The End Of Salami And Cheese...

It is a sad, sad day in Toronto. In fact, it's the end of an era. Chuck Swirsky, the voice of the Toronto Raptors, is leaving town and heading south to Chicago. This is, as they say, fucking brutal.

Chuck...the Swirsk...*cue silent moments of reflection*

Man, I am going to miss him. To think that there won't ever be another call to "get out the salami and cheese" is heartbreaking. Quite. I think this hurts even more than the severe rapeage playoff ouster at the hands of Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic.

Chuck was a rudey. Still is. Was hands down the best play-by-play announcer in this city. Joe Bowen is up there but I think Chuck's, well, Chuckisms put him over the top. It's hard to imagine a Raptors game without the standard Swirsky sound bites:







Toronto's loss is Chicago's gain. Swirsky is returning to the Windy City and will be calling Bulls games on Chicago radio. It is, as Doug Smith so kindly reports, stricly a family-oriented move. Say what you want about the Swirsk, but you can't hate on him for putting family first.

I'll miss him on The Fan 590 and, of course, on Raptors telecasts next season. I'll really miss the salami and cheese. But I wish him well. Thanks for the memories, Swirsky.

(On a side note, I wonder, can he take Leo Rautins with him?)

A Professional Baller

How god-awful are the Miami Heat? Coming off a five game losing streak and a 2-8 record without CB4 in the lineup, there was no better cure for what was ailing the Toronto Raptors than the so-called "basketball team" from the sunny confines of south Florida.

The Raps, with Bosh back in the lineup, opened up a can of whoop ass against the Heat on Wednesday night, the likes of which haven't been seen around these parts before. It was the biggest win in Toronto franchise history, a 42-point margin with a final score that read 96-54. The Raptors scored more points in the first half - 58 - than the Heat managed all game. If that doesn't blow you away, this should: Chuck Swirsky brought out the salami and cheese with three minutes left...in the second quarter.

It's been a tough season for Miami. Those of us who play sports have all been in the situation where the team you're up against is just a gazillion times better than yours. You know it, the opposition knows it, and you don't have a prayer. It's not fun, and I can't imagine Wednesday night was for anyone involved with the Miami organization - players, coaches and fans. The Heat's 54 points were the third-lowest in NBA history and they shot an unbelievable 26% from the floor. What a bunch of chucker's. I'm not sure the Heat roster could beat any one of the NCAA college squads. They're that bad.

Anyways, Bosh is back, and it will be interesting to see if the Raptors struggles are behind them. With only a handful of games left in the season and the team only two games above .500, I'm not sure how high expectations can really be going into the playoffs.

Perhaps the recent dive in the standings - thanks to a Bosh-less roster and a seriously erratic T.J. Ford - is a blessing in disguise. Perhaps more losses is exactly what this team needs in order to, well, I'll be honest, avoid the Cleveland Cavaliers and King James in the playoffs.

The Eastern Conference is downright brutal, so there's no worries about missing the playoffs. The New Jersey Nets are proud owners of a 29-39 win-loss record and currently occupy the eighth and final playoff spot. That is sad. By comparison, the Denver Nuggets of the supreme Western Conference, who spanked the Raptors last week, own a 40-28 record - 12 freakin' games over .500! - and they're two and a half games out of a playoff spot. It just goes to show that life isn't fair.

If the season ended today the Dinos would open the playoffs on the road in Cleveland. Not good. Nobody can guard Lebron, especially the Raptors. And LBJ has been known to light it up at the Air Canada Centre. We must avoid the King, at all costs. The Orlando Magic, whom the Raptors line up much better against, are comfortably in third place in the East, trailing Detroit by five games and ahead of the Cavs by five and a half. With that being said, the Raptors need to finish sixth. Straight up. Let the Washington Wizards and super douche Gilbert Arenas, who trail the Raptors by only half a game in the standings, deal with Lebron.

I hate to say that I want the Raptors to lose, but I really don't want to see a first-round match up with Lebron James. The Raptors are still a couple of pieces away from being a true contender and this is another "gain some playoff experience" year, but they've got to make it out of the first round to gain said experience. Against LBJ and the Cavs, that ain't happening.

On to the title of this post. It's time to show some love to Rasho Nesterovic. Although the Raptors got their tails handed to them while Bosh was out, Rasho was awesome in his absence. If former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Frank Catalanotto is a "professional hitter," then my main man Rasho is a "professional baller." He never complains about playing time but is always ready when called upon. He's a pro and he goes out on the floor and competes. Rasho has seen limited minutes this year as the super inconsistent Andrea Bargnani starts every night but going forward, if the Raptors want to win a playoff round, Rasho has to play. Plain and simple.

