The Gabriel Moreno Trade

From the Toronto Blue Jays;  Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF - age 29) and Gabriel Moreno (C - age 22) to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Daulton Varsho (OF/C - age 26)

  This trade will be felt for the next 20 years.  How great a ballplayer is Gabriel Moreno?  An all-star of magnificent proportions - the best fielding Catcher in the Majors with an opportunity to start with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Moreno also has probably the best shot of being a two way Catcher like that of fellow Islander Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez.  All Moreno did two years ago in New Hampshire was bat .373 before an injury shut him down for the last half of the year.  He has an absolute cannon for an arm and looks poised to dominate at the Major League level.  Daulton Varsho is definitely a player the will bring the Blue Jays glory for years to come as his power numbers will surely be in the 30-40HR's/year range by coming to a talent rich offensive juggernaut (like the Blue Jays showcase currently).  Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will find his game in Arizona and has a legitimate shot at becoming an all-star himself.  He sure as hell will exceed his 2022 Home-Run output in 2023 for Arizona, in fact I would put him down for 20 Home-Runs next year (up from the 5 dingers he hit last year).  Here are my predictions for the three players in this sweet deal for the upcoming 2023 season;

Player               AB    Runs   2B   3B   HR  RBI  AVG  OBP  SLG% OPS  SB  CS

Gurriel Jr.        550      80     30      4     20   80    .287   .335   .457     .792    12     5

Moreno            507      93      30      3     14   83    .309   .359   .473     .832    10     3

Varsho             550       87     27      1     30   97    .260   .333   .485     .818    20     7                 

  As a result of the trade this is how the Toronto Blue Jays look going into the 2023 campaign;

Manager - John Schneider

Projected Record;  101 Wins - 61 Losses  

Pitching Staff             G GS QS   IP     H   BB   SO  W  L  ERA WHIP  Sv 

1.  Alek Manoah        32  32  26 217.1 144  53   220  17  5   2.27   0.902   -

2.  Kevin Gausman   33  33  21 200.0 175  37   207  15  8   2.67   1.060   -

3.  Chris Bassitt         31  31  20 187.2 160  53   181  13  6   3.00   1.125   -

4.  Jose Berrios          30  30  18 175.2 155  43   150  12  8   3.41   1.111   -

5.  Ricky Tiedemann 15 15   11 100.0  67   33  121    9  2   2.34   1.000   -  

6.  Nate Pearson        30 10    6   89.1  70    33  110    8  4   3.35   1.173   1     

7.  Adam Cimber       70   -    -   77.1    71   20    60    5  5   2.86   1.137   0

8.  Yimi Garcia          65   -    -   70.0    63   16    65    4   2  2.67   1.114   1 

9.  Zach Pop              50   -    -    54.1    50   20    52    2   4  3.47   1.216   0     

10.Tim Mayza           55   -    -    57.0    44   12    60    3   2  2.59   0.982   4

11.Brandon Eisert    53   -    -    55.1    45    20   64    2   3  2.88   1.143   0 

12.Zach Logue          44   5   2   67.2    55    19   48    4   3  3.18   1.186   0

13.Erik Swanson       65   -   -    62.1    40    20   78    3   3  2.24   0.968   7

14.Trevor Richards  60   -    -    60.1    52    15   75    3   4  2.50   1.089   1

15.Jordan Romano   60   -   -    59.2    45    18   73    1   2  2.42   1.048  44 

