Raptors news: Steve Nash impresses, high-scoring wing worked out

Raptors news: Steve Nash impresses, high-scoring wing worked out

Since the firing of former Coach of the Year Nick Nurse, the Toronto Raptors have been quite slow to fill their coaching position. While other openings have already been cut to finalists, the Raptors recently interviewed Steve Nash but still seem to be searching. According to NBA analyst Marc Stein, it is all for a reason. […]
Raptors news: Steve Nash impresses, high-scoring wing worked out – Raptors Rapture – Raptors Rapture – A Toronto Raptors Fan Site – News, Blogs, Opinion and More

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Author: Nolan Fluke / Raptors HQ

Cito Gaston is apparently among the possible candidates to be considered for the Hall of Fame by the Era Committee this year

A former Blue Jay was elected into the Hall of Fame this year by the Era Committee. Might we see another one make it in next time around?

According to Jon Morosi, long-time Blue Jay manager Cito Gaston is among the possible candidates for the next Baseball Hall of Fame Era Committee vote in December…

Jim Leyland, Cito Gaston and Brian Sabean are among the possible candidates for the next @baseballhall era committee vote in December 2023.
I’ll examine their candidacies coming up at 10:30 am ET on @MLBNetwork. Please join us! @Tigers @BlueJays @SFGiants @Yankees
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 27, 2023

The Era Committee, which is also known as the Veterans Committee, is how player get voted into the Hall of Fame if they didn’t make it during their 10-year eligibility on the BBWAA ballot after they retired. It’s also a way for managers, umpires, and other members of the game who aren’t a part of the BBWAA voting can get in as well.
Much like the standard Hall of Fame vote, there are 16 members on the Era Committee and a person needs 75 percent of the votes among that committee to be elected into Cooperstown.
This year’s panel was comprised of Hall of Fame members Greg Maddux, Jack Morris, Ryne Sandberg, Lee Smith, Frank Thomas and Alan Trammell, Major League executives Paul Beeston, Theo Epstein, Derrick Hall, Arte Moreno, Kim Ng, Dave St. Peter, and Ken Williams, along with veteran media members Steve Hirdt, LaVelle Neal and Susan Slusser. Fred McGriff was elected with 16 of 16 votes, while Don Mattingly, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and a handful of others didn’t make the cut.

Cito Gaston’s career…
Gaston signed with the Milwaukee Braves as an amateur free agent in 1964 and made his big-league debut with the t …

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Author: Cam Lewis / Blue Jays Nation

Former Blue Jay Liam Hendriks announces he has Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Former Blue Jays reliever Liam Hendriks had been involved in Blue Jays-related rumours, but sadly, he has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
On Sunday evening, the Chicago White Sox pitcher announced via Instagram that he was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of cancer.

Earlier Sunday evening, Liam Hendriks announced he is beginning treatment tomorrow for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. We’re all with you, Liam! 💚 pic.twitter.com/iLF1IpByp5
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 9, 2023

It’s pretty shocking, as Hendriks will only be turning 34 years old in February. In his Instagram post, he also noted that he’ll begin treatment on Monday, but is determined to overcome this challenge.
Life is truly unfair at times, as Hendriks is one of the most down-to-earth players in the league. He’s always down for a photograph, he always has a smile on his face and is a great teammate. This is evident in the tweet below, as all teams Twitter accounts quickly issued their support for the 33-year-old.

MLB teams showing love and support for Liam Hendriks. Really lovely. pic.twitter.com/3cDIepe2DB
— Gabrielle (@gfstarr1) January 9, 2023

The Chicago White Sox General Manager, Rick Hahn released a statement which you can read in the Tweet below.

Statement by Chicago White Sox Senior Vice President/General Manager Rick Hahn regarding Liam Hendriks: pic.twitter.com/dHlN5LTcVr
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 9, 2023

There is no timetable set for his return, but at this point, kicking cancer’s ass is the main priority. Hopefully, in due time, our favourite Australian pitcher is back out there hurling baseballs, striking batters out, and playing the game with the enthusiasm that only he can bring.
From everyone at Blue Jays Nation, we are thinking about you Liam, and hopefully you can kick cancer’s ass in a short amount of time.
POINTSBET IS LIVE IN ONTARIO
…

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Author: Brennan Delaney / Blue Jays Nation

Raptors adding solid shooter Joe Wieskamp on 10-day contract

Raptors adding solid shooter Joe Wieskamp on 10-day contract

The Toronto Raptors decided to waive former undrafted free agent Justin Champagnie one week ago, as they didn’t see a path to playing time for him despite some poor results from the rest of the team. Toronto needs players that show more competency from 3-point range. Waiving Champagnie was partially motivated by avoiding paying him […]
Raptors adding solid shooter Joe Wieskamp on 10-day contract – Raptors Rapture – Raptors Rapture – A Toronto Raptors Fan Site – News, Blogs, Opinion and More

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Author: Mike Luciano / Raptors HQ

Off-season departures: Former goalies continue their struggles, Ilya Mikheyev finding success in top-six role

Off-season departures: Former goalies continue their struggles, Ilya Mikheyev finding success in top-six role

At the beginning of November, I wrote about six former Maple Leafs and how they have been performing with the new teams that they either signed with in the off-season or in Petr Mrazek’s case, got traded to in the off-season.
From guys like Jack Campbell with the Oilers to Colin Blackwell with the Blackhawks, I went over all six players, how they played in the month of November, as well as their season totals through the season’s first two months.

 
1. Jack Campbell – EDM – 30 years old – G
November 2022 stats: 6 GP – 3-3-0 – 4.16 GAA – .863 SV% – 0 SO
2022-23 stats: 12 GP – 7-5-0 – 4.04 GAA – .875 SV% – 0 SO
Contract: 5 years x $5M
Just like the month of October, the month of November wasn’t good for Jack Campbell, and after signing that big five-year contract as a free agent to join the Oilers in the off-season, it’s safe to say Campbell hasn’t been able to live up to that price tag and its kind of concerning if you ask me.
Back at the start of November, I said he would be able to snap out of the poor stretch of games, and so far, it looks like I’m wrong because this hasn’t been just a poor stretch of games, it has be …

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Author: Joseph Zita / The Leafs Nation