In the 10 games that Rasho started while Bosh dealt with his knee injury, he was workmanlike and consistent in his contributions. He averaged 13.2 points and 7.3 rebounds a night as a starter and shot a beautiful 53.7% from the field. Rasho can still bring it at both the offensive and defensive end. He commands respect and really sets the tone for the Raptors defense, and that's huge because if there's one thing the Raptors can't do, it's defend and rebound.

Wednesday night in the practice against the Heat, with SMitch easing Bosh back into the lineup, Rasho played 30 minutes, scored 12 points on six-of-nine shooting, and picked up four rebounds, four assists and three blocks. I love Rasho Nesterovic.

In the playoffs last year against the Nets, Rasho started the first four games of the series. However, his minutes went down after the second game. He only played a touch under 11 minutes in game four, less than two minutes in game five, and didn't get on the floor in the sixth and final game of the series. Sam Mitchell, I demand more Rasho in this year's playoffs. He's clearly still got game and for a big man has some pretty good range. He can hit the long jumper and has even got a sweet hook shot.

As you can see, I'm big on Rasho Nesterovic. And you should be too. He's a professional baller and can only help the Toronto Raptors.

On that note, it's the long weekend, so I'm off to the great city of Cleveland, Ohio, to take in the Raptors and Cavaliers game (yes, it's true, I will be missing the Leafs game). And for the record, I'm not going to see Lebron. I'm going to see Rasho.

Oh, and I'm with Doug Smith. The boo-age by Raptors fans against the Heat, because they didn't score 100 points to get the fans their precious pizza, was lame. Seriously lame. The Raptors won by 42 points for Christ's sake, and they were booed? Come on Toronto, we're better than that. That's something the folks over in Ottawa or Montreal would do.

A New Jersey Night

It was all about the Garden State last night. The Leafs were in Newark visiting the New Jersey Devils while the Raptors were in the swamp looking to avenge last year's playoff-series loss against the New Jersey Nets.

The Good News

Let's go with the good news first: the Raptors look mighty fine after their first two games of the season. Visiting the Nets for the first time since their season ended in New Jersey last year, the Raptors were looking for a big game. They wanted to show the Nets that this wasn't the same team that lost a hard fought first-round series last year. And the Raptors delivered. Big time.

T.J. Ford called it a "statement game." The Raptors wanted this one and, after getting off to a slow start in the first quarter - they were one-for-seven from the field - they beat up on the Nets. It was rather enjoyable to watch. The final score was a joke. 106-69 for our boys in red and black. The Raps shot 51% from the floor and 59% from beyond the arc. It was, as my main man Chuck Swirsky would say, raining three's out there.

Speaking of the Chuck, I love the guy. It's good to have him back on the air calling Raptors games, along with the lovable Jack Armstrong (Hello!!). I'm still not sold on Leo Rautins, but I certainly love the Chuck and Jack combo.

Swirsky is fast becoming my favourite Toronto sports play-by-play man. Jamie Campbell calls a mean Toronto Blue Jays game on the tube (he's done a good job since taking over a couple of years ago), and Joe Bowen and his "Holy Mackinaw!" will always have a special place in my heart, but Chuck Swirsky really brings passion to his broadcasts. He's enjoying himself out there, and it rubs off on the viewer. And he's always bringing out the onions and, of course, the salami and cheese, mamma. Love the Swirsk.

Some perspective on last night's game:
- Toronto went on a 20-4 run in the second quarter to pull away for the rest of the night.
- The Nets had as many assists as they did turnovers (19 a piece).
- The Raptors had six players in double figures in scoring, compared to only one for New Jersey (Jefferson had 27 points while the next most (err, least?) productive Net was Krstic, with nine).
- The Nets scored a combined 28 points (eww) in the second half of the ball game (the Raptors scored 50).
- At one point in the fourth quarter the Raps were up 98-56, a whopping 42 points.

There's no other way to put it - the Raptors bitch-slapped the New Jersey Nets last night. Back-handed!

Bosh even hit a half-court hail mary to end the second half. It, of course, brought out the "Onions, baby onions!" from Chuck Swirsky. Anything less would have been uncivilized.

The Raptors are now off to a solid 2-0 start to their season, and what makes it even more impressive is that Chris Bosh has seen limited minutes in the teams first two games. His conditioning is not where it needs to be, but it doesn't matter, because the Raptors deep bench is coming through. Last night the second unit (Calderon, Dixon, Delfino, and Nesterovic) was the catalyst in laying the smacketh downeth upon New Jersey.