Player               AB   Runs  2B  3B  HR  RBI  AVG   OBP  SLG% OPS   SB  CS   

1. Springer       520      97    33    3   33    101   .280    .370   .552     .922     12     6

2. Bichette        570     123   40   5    30    105   .303    .368   .569     .937     33     7

3. Guerrero Jr. 543    117   39    1    45   134    .290    .403   .638   1.041      5      3 

4. Varsho          550      87   27    1    30     97    .260    .333   .485     .818    20     7 

5. Kirk              437     79   25    0    24      85   .290    .356    .509     .865     0      1

6. Chapman     479     76   24    1    25      75   .245    .320    .430     .750     4      3

7. Biggio           451     80   30    4    13      57   .266    .343    .423     .766    17     5     

8. Barger          479     79  26     3    25      83   .300    .344    .523     .867     6      2

9. Espinal         450     66  25     2     8       54   .265    .320    .400     .720     5      3

Bench  

1. Jansen         330     37    15    0   12     41    .245   .324   .416    .740       0      2

2. Merrifield   301     41    15    2    7      36    .277   .326   .390    .716      15     3  

3. Lopez          210     30    12    1    1      19    .255   .290   .354    .644       2      1              

4. Tapia           282     37    19    1    7      40    .280   .332   .420    .752       4      2 

5. Kiermaier   273     34    15    2    6      35    .263   .333   .401    .734       7      4  

6. Horwitz       178    30      9    0   10     33     .277   .338   .492    .830       0      1

Depth Chart

Catchers

1.  Alejandro Kirk (age 23) bats right

2.  Danny Jansen (age 27) bats right  

3.  Daulton Varsho (age 26) bats left

4.  Ryan Gold (age 24) bats left *

5.  Zach Britton (age 24) bats left *

1st Basemen

1.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (age 23) bats right

2.  Cavan Biggio (age 27) bats left

3.  Spencer Horwitz (age 24) bats left +

4.  Matt Chapman (age 29) bats right

5.  Rainer Nunez (age 22) bats right @

2nd Base

1.  Cavan Biggio (age 27) bats left

2.  Santiago Espinal (age 27) bats right

3.  Whit Merrifield (age 33) bats right 

4.  Otto Lopez (age 24) bats right

5.  Addison Barger (age 23) bats left +

3rd Base

1.  Matt Chapman (age 29) bats right

2.  Santiago Espinal (age 27) bats right

3.  Cavan Biggio (age 27) bats left

4.  Otto Lopez (age 24) bats right

5.  Addison Barger (age 23) bats left +

Shortstop

1.  Bo Bichette (age 24) bats right

2.  Otto Lopez (age 24) bats right

3.  Santiago Espinal (age 27) bats right

4.  Addison Barger (age 23) bats left +

5.  Vinny Capra (age 26) bats right +

Leftfield

1.  Addison Barger (age 23) bats left +

2.  Whit Merrifield (age 33) bats right

3.  Raimel Tapia (age 28) bats left

4.  Otto Lopez (age 24) bats right

5.  Spencer Horwitz (age 24) bats left +

Centerfield

1.  George Springer (age 32) bats right

2.  Kevin Kiermaier (age 32) bats left

3.  Whit Merrifield (age 33) bats right

4.  Raimel Tapia (age 28) bats left

5.  Cameron Eden (age 25) bats right *

Rightfield

1.  Daulton Varsho (age 26) bats left

2.  George Springer (age 32) bats right

3.  Raimel Tapia (age 28) bats left

4.  Kevin Kiermaier (age 32) bats left

5.  Cavan Biggio (age 27) bats left

Designated Hitter

1.  Alejandro Kirk (age 23) bats right

2.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (age 23) bats right

3.  George Springer (age 32) bats right

4.  Daulton Varsho (age 26) bats left

5.  Spencer Horwitz (age 24) bats left +

+ - played in Buffalo in 2022

* - played in New Hampshire in 2022               

@ - played in Vancouver     

Toronto Maple Leaf Trade - by Moses

 From the Toronto Maple Leafs;  John Tavares (C) and 2023 1st Round Draft Pick to the Edmonton Oilers for Zach Hyman (LW) and Darnell Nurse (D)

      As a result this is the Toronto Maple Leafs roster;

Goaltenders - 1) Ilya Samsanov

                       2) Matt Murray 

Defencemen

1.  Morgan Rielly

2.  Mark Giordano

3.  Darnell Nurse

4.  Rasmus Sandin

5.  Timothy Liljegren

6.  Justin Holl

7.  Victor Mete

       

                           LW                                       C                                            RW

1st Line    Michael Bunting              Auston Matthews                     Mitch Marner  

2nd Line     Zach Hyman                 Alexander Kerfoot                 William Nylander

3rd Line  Nicholas Robertson            David Kamph                      Wayne Simmonds

4rth Line    Pierre Engvall                 Calle Jarnkrok                      Zach Aston-Reese      

Raptor Trade - by Moshe Shalom

 

From the Toronto Raptors;  Gary Trent Jr., a 2023 1st Round Draft Pick, and a 2024 2nd Round Draft Pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant

As a result of the trade here is how our Raptors look on paper;

Center - Scottie Barnes (age 21)

Power Forward - Kevin Durant (age 34)

Small Forward - Pascal Siakam (age 28)

Shooting Guard - Fred Van Vleet (age 28)

Point Guard - OG Anunoby (age 25)

Bench

1.  Chris Boucher (C/PF - age 30)

2.  Precious Achiuwa (PF - age 23)

3.  Thaddeus Young (SF - age 34)

4.  Dalano Banton (PG - age 23)

5.  Malachi Flynn (PG - age 24)

Toronto Blue Jays Trade and Proposed Trade - by Moses

Trade

From the Toronto Blue Jays;  Teoscar Hernandez (OF) to the Seattle Mariners for Erik Swanson (RHP) and pitching prospect Adam Macko (LHP)

Proposed Trade 

From the Toronto Blue Jays;  Danny Jansen (C) to the Cincinnati Reds for Nick Lodolo (LHP)

As a result this is what the Blue Jays look like to start the 2023 Campaign;

