Ti-Cats Release Dave Stala

[Argo]

Last time I looked, Dave could still catch the football whenever he was called upon.

Are we interested in signing Stala and seeing what's what in training camp and the exhibition games?

Ricky throwing to Sticky. Visions of possessions maintained. Sure-thing lobs just across the goal line.

[paulwoods13]

I'd bring him to camp and try to keep him around for his leadership and his ability to punt in a pinch. I think three of our NI receivers (Durie, Watt and Bradwell) are definitely better at this stage (jury's still out on Feoli-Gudino), but if Stala would accept going on IR and being available all year if needed, at a reasonable price, he could be a good insurance policy similar to the role Chris Hardy played for several years.

[AngeloV]

Wouldn't be surprised to see him go back to Montreal. Their NI receivers have been disappointing (especially Deslauriers) since Cahoon retired.

[bigzee19]

Keep him away from the Argos. The guy wears rubber up his arms.....I feel we have more than enough NI receivers who are far superior.......

[OV Argo]

I'll bet Stala is done in the CFL, unless he wants to play for minimum wage / as a back-up, though IMO he could help most CFL teams;, but I sense most CFL teams now place little value in big target/ reliable hands but slower receivers, instead favoring smaller, quicker receivers in general - problem is, too many receivers drop too many passes nowdays, and also IMO a smart football team values diversity in their line-up, game plans and particularly a receiving corps, Stala was a great hands, reliable receiever - had a fine CFL career with a couple of thousand yard seasons, and as Paul mentions, versatile in that he can play a role as a back-up kicker too. But maybe he has lost more than the proverbial step or two (speed was never his forte anyways), or his hands ain't that sticky anymore? - Austin showed little use for him by playing the likes of stiff handed Onrea Jones or Kent's college boy fave / NFL name Tasker instead, so no surprise Stala is gone from the Ticats.

[marcwagz]

Great player, but past his prime, no need to sign him

[matchuk]

looks like hes heading back to montreal...

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=440849

[AngeloV]

Wouldn't be surprised to see him go back to Montreal. Their NI receivers have been disappointing (especially Deslauriers) since Cahoon retired.

looks like hes heading back to montreal...

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=440849

I am so SMART...S..M..R..T..I mean S.M.A.R.T

[OV Argo]

You are quite smrt AV ;o) - good call on this one.

The Als have easily the least at NI receiver in the CFL now (aside from the "disappointing" DesLauriers - who IMO is probably a pretty decent talent at receiver (going by his college ball resume and his CFL play (shown decent hands and some big play ability) - which has been quite limited with the Als who clearly don't think that much of him).

Stala will probably be just mostly a back-up or situational receiver there - but maybe he can mentor the young guys or maybe even become a sure-hands safety valve for a learning QB in Smith; could be a very good signing for them, but we shall see. I still lament that the Argos didn't sign this guy when he was sitting around as a FA for some time a few years back till the Pussycats signed him - and he had a 1000 yard season for them.

[jerrym]

I also think he's worth bringing to training camp. Despite the loss of what little speed he had, he could be valuable as the sure-handed receiver that gets the key first down if his salary is reasonably low and he's willing to stick around as insurance in case of injury.

[ArgoRavi]

I also think he's worth bringing to training camp. Despite the loss of what little speed he had, he could be valuable as the sure-handed receiver that gets the key first down if his salary is reasonably low and he's willing to stick around as insurance in case of injury.

Montreal has re-signed him. I am not sure where he would have fit with the Argos anyway. Would Stala have replaced any of Durie, Watt, Bradwell or Feoli-Gudino at this point in his career? I must admit that I did count Stala out before he signed with Hamilton as he had missed the better part of two seasons with injuries in Montreal but I really do think he is close to being done this time.

[ArgoZ]

The Argos and Cats really have to stop signing each other's rejects/cast-offs/releases. It's almost embarrassing that the teams can not find suitable talent elsewhere.

[ArgoRavi]

The Argos and Cats really have to stop signing each other's rejects/cast-offs/releases. It's almost embarrassing that the teams can not find suitable talent elsewhere.

Other than Jonathan Hood, I can't recall the Argos signing too many former Hamilton players as of late. The same can't be said of the Ticats but it shows what a good recruiting job the Argos have done in recent years.

[doubleblue]

Other than Jonathan Hood, I can't recall the Argos signing too many former Hamilton players as of late. The same can't be said of the Ticats but it shows what a good recruiting job the Argos have done in recent years.

I think most of the signings lately have been from Toronto to Hamilton, but back ten or more years ago the Argos picked up several ex-TiCats. Names like Peewee Smith, Mike O'Shea, Jeff Johnson, Orlondo Steinauer, Joe Montford are names that come to mind. Ben Zambiasi even crossed over in the twilight of his career. Of course the biggest bomb shells were when GM's Sazio and Barrow turned Blue.