Andrea Bargnani has looked tremendous in the first two games of the new campaign. He was 7-11 from the field last night, including 4-6 from three point land. The guy is just money. And I'm talking Canadian dollars here folks - none of that weak U.S. chump-change. I mean, Il Mago barely even jumps when he takes his three-point shots. His stroke is just bellissimo. I can't say enough about this kid. He impresses me more and more every time I watch him play. Bargnani's quick enough to put the ball on the floor, but he can also burn you from way outside. He's the total package. And only 22 years young. And yes, Toronto, he's all ours. I'll admit it, he makes me salivate.

"TJ Calderon" has also been off the charts in the first two games of the year. The line from game one from the point guard position, you ask? 27 points, 16 assists, and ONLY 2 turnovers. The line last night, you ask? 18 points, 15 assists and ONLY 3 turnovers. I'm telling you folks, "TJ Calderon" is a beautiful thing. Embrace it. Appreciate it. Enjoy it.

And how about Carlos Delfino? I'm loving this guy already. He's finally getting a chance to play some regular minutes, and he's showing that he can do just that - play. He's picking up rebounds, picking up some points and, most importantly of all, playing solid defense. His Majesty Bryan Colangelo can simply do no wrong.

I'm looking forward to Sunday when Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics are in town. Should be a doozy, and another good test for the Toronto Raptors to show that they are, no matter what anyone says, the class of the Atlantic Division.

The Bad News

Oh yeah, the bad news, ugh, those bloody Maple Leafs. It was the Buds' first visit to the Devils' new home, The Prudential Center. Seemed like nice digs. Anything was going to be better than their old arena out in East Rutherford. Oddly enough, the Nets still play out of the old building, now the IZOD Centre. Speaking of which, whatever happened to Jay-Z moving the Nets to Brooklyn? Hmm.

It was another weak effort by the Leafs, especially the usually-reliable Tomas Kaberle and Mats Sundin. Both had third period's to forget. The Devils ended up taking the game 3-2, thanks to a short-handed goal by the speedy John Madden, who rifled a bullet past Vesa Toskala and off the post to give the Devils a 2-1 lead late in the third. The goal was, as they say, a back-breaker.

I'm not sure what the hell Kaberle was thinking about on the Madden goal. He had a chance to at least get a pinky on him, but he didn't, and I'm not sure why. Once again, Kaberle and company left their goalie out to dry. A couple of minutes later, Zach Parise scored on his fourth freaking attempt on Toskala, with Kaberle standing around watching the whole play. How was the view, Tommy? Geez.

I thought Kaberle and Sundin played a pathetic game last night - the emotion and hustle simply wasn't there. I couldn't see it, and it hurt. How can the two guys who wear the "C" and the "A" on their shoulder look like they don't give a rats ass? It's distressing.

What makes it all sting even more is that the Madden goal came while the Leafs were on the power play. Jason Blake decided to shoot the puck while four guys stood in front of him. It, obviously, hit a skate and off to the races went Madden. Kaberle should have been able to catch him, but he was leisurely skating back, assuming Blake would grab him. That's the essence of the problem with the Leafs right now. There's no accountability. It's always up to the other guy. In the end, Toskala is the one who has to deal with his obese goals against average and his lame save percentage because the guys in front of him are not bringing the effort.

Before I forget, I've got to take another opportunity to bash Andy Wozniewski. He played seven minutes and 18 seconds last night, and was on the ice for two New Jersey goals. Does anyone else see a trend developing here? The one that whenever this useless dude is on the ice, the other team scores? Is it just me? Unbelievable. But I'm sure he'll be right back in the lineup tonight. That's just how the Leafs roll.

Madden's goal was the fourth short-handed goal the Leafs have already allowed this season. That's ridiculous, absurd, preposterous, outrageous! (Think Jackie Chiles from Seinfeld.)

The power play, which was so good and often the savior last year, is just killing this team. It's not getting the job done and it's simply time for a change. Put some new guys out there, Maurice. The Gamache's and Kilger's. There's no power on the Leafs power play and if that doesn't change this team is just going to continue to dig it's own grave. It's clear how much the team misses Kyle Wellwood's creativity on the power play when the little guy is out of the lineup.