Pitching Staff

1.  Alek Manoah (RHP)

2.  Kevin Gausman (RHP)

3.  Ross Stripling (RHP)

4.  Nick Lodolo (LHP)

5.  Jose Berrios (RHP)

6.  Ricky Tiedemann (LHP)

7.  Adam Cimber (RHP)

8.  Yimi Garcia (RHP)

9.  Tim Mayza (LHP)

10.Adam Macko (LHP)

11.Brandon Eisert (LHP)

12.Anthony Bass (RHP)

13.Erik Swanson (RHP)

14.Jordan Romano (RHP)

Batting Order vs Righties

1.  George Springer (CF) bats right

2.  Bo Bichette (SS) bats right

3.  Vlad Guerrero Jr. (1B) bats right

4.  Alejandro Kirk (C/DH) bats right

5.  Matt Chapman (3B) bats right

6.  Raimel Tapia (RF) bats left

7.  Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF) bats right

8.  Cavan Biggio (2B/1B) bats left

9.  Spencer Horwitz (DH/1B) bats left

Batting Order vs Lefties

1.  George Springer (CF) bats right

2.  Bo Bichette (SS) bats right

3.  Vlad Guerrero Jr. (1B) bats right

4.  Alejandro Kirk (DH/C) bats right

5.  Matt Chapman (3B) bats right

6.  Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF) bats right

7.  Santiago Espinal (2B) bats right

8.  Gabriel Moreno (C) bats right

9.  Whit Merrifield (RF/2B) bats both 

Bench

1.  Gabriel Moreno (C) bats right

2.  Addison Barger (SS/3B) bats left

3.  Spencer Horwitz (1B/DH) bats left

4.  Raimel Tapia (OF) bats left

5.  Cullen Large (RF/1B) bats both

Top 10 Prospects in the Toronto Blue Jays Farm System - by Moses

         Player                 Age      Position                     Team  

1.  Gabriel Moreno        22      Catcher (Bats Right) Buffalo/Toronto

2.  Ricky Tiedemann     19       LHP       Dunedin/Vancouver/New Hampshire

3.  Brandon Eisert         24       LHP                          Buffalo

4.  Addison Barger        22  SS/3B (Bats Left) Vancouver/New Hampshire/Buffalo 

5.  Adrian Hernandez    22       RHP                         Buffalo

6.  Orelvis Martinez      20       SS/3B (Bats Right)  New Hampshire  

7.  Spencer Horwitz      24      1B/LF (Bats Left)    New Hampshire/Buffalo

8. Trenton Wallace        23      LHP                         Dunedin/Vancouver

9. Damiano Palmagiani 22     3B/1B (Bats Right) Dunedin/Vancouver   

10.Nathan Lukes           27      OF (Bats Left)         Buffalo      

   

              

The Forecast for the 2022/23 NHL Hockey Season - by Moses a.k.a Stacey Marc Goldman

      Players                                  GP       G       A       Pts     +/-    

1.  Connor McDavid                   80       73      99      172    + 77

2.  Karill Kaprizov                      82       57      88      145    + 55

3.  Auston Matthews                   82       78      65      143    + 66

4.  Mitch Marner                         80       43     100     143    + 60

5.  Jonathan Huberdeau             82       33      88      121    + 65                                                 

Gun Apps - by Moses

       Remember the scene in the movie 'Matrix' when Lawrence Fishbourne calls on an application to show Neo all the GUNS THEY HAD IN STOCK.  Well there are gun software applications constantly being used in inner cities on their phones and computers when the average 14 year old comes home from school for entertainment purposes.  This scares me a little when my 14 year old knows more about guns than me or the average cop.

Sensibilities in Sports and Entertainment - by Moses

 

      In our day we're noticing a paparazzi approach in sports and entertainment.  These instances bring forth a constant eye into developments of actors, musicians and sports figures.  Examples have been given in the names of Bill Cosby, Johnny Depp, Keith Hernandez, Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, Taylor Hawkins, among others that were deemed expendable and treated like chattel.  When an entertainment giant like Bill Cosby is reduced to the level he was reduced it makes one wonder why the statute of limitations was denied in his case as all the accusations came from years past.  This constant pestering of the sports legends and entertainment giants leads one to feel a microscope that comes with the idea of being known as Famous.  It seems to borderline a petty jealousy that the media darlings have towards those that are rich and famous.  Do they really deserve lynchings for being good at what they did in a microcosmic sense?    

Team Canada Gold - by Moses

 

      The Canadian Men's Juniors defeated Finland in the finals yesterday 3-2 (OT).  This wealth of talent in the Junior ranks is well felt by the Hockey community.  As Canada had defeated the Czech Republic in the semi-finals and Finland had defeated Sweden in their semi-final clash we see how influential the European contingent of Hockey nations has almost equaled that of Hockey Giants Canada and Russia.  Including Slovakia, Germany, and Switzerland alongside Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic we see a European game of hockey evolving into success as evidenced by Finland and Sweden taking titles in the last number of years.  Let's also not forget that it was the Czech Republic that won the Gold Medal at the Olympics in Nagano, Japan in 1998 the first year integrating NHL'ers into the World scene.  Slovakia almost defeated Team Canada in 2002 in Salt Lake losing 3-2 in probably their most impressive game in that tournament and who can forget Germany defeating Canada in the Worlds' a few years back.  

