Tuesday Morning Sentimonies: Foley, Brackenridge, Beard

Apologies for not having my post up on a very news-filled Monday. I'm taking a night class and I was tied up writing a paper on international tax law (a topic that is about as interesting as it sounds). But I here now so let's get to all the big news:

Foley for Emry
Like most fans, I took news that Ricky Foley was traded to Toronto pretty hard. I was a huge Foley fan. He was a very underrated contributor on defense and was coming off one of the best seasons of his career. Simply put he was a difference maker. Very sad to see him go. That said, I understand the logic behind the move. Shea Emry is younger and addresses an area of desperate need at MLB. It makes good sense. We are gambling that the drop in play along our front 4 (you don't lose a player like Foley and not have a drop in play) will be less than what we gain in the improvement at MLB. Hell last year we would have gladly taken a remotely competent MLB so actually having a proven Cdn to fill the role is certainly a plus.

I assume that Emry's initiation to the locker room will involve LaBatte punching him in the balls to even the score.

Given that Emry is just the latest in the string of players hated by Rider Nation that Taman has acquired, I also assume that talks are ongoing with Paul McCallum, Nik Lewis, Brandon Browner, Rob Murphy, Troy Westwood and Tony Gabriel.

Brack Attack Is Back Jack
To be honest, when I heard that Brack was in Regina signing autographs on the weekend I kinda assumed that meant negotiations were going good. That said it was nice to get official confirmation with news yesterday that he had re-signed. He's an impact player who is versatile enough to play multiple positions and is a leader on that defense. Also, who would have endorsed those Work Safe glasses if he had left town? Those things won't just sell themselves... oh who am I kidding, this is Saskatchewan. A dog turd spray painted green with a Rider logo on it would sell itself.

Hugh O'Neil
Though the signing of the contract appears on hold as O'Neil "is on a mountain in Thailand" (the only shocking thing about that is how he managed to busk enough quarters to afford the airfare), reports are the Hugh O'Neil and his beard will be joining the Riders. Unlike the first 2 moves, this one is unlikely to have much impact... except maybe for families of beards needing shelter. This boils down to the fact that Bartel was an average at best punter last year and O'Neil had similar stats but has the added bonus of being able to placekick... not very well mind you. I hope there will be others added to the kicking competition at training camp.

Coaching Carousel

Argos add Jonathan Himebach as Assistant Head Coach - Big loss for Edmonton. Just look at how much better their OL was in 2014 despite not adding much in terms of talent.

NFL Watch

Delvin Breaux – Signed with New Orleans. Reportedly got a $25,000 signing bonus.

Ian Wild – Bombers released him to pursue NFL interest. Pittsburgh or Tampa the most likely destination.

CFL Ins and Outs

Saskatchewan
In: LB Shea Emry (traded with Tor), DB Tyron Brackenridge (contract extension), K Hugh O’Neil (Free agent signing)

Out: DL Ricky Foley (trade with Tor)

Calgary

In: QB Drew Tate, WR Marquay McDaniel, DB Jamar Wall, DL Corey Mace (contract extension), DB Arthur Hobbs Jr, WR Stephen Burton (free agent signing)

Edmonton

Out: K Hugh O’Neil (released)

Hamilton

In: QB Jeff Matthews (free agent signing)

Out: DB Delvin Breaux (signed New Orleans)  

Winnipeg

In: Richie Hall (officially hired as DC)

Out: LB Ian Wild (released to pursue NFL)

Toronto

In: DL Ricky Foley (trade with Ssk)

Out: LB Shea Emry (trade with Ssk)

Montreal

In: Kavid Reed (hired as ST Coordinator)

The world really needs him to repeat the Consequences rant but in french during his tenure.

Il y aura des conséquence!!!

Ottawa

In: DL Cory Henry, WR Skyy Simmons, WR Michael Campbell, LB John Kanongata (free agent signing)