Speaking of creativity, here's a thought for Alexei Ponikarovsky: raise the puck! Poni had a wide open net in the second period but was robbed by Martin Brodeur's paddle. All he had to do was raise the puck 2 inches, and the Leafs would have had the lead. Ponikarovsky's hands of stone just break my heart sometimes. He's got four goal, and it's looking like 27 is going to be a mission.

I'm not sure if Toronto's salary cap situation would allow it but John Ferguson Jr. should definitely inquire about Peter Forsberg. The Leafs, although Antropov has done an amazing job, could really use another centre. Antropov's proven he can play on the wing and I really don't think Kilger and Devereaux are the best linemates for him.

Matt Stajan has cooled off considerably since his hot start (shocking, absolutely shocking) and he still can't win a god-damn faceoff. The Leafs are one of the worst face-off teams in the league. The only guy who can win one on the regular is Sundin. Forsberg would be a much-needed addition to this team. He's as creative as they come, and he can win a draw or two. Plus, the more time the Leafs spend in the other team's zone, the less chance the puck has of going in to the Toronto net.

(Just for the record, I know Forsberg won't end up in Toronto. Why would he join the Leafs? He's not an idiot. Just let me dream.)

It doesn't get much easier for the Leafs tonight. They're in Montreal to face a hot Canadiens team and in light of the back-to-back games, it looks like my favourite goalie in the whole wide world Andrew Raycroft will get the start in net. Oh, the joy! Raycroft has had multiple chances to step in, play well, and force Maurice to start him. Monday night against Washington when Toskala was pulled was another chance, but one thing keeps getting in the way: the fact that he sucks.

I must admit that even though Toskala is getting most of the work in goal, I still loathe Raycroft.

I must also admit, however, that the Toronto Raptors make the Maple Leafs continuous struggles much easier to swallow...

Statement Game

Take a good look at that picture - Chris Bosh actually looks like a dinosaur! He is a true Raptor. And he was dynamite last night against the Orlando Magic, thoroughly outplaying his all-star counterpart Dwight Howard.

It was a match up of two all-star big men - with nicknames that I love. CB4 against The Great Dwight Hope. When it comes to nicknames, I've got to go with Howard's, but when it comes to game, I'm with Bosh everyday of the week.

I'm not too sure where The Great Dwight Hope ranks on my favourite nicknames list, but it's up there. I do, however, know what comes in first on my least favourite nicknames list - The Big Fundamental. That's Tim Duncan's nickname. Amazingly, the nickname actually works - he really is The Big Fundamental. It's just so boring. Just like Duncan's game, I guess. But it's still the worst nickname ever.

Although the Raptors were facing an Orlando team with disappointing 31-37 record, this was, in fact, a statement game. My friends, I have bad news. The Raptors have been contaminated. The injury bug the Maple Leafs have suffered from all hockey season has been contracted by the Toronto Raptors. I can't even call this a bug anymore. It's a plague. The MLSE Injury Plague. It's wreaked havoc on the Raptors and Leafs all year long, and it struck mercilessly Tuesday night.

Word dropped Wednesday afternoon that Andrea Bargnani had emergency appendectomy surgery late Tuesday night. Out two to four weeks, at least. Big Rook, as he is so affectionately called by his teammates, will be sorely missed.

That left the Raptors without the services of Il Mago, Anthony Parker, and Jose Calderon for last night's game against Orlando. That's one starter (AP), and the top two guys off the bench. Oh, and Bargnani is a candidate for Rookie Of The Year, and should deservedly win it. This isn't good news. Not now, a month before the playoffs and at a time the Raptors need all hands on deck to secure their first division title in franchise history.

Wasn't it just yesterday the Raptors played their first game at the Skydome? They grow up so fast, these sports teams...

Back to reality - the Raps haven't exactly been tearing it up since the All-Star break. They've been inconsistent in all areas of the game and have just been blown out of the water in the rebounding department as of late. After getting beaten soundly by the Rockets and Knicks on the weekend, questions have arisen as to whether CB4 is running out of gas and whether the Raptors will be able to close out the division. Are they looking through their rear view at the Nets and Knicks? Or will they be able to show killer instinct and run away with a division they should win?

Chris Bosh answered those questions tonight with a dominating performance. And he was helped along the way by TJ Ford. Guys are going to have to step up in the absence of Calderon, Parker and now Bargnani, but it's going to come down to the team's best players, Bosh and Ford, to lead the way, and they certainly did last night.