  We see stars that have or are coming from pretty much every European Nation;

1.  Sweden - Mats Sundin, Perter Forsberg, Niklas Lidstrom, Borje Salming

2.  Finland - Jari Kurri, Teammu Selanne, Mikko Rantanen, Patrik Laine

3.  Czech Republic - Dominik Hasek, Jaromir Jagr, Stan Mikita, David Pastrnak

4.  Slovakia - Peter Stastny, Anton Stastny, Marian Stastny, Zdeno Chara

5.  Germany - Leon Draisaitl, Moritz Seider, Thomas Greiss, Uwe Krupp

6.  Switzerland - Roman Josi, Jean-Guy Trudel, Jonas Hiller, Mark Streit 

The 2022 Toronto Blue Jays Trades at the Trade Deadline - by Moses

       So at the trade deadline General Manager Ross Atkins traded 22 year old infielder prospect Jordan Groshans to the Miami Marlins for pitchers Zach Pop (age 25 and Canadian), former Jay Anthony Bass (age 34 - who is having an awesome year), and a player to be named later.  Right at the deadline Atkins dealt RHP Max Castillo (age 23) and OF/2B Samad Taylor (age 24) to the Kansas City Royals for 33 year old 2B/OF Whit Merrifield.  In a third deal the Jays traded for 27 year old right-hander Mitch White, a starter from the Los Angeles Dodgers and SS/3B Alex De Jesus (age 20) for minor league prospects 23 year old Nick Frasso (RHP- Starter) and 20 year old lefty relief pitcher Moise Brito.   The Blue Jays have just brought in Jackie Bradley Jr. to play some Center-Field in Toronto.  

  I would also have to say that the call-ups for September may come early in the form of Catcher Gabriel Moreno, (RHP) Adrian Hernandez, and (LHP) Brandon Eisert all having standout years in Buffalo.  Moreno has already shown he can hit Major League Pitching in his earlier stint with the Big Club and his defense showcases the best arm in the 'biz at the demanding Catcher position.  Hernandez looks poised to come off injured reserve in the next couple of days and Adrian has great numbers in Buffalo.  Eisert has asserted himself alongside Tayler Saucedo as the best lefties in the pen in Buffalo and looks to be the front-runner in lefties to be called up once Tim Mayza returns from the injured reserve.

  With these changes here is how our 2022 Toronto Blue Jays look like on paper for September 1st;

  

Pitching Staff

1.  Alek Manoah (RHP)

2.  Kevin Gausman (RHP)

3.  Jose Berrios (RHP)

4.  Ross Stripling (RHP)

5.  Mitch White (RHP)

6.  Adam Cimber (RHP)

7.  David Phelps (RHP)

8.  Yimi Garcia (RHP)

9.  Anthony Bass (RHP)

10.Zach Pop (RHP)

11.Tim Mayza (LHP) @

12.Brandon Eisert (LHP) *

13.Adrian Hernandez (RHP) *

14.Jordan Romano (RHP)

