Vermette & Bowman

Well, I'm glad to announce that the Senators avoided a potentially nasty arbitration case with Vermette.  It was a 2-year deal paying out $2.5MM and $3.0MM. I think this is fair.  He might have been awarded a bit more, but in my mind it was not worth going through the hearing. There is also a mutual understanding that he is expected to produce more and will be given the opportunity to do so.  I think this is what the guy has been waiting for. It is put up or shut up time. He will still bring an NHL leading faceoff percentage, penalty killing and world class speed. Now he just has to score 35+ goals...

 

In others news, Scotty Bowan was hired as a hockey advisor to the Blackhawks next year.  As a Red Wing fan, I'm curious as to why he would leave Detroit.  I always considered him a secret weapon and assumed his scouting of teams and tremendous experience were invaluable to the Wings.  But, it seems that this move is a homecoming of sorts, as his son is the assistant GM of the 'Hawks. As a young, up-and-coming team, his experience may help speed their rise to prominence.

Randy Couture meets Ono Boys

So Kalani and I went to Barnes & Noble last night and got a photo-op with Randy Couture at his book signing. In the 10 seconds or so of standing there with him, he was a genuinely nice guy. I know it's in his best interest to put on a good face, but he gave everyone a smile and thanked them for coming. It also didn't hurt that he liked Kalani and gave him a high-five and fist bump. So the guy's OK in my book. I also noticed Kim Couture on a back patio, but she was unavailable for a photo-op.

The back story is that my fellow MMADudes.com friend Scott, went with me. He got us two Xtreme Couture t-shirts at the last minute and after work, with the hopes that Randy would sign them. It was clear from the signs that he wasn't going to sign other stuff. But, we took them in anyway. Well, Scott got a case of mudbutt from Jamba Juice on an empty stomach, or nerves from being within 50-feet of an MMA Legend. So, he bailed to the bathroom at the last second. I had Kalani, camera, book & stroller so only Alisia could have handled that while also pulling out a t-shirt and sharpie. Bottom line? No t-shirt autograph. Bummer. At least Scott saved the receipt, so I'm not out $40 for a t-shirt I'll never wear.

Below is a Qik video I shot with my phone.

Meeting The Natural

Going with Scott to Randy Couture's book signing at Barnes and Noble tonight. We tried to buy his t-shirt for him to autograph, but haven't found any yet. It's 11th hour. So, we will probably settle on a book and photo-op.  Well, I didn't really want to shell out $50 for a t-shirt anyway and there was no guarantee he would sign it.

RFA: Antoine Vermette

Well, it's 24 hours and counting for Vermette. 'Twan is going to an arbitration hearing if the team doesn't sign him. I will admit that the guy is a classic underachiever, but he's worth a 2-3 year extension.  Is having inconsistent, superstar skill a blessing or a curse? Because it wouldn't be a surprise if the guy blossomed next season, and was playing with another team.  Even if he peaks out at 22 goals, 65 points, that's not a bad deal.  But players have egos, and those can get crushed at a nasty arbitration hearing; where the point is to show the weaknesses and flaws in a player. Sign the guy already.

 

 

12 pounds of satay?

MLE (Major League Eating) debuted in Singapore last weekend and Kobayashi got a bit of revenge.  He beat Joey Chestnut in a chicken satay eating contest. He put down roughly 12 pounds in 12 minutes, with Chestnut trailing at 9 pounds. A side note was that Kobayashi's hair was blue this time around.