Kris Humphries, Mo Pete, Juan Dixon and Joey Graham are all going to see increased minutes due to all the injuries. Humphries has been good off the bench this year and I think he deserves some more playing time. He can run the floor, something Hoffa could never really do. TJ Ford loves to make late passes when nobody is expecting it, and I've seen Humphries catch the ball and take it to the rim. If that were Hoffa, Ford's pass would probably hit him in the head. I still can't believe the Utah Jazz traded Kris Humphries for Rafael Araujo. Idiots.

Graham and Mo Pete really need to step it up. Mo Pete has seen his minutes go down significantly since the arrival of Juan Dixon, and it's been the right decision. MP3 - another weak, weak nickname - isn't playing with a lot of confidence right now and needs to get into a rhythm down the stretch, especially in the absence of Parker. Mo Pete's in a funk right now and although he probably will leave as a free agent this summer, he needs to finish the season with some "umph" so he can sign a big money contract in the off-season.

Speaking of Anthony Parker, this guy has just been phenomenal. I think with all the injuries - especially the big one to CB4 at the start of the year - Parker has really solidified himself as a marquee player on this team. He's been starting all year and deservedly so. He's better than Mo Pete. He's a tremendous defender and great from beyond the arc. He brings it every night and it's his consistency that keeps him in the lineup. As well as Bosh, Ford, and Bargnani have played all year, when it comes time to pick a Raptors MVP, I think Anthony Parker seriously deserves some consideration.

And how about the trade that brought in Juan Dixon? Bryan Colangelo, you've truly outdone yourself this time. High Five!

What a trade. Honestly, Colangelo for Prime Minister. He fixed the mess known as the Toronto Raptors, people. In only one year! I don't think the magnitude of this accomplishment is truly being appreciated. If this guy can fix the Raptors I see no reason as to why he cannot lead our country.

Fred Jones who? Dixon has fit into this team right from the start and it's like he's been a Raptor all season. He's shooting almost 50% from the floor in his new Raptors uniform, and has hit some big shots in a number of games. When Calderon went down and Darrick Martin was in-active, Dixon even logged minutes at the point. He's versatile and a solid option off the bench. The Raptors are going to need his production even more now that Bargnani is out.

As for Joey Graham, it seems as though he is still an enigma. Doug Smith says it best - you just don't know which Joey you're going to get on any given night, Good Joey or Bad Joey. He's so athletic and everyone can see all the potential, but he just hasn't put it all together yet. Hopefully increased minutes in important games down the stretch will help him out.

The Raptors bench has been it's strongest element all year. This team is leading their division because they are able to score. They just have too many options. But, like any team, they have their weaknesses. Glaring weaknesses. Ok, really glaring weaknesses. The Toronto Raptors can't rebound. Well, they can some nights, but most of the time, they can't. I know, it's a problem...but they can shoot the ball really well!

Now that the injury plague has spread to the Raptors, guys have to step up. It's simple. Just like guys did for the Maple Leafs. It's the nature of sports. However, it will still come down to Chris Bosh and TJ Ford. These guys are going to play more minutes too, and if last night was any indication, the Raptors will be alright.

Bosh had a double-double in the first half and Ford racked up another 12 assists. After struggling for while there after his foot injury, TJ Ford has gotten an emission test or something, because he's running great right now. His dribble-drive, although erratic and out of control at times, is really breaking down defenses and Ford is finding the open man for the open shot. He plays the point like a point guard should, and when he's running like this he's fun to watch.

As for Bargnani, I'm kind of worried about him. His injury conjures up memories of Alex Rios, circa 2006. Rios was having a breakout campaign for the Jays and finally hitting for power before a freak staph infection caused him to miss a month of action. He came back in August and only hit two home runs the rest of the year. His average also plummeted around 15 to 20 points. He lost his mojo.

Andrea Bargnani, over the last two months, certainly has had his mojo going. He was just getting more and more confident with each and every game. I'm beginning to fall in love with the lanky Italian's sweet stroke - those deep three ball's are a beauty. I'm hoping the time off won't mess with his head, like it did to Alex Rios. The Raptors need Il Mago to return to the lineup in the form he's displayed in what has been a marvellous rookie season. Get well soon, Andrea.

Back to last night. After knocking the Magic out of Orlando, the Raptors have a six game lead atop the Atlantic Division. Their magic number sits at nine. Although they're banged up, and are a young team heading down the stretch run, they will get the job done. I know it's a little early, but I'm going to make like Chuck Swirsky and bring out the salami and cheese, because this division race is over mama! The Raptors will be the 2006-2007 Atlantic Division Champions.

There will be playoff basketball come April. Chris Bosh and TJ Ford will lead the way.

It's guaranteed.

Goodnight, Toronto...