Batting Order vs Lefties

1.  George Springer (CF) bats right 

2.  Bo Bichette (SS) bats right

3.  Vlad Guerrero Jr. (1B) bats right

4.  Alejandro Kirk (DH) bats right

5.  Teoscar Hernandez (RF) bats right

6.  Matt Chapman (3B) bats right

7.  Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF) bats right

8.  Santiago Espinal (2B) bats right

9.  Danny Jansen (C) bats right

Batting Order vs Righties

1.  George Springer (CF) bats right

2.  Raimel Tapia (LF) bats left

3.  Vlad Guerrero Jr. (DH) bats right

4.  Bo Bichette (SS) bats right 

5.  Alejandro Kirk (C) bats right

6.  Matt Chapman (3B) bats right 

7.  Teoscar Hernandez (RF) bats right

8,  Cavan Biggio (1B) bats left

9.  Whit Merrifield (2B) bats right

Bench

1.  Danny Jansen (C) bats right 

2.  Gabriel Moreno (C) bats right *

3.  Santiago Espinal (2B/3B/SS) bats right

4.  Cavan Biggio (1B/2B/3B/OF) bats left

5.  Raimel Tapia (OF) bats left

6.  Jackie Bradley Jr. (OF) bats left

* currently in minors

@ currently on injured reserve

Catchers

1.  Alejandro Kirk (age 23) bats right

2.  Danny Jansen (age 27) bats right

3.  Gabriel Moreno (age 22) bats right *

1st Base

1.  Vlad Guerrero Jr. (age 23) bats right

2.  Cavan Biggio (age 27) bats left

3.  Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (age 28) bats right

2nd Base

1.  Whit Merrifield (age 33) bats right

2.  Santiago Espinal (age 27) bats right

3.  Cavan Biggio (age 27) bats left

3rd Base

1.  Matt Chapman (age 29) bats right

2.  Santiago Espinal (age 27) bats right

3.  Cavan Biggio (age 27) bats left

Shortstop

1.  Bo Bichette (age 24) bats right

2.  Santiago Espinal (age 27) bats right

3.  Whit Merrifield (age 33) bats right

Left-Field

1.  Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (age 29) bats right

2.  Raimel Tapia (age 28) bats left

3.  Whit Merrifield (age 33) bats right

Center-Field

1.  George Springer (age 32) bats right

2.  Whit Merrifield (age 33) bats right

3.  Jackie Bradley Jr. (age 32) bats left 

Right-Field

1.  Teoscar Hernandez (age 29) bats right

2.  George Springer (age 32) bats right

3.  Cavan Biggio (age 27) bats left

DH

1.  Alejandro Kirk (age 23) bats right

2.  Vlad Guerrero Jr. (age 23) bats right

3.  George Springer (age 32) bats right

Old Age Pensioners in Canada - by Moses

       The truth of today's' age, of the early 2020's, is that for fifty years old age pensioners have been treated like shit.  At this point we see some old age pensioners (roughly half) receiving as little as $600 Cdn/month.  As Canadians we see refugee status given in the amount of $3500 Cdn/month to a family of four including bursary's of rent and food paid for by the Canadian taxpayer which some consider to be gross in nature.  Then there are Disabled Supports that are being given to support mandates that include keeping the disabled unemployed.  These efforts have been in place similar to that of old age pensioners, for fifty years.  Then there are construction unions operating in the cities across Canada demanding $50 Cdn/hour pay for their workers which again is coming out of the pockets of the Canadian taxpayer.  By the way, how much did Justin Trudeau's last vacation and embassy cost the Canadian taxpayer? Just asking.  When it comes to what is deserved for our old age pensioners what would be so terrible if they received $1500 Cdn/month to cover them for their dutiful existence?

Unavoidable Toronto Blue Jay Trades - by Moses

     

      The Toronto Blue Jays are in dire need for some arms for the rotation.  The loss of Hyun Jin Ryu is felt and the starting staff is less one arm as a result.  The need for a starter is great {although we have a few of top-notch arms in Triple A Buffalo - Adrian Hernandez (RHP - age 22), Casey Lawrence (RHP - age 35 and Max Castillo (RHP - age 23)}   

From the Toronto Blue Jays;  Danny Jansen (C - age 27), Zach Collins (C -age 27) and Yusei Kikuchi (LHP - age 31) to the Los Angeles Angels for Noah Syndergaard (RHP - age 29)

From the Toronto Blue Jays;  Raimel Tapia (OF - age 28) and Trent Thornton (RHP - age 28) to the Kansas City Royals for Dylan Coleman (RHP - age 25)

As a result this is how our Toronto Blue Jays look like in print;

Pitching Staff

1.  Alek Manoah (RHP - age 24)

2.  Kevin Gausman (RHP - age 31)

3.  Noah Syndergaard (RHP - age 29)

4.  Jose Berrios (RHP - age 28)

5.  Ross Stripling (RHP - age 32)

6.  Max Castillo (RHP - age 23)

7.  Adam Cimber (RHP - age 31)

8.  Dylan Coleman (RHP - age 25)

9.  David Phelps (RHP - age 35)

10.Yimi Garcia (RHP - age 31)

11.Tim Mayza (LHP - age 30)

12.Matt Gage (LHP - age 29) *

13.Brandon Eisert (LHP - age 24) *

14.Adrian Hernandez (RHP - age 22) *

15.Jordan Romano (RHP - age 29)

 Batting Order vs Lefties

1.  George Springer (CF/DH - age 32 -bats right)

2.  Bo Bichette (SS - age 24 - bats right)

3.  Vlad Guerrero Jr. (1B/DH - age 23 - bats right)

4.  Alejandro Kirk (C/DH - age 23 - bats right)

5.  Teoscar Hernandez (RF - age 29 - bats right)

6.  Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF - age 28 - bats right)

7.  Matt Chapman (3B - age 29 - bats right)

8.  Santiago Espinal (2B/3B - age 27 - bats right)

9.  Gabriel Moreno (C - age 22 - bats right) *

Bench

1.  Cavan Biggio (2B/3B/1B/RF) - age 27 - bats left)

2.  Ramal Tapia (OF) - age 28 - bats left  

3.  Jackie Bradley Jr. (OF) - age 33 - bats left

4.  Samad Taylor (2B/OF - age 23 - bats right) *

* add these Triple A players to our current active roster

The Conflict in Ukraine - by Moses

      What we're seeing in the Ukraine is systematic to the tyranny of Mother Russia.  The Stalin's, the Breznov's, the Putin's.  Deserving of everything they get including the near coming assassination attempt on Putin's life.  This war is a disgusting display of ruling an Empire, like the actions of the former Soviet Union, Mother Russia has adopted archaic and murderous intonations in the supposed self keeping of the 'people'.     

