will command such ridiculous astronomical contracts that you will shake your head, roll your eyes and make you sick to your stomach. Remember, Harper has already turned down an eight-year, $300 million offer from the Nationals, who are now out of the running.
So whether it's the Dodgers, Yankees, Cubs, White Sox or the odds-on favourite, the Phillies (I know, I can't believe it either), the bank will surely be broken big time. There are also obviously many other factors that these players will no doubt have to consider before they sign on the dotted line such as: team potential, type of ball park, type of manager and/or teammates, climate, family considerations, home town discount and cultural exposure but I guarantee you one important thing that their agents will bring up and that is... TAXES! With the kind of money we're talking about, it can make a difference of over $20 million over the life of the contract and that's something one cannot overlook. For example, some states, like Florida and Nevada (where Harper is from), don't even have a state income tax.
One final thought, if these players were wise, they would defer some of their compensation to future years, meaning spreading their salary payments over a longer time period. Bobby Bonilla of the NY Mets did this. He retired way back in 2001 but he still receives $2 million each and every year, and will until 2035. Love it!
MJHL
The Oil Caps are slowly but surely moving up the ladder, currently sitting in sixth place and now only five points out of third place. If they can move up a couple more positions before Santa comes, they'll be in good shape when the second half of the season (2019) comes around. Their next home game is Friday night when the Winkler Flyers touch down for a visit to TOGP. Until next time....