The Auston Matthews Line - by Moses

   The Toronto Maple Leaf Can-Am line of Michael Bunting, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner is the best line in the game today.  While there are the McDavid, Draisaitl, Bergeron, MacKinnon, and Huberdeau lines to contend with the Matthews line is the hottest in the game as we speak, and there is little reason in seeing them slow down in the near or distant futures.  Bunting is a rookie who is one of the favorites to win the Calder Trophy this year, and Matthews is definitely the best goal scorer in the game today (some would say the passing of the torch from Ovechkin).  With Mitch Marner the Leafs have one of the best play-makers in the game and he bodes well alongside Matthews as a scoring punch in the likes of Oates and Hull, Oates and Neely.  This year's line into next year could translate into 60 goal years for Matthews (who will probably top out at 57 this year alone).  Matthews has proven already that he is a 40+goal machine.  If Marner and Matthews stay together long enough we may see two 100+point years for years to come. 

A Forecast for statistics for the calendar year of 2022/23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs

Player                            GP       G      A      PTS     +/-    PIM

Mitch Marner                82       40     99     139     +51     22

Auston Matthews          80       68     65     133     +53     16

Michael Bunting            80       46     54     100     +48     33

William Nylander          77       32     45      77      +20     30

John Tavares                  75       32     43      75      +22     50

Morgan Rielly                80       20     55      75      +30     28      

The 2021/22 Toronto Maple Leafs - by Moses

Coach - Sheldon Keefe

Goalies                        GP   W   L  OTL  G.A.A  Save%   SO  

1.  Jack Campbell       52   35  10    5       2.57    .917         5

2.  Peter Mrazek         22   13   7     0       3.08    .910         1

3.  Erik Kallgren        10    5     3    1       2.93    .899         1              

Defencemen

1.  Morgan Rielly

2.  Rasmus Sandin

3.  T.J. Brodie

4.  Timothy Liljegren

5.  Travis Dermott

6.  Jake Muzzin

7.  Justin Holl

Scorers                                GP   G     A    PTS   +/-   PIM

1.  Auston Matthews           77   63    56   119   +30    20

2.  Mitch Marner                70   39    65   104    +27   14    

3.  John Tavares                  81   30    48    78     +3    32    

4.  William Nylander          82   33    40    73       0    22

5.  Morgan Rielly               82   10     60    70    +22   50  

6.  Michael Bunting           82   25     43    68    +22   40

7.  Alexander Kerfoot        77   15     40    55   +25   14  

8.  Jason Spezza                70    15     23    38    +3    30  

9.  Ondrej Kase                 65    14    20    34    +7    20      

10.Pierre Engvall              75    12    20    32    +3    18 

11.David Kampf                74    11    18    29    +11   24

12.Ilya Mikheyev              50    14    14    28    +6     6       

13.Wayne Simmonds        75    10    16    26     0     80     

The 2022 Collective Bargaining of Major League Owners and the MLBPA - by Moses (a.k.a Stacey Marc Goldman)

       It is soon a period of collective bargaining between the Owners and the MLBPA before this upcoming 2022 season.  Some have speculated that the Owners are not above collusion in bringing top salaries down for the imminent future and this could lead us to another lockout in negotiation.  Is this the road we're heading in?  Isn't this really just another word for economic restructuring in bringing top salaries down from $35 Million U.S.D/year to something like $15 Million U.S.D/year?  Wouldn't this allow for ticket prices to come down as well as provide more money for the minor leaguers and the 1st and 2nd year guys?  Who really suffers if the Fernando Tatis Jr.'s and the Manny Machado's are humbled in the future.  Personally my $28,000 CDN/year is an honest set of earnings.  Is anyone really worth $35 Million U.S.D/year?  Tell me how much more do we have to take before we realize that maybe Castro was right the whole time long.  Does America suffer if there is economic restructuring set forth by this years' collective bargaining agreement?  What if there are provisions set forth to up the hourly wage of any stadium position (including food bar employees) a raise up to $30/Hour.  This could and should be addressed in the negotiations between the Owners and the MLBPA for the simplicity of rationale and reasoning in how the children learn from these examples of gross misappropriations of payments made to performers who may or may not fulfill expectations, and, to what level will America demand success out of their people?  Wasn't it learned in Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Mexico among other Nations that excel at Baseball that you can't top 73 Home-Runs in a year until G-d himself allows for the occurrence.  This is essentially the definition of the Man G-d, the idea that before the acknowledgement of man being beyond great that he pales in comparison to the presence of the Lord (but to learn along the way). 

  It is for this reason that I support a collective bargaining agreement that brings down the top salaries to something manageable and this is for the psyche of our children in today's' age.  A minor leaguer and first and second year guys stands to gain from the agreement in principle as there is no reason a guy in his first year shouldn't see a return in playing in the bigs' in the name of a minimum $1 Mil U.S.D/year up from $200,000 and a raise would be in place for the minor leaguers to make $200,000/year up from $50-100K/year.  At this point, from a socialist perspective our society could put deals together between the MLBPA and other Unions to secure lines of payments for their constituents.  Why shouldn't the teacher's union and the construction unions not benefit by having trade of funds between their union and the MLBPA?  Wouldn't that help to keep demand of attendance high?

  The reality is that there have been lockouts and strikes in years' past that didn't need to happen.  In 1982 the NFL took on scab players to draw as many fans as they could without marquee players at their disposal when those players hit the strike lines.  There were also losses endured by the Canadian Auto Workers Union in their negotiation with G.M in the early 2000's, which resulted in thousands of jobs moving to Mexico (as they can get away with paying their workers less there).  The workers ended up closing down Oshawa by not considering a lesser yearly salary, and look at how the city of Oshawa has been hit economically as a result.   

  There should be a provision in the last year of the agreement set forth to determine whether they feel the other party is acting in good faith going into the negotiations.  If either party feels the other isn't operating in good faith they can call on an early arbitration ruling to resolve whatever the root issue is before going into the early stages of collective bargaining for the upcoming agreement.  This would make it practically impossible for there to be upcoming strikes and lockouts in the future.    

The Gestalt behind the Referendum for Muslim Rights in Canada - by Moses

      Should Canada stand by its' citizens' is how this Referendum should be felt.  The gestalt behind the Referendum of the Muslim rights in Canada is simply equal rights.  Currently there are gross acts of racism towards people of color that wear a head dress out of ignorance towards those peoples.  Should a man be told his way of communicating to another by his custom is just plain wrong.  To deny the 'Good Samaritan Act' when the Law calls for it is sacrilege just as denying a Referendum for Muslim Rights in Canada and what that would mean towards the security of Muslims in Canada. 

Forecast for the 2022 Toronto Blue Jays - By Moses

Manager - Charlie Montoyo

Pitching Staff                                           G  GS  IP      H    BB  SO  W   L   ERA WHIP Saves

1.  Hyun Jin Ryu (LHP) - age 34            34  34 207.0 190   53  145  15   7   3.34   1.18      -     

2.  Kevin Gausman (RHP) - age 31        33  33 205.1 186   65  177  14   9   3.71   1.23      - 

3.  Alek Manoah (RHP) - age 23            30  30 202.0 143   55  256  17   5   2.27   0.98      -   

4.  Jose Berrios (RHP) - age 27              30  30 195.1 170   50  167  15   7   3.24   1.13      -

5.  Nate Pearson (RHP) - age 24            23  23 140.2 106   44  167   10  5   2.77   1.06      -  

6.  Zach Logue (LHP) - age 25              12  12  72.1   65    20   65     5   3   3.13   1.16      -   

7.  A.J. Cole (RHP) - age 29                   55   -   56.0   49    15   50     6   4   3.22   1.15      1 

8.  Kirby Snead (LHP) - age 26              54  -    55.1   42    12   65     4   5   1.91   0.98      2 

9.  Ryan Borucki (LHP) - age 27            58  -    63.1   55    17   60     5   4   2.66   1.12      2

10.Tayler Saucedo (LHP) - age 28         50  -    52.2    47    12  50      2   3   3.09   1.14      0    

11.Julian Merryweather (RHP) - age 29 72  -    81.1   55    15  103    5    3  2.03    0.85     7  

12.Jacob Waguespack (RHP) - age 27    53  -    57.0   51    15   55     2    3  3.11     1.17    2

13.Jordan Romano (RHP) - age 28         65  -    63.1   44    12   85     3    1  1.98     0.87   45  

Batting Order vs Righties                                  AB    R    HR  RBI  SB  CS  AVG  OBP SLG%

1.  Cavan Biggio (2B/3B) - bats left - age 26    502   98   20    70     35   4    .290   .377  .429 

2.  Bo Bichette (SS) - bats right - age 23           577  127  35   110    33   5    .327   .410  .577  

3.  George Springer (CF) - bats right - age 31   532  103  43   112    10   5    .278   .375  .566      

4.  Vlad Guerrero Jr. (1B) - bats right - age 22  544  122  55   137     5    3    .355   .455  .721  

5.  Teoscar Hernandez (RF) - bats right -age 28 467   88   31    87      11  4    .266   .330   .525 

6.  Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF) - bats right - age 27 455   77   22    80      9    3    .286   .344  .465 

7.  Reese McGuire (C) - bats left - age 26           377   44   8      45      0    1    .303   .355  .456   

8.  Alejandro Kirk (DH/C) - bats right - age 22   390   50   15    65      1    1    .290   .353  .510       

9.  Breyvic Valera  (3B/2B) - bats both - age 29  277   37    4     29      6    2    .251   .290   377   

Batting Order vs Lefties

1.  George Springer (CF) - bats right - age 31

2.  Bo Bichette (SS) - bats right - age 23

3.  Vlad Guerrero Jr. (1B) - bats right - age 22

4.  Teoscar Hernandez (DH) - bats right - age 28

5.  Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF) - bats right - age 27

6.  Randal Grichuk (RF) - bats right - age 29        403  57   16    61     5     3   .263   .313   432 

7.  Gabriel Moreno (C) - bats right - age 21          410  65   12    50     3     3   .303   .350   453  

8.  Cavan Biggio (2B/3B) - bats left - age 26

9.  Santiago Espinal (3B/2B) - bats right - age 26 355  49    3     38     3     1    .245  .287   387 

Bench

1.  Alejandro Kirk (C/DH) - bats right - age 22  

2.  Kevin Smith (2B/SS/3B) - bats right - age 24  255  37    10   40     2     2    .255   .303  .420

3.  Corey Dickerson (OF) - bats left - age 32        240   32    7     32     1     1    .275   .325 .416  

The Affiliates of Midgard Journal - by Moses Goldman

     The blog to which we write at Midgard Journal has affiliates in many Nations.  The word 'Midgard' is a Norwegian word for Middle Earth (the premise of Peter Jackson) and our affiliate in Norway up-keeps our blog for their press.  We also have affiliates in America in the name of Neville Campbell 'Inspector Gadget' (who was the Producer for Drake early on in his career).  The reality of affiliate to me is synonymous with communication.  Our affiliate in Israel, Ben Spiro has a strong view when it comes to autonomy of ones' homes.  He lives in Tel-Aviv and in that climate you don't push the issue.  A referendum for Muslim Rights has to be supported for this reason;  Once enough affiliates have the information the platform takes shape.  The Brit philosophy of 1759 and the Battle of Quebec a.k.a The Plains of Abraham led the way for our present Freedoms.  If I wasn't a patriotic Canadian I wouldn't offer up the solution to the question of Religion in Canada.  How can anyone argue against the Canadian Principle of fought over Freedoms like that of the Battle of Quebec.

  The problem that most Canadians are having is that when the nitty gritty roles around no one wants to be held accountable to the new laws.  People think they can unilaterally decide the fate before realizing that the day takes shape by the law itself, Canadian Law.  A provision in the Constitution to defend the rights of Muslims in today's' age is imperative to insure a Muslim Mans' place in Canada.

National Referendum of Muslim Rights in Canada - by Moses Goldman

   In 1867 the Country of Canada was formed.  It was based on Canadian Principles like that of the War of 1759 - The Plains of Abraham.  To defend that of the rights of Jewish people in North America at that time (as there was a lot of anti-Semitism in Europe towards Jewish People) the War of 1759 occurred known as the Plains of Abraham (13 September 1759), also known as the Battle of Quebec was a pivotal moment in the Seven Years’ War and in the history of Canada.  A British invasion force led by General James Wolfe defeated French troops under the Marquis de Montcalm, leading to the surrender of Quebec to the British.  If it wasn't for this war and the resulting referendum for the Jewish people in Canada the persecution of Jews in Canada would have continued.  To have a Referendum for Muslim people in Canada is imperative to ensure a Muslims place in North America.  If a people are dominant to another people there is no common ground.  Like that of the occurrence of Malcolm X in the sixties in America, the Muslims in America began to have rights.  It is probably in order to have a National Referendum in America for Muslims in today's' age for this reason;  Should a Muslim man be held below that of a Christians' standards in America there is a fight.  That's what happened during the period of Malcolm X.  A fight may be something you're willing to have on the streets and I'm not.  If an Ojibwe is challenged to the nth there is a fight.  Same thing with a Jew, Christian, and a Muslim.  That is the problem America is having with Israel is that anytime that Law needs to be challenged it isn't.  The Israeli Military is inclusive of Israeli-Arabs, Israeli Jews, and Israeli Armenians.  The Laws of each people have to be secured within the Homeland.  If that is not the case, an Israeli-Arab in Tel-Aviv will have to fight an Israeli-Jew.  

   A National Referendum for Muslims in Canada is imperative to secure Muslims within Canada.  In the 1930's in New York City gangs were established in Jewish, Italian, Greek, Irish, German, and Dutch communities.  If there was no respect to the law there were actions taken by Mafiosa.  Had Mafiosa not existed the rights of the minorities would not exist.  Like that of an Ojibwe's existence to this day.