Argo talk on Primetime Sports 590

[R.J]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/590/prime-time-sports/prime-time-sports-december-1-5pm-3/

Stars around 31:30 mark. Some interesting tidbits, like Rogers potentially still being interested in the Argos. Not crazy about Bob's idea of allowing the Argos to go over the Cup - not a fan of cheating.

[Bruro]

590 is part of the problem with declining interest in the CFL in the GTA. Except for the talk after the GC win i heard next to nothing all year long about the CFL and when I did it was always how lousy and bush league the league was. rogers owns the BJs and so they will talk BJs endlessly. It not just McGowen either. Never forget a couple of months ago i was driving down the QEW one saturday afternoon to go see the Argos at bmo and i had 590 on. The sports news came on at the top of the hour and the news came in this order: BJs, other MLB scores, leafs preseaon, raptors pre-season, US college football scores and even scores from the BARCLAYS premiership league that afternoon in the UK! At last for about 10 seconds they mentioned the Argos 4 pm tilt that afternoon against Edmonton. Surprised they even bothered to mention just that!

[rdavies]

Starts around 31:30 mark (http://www.sportsnet.ca/590/prime-time-sports/prime-time-sports-december-1-5pm-3/). Some interesting tidbits, like Rogers potentially still being interested in the Argos. Not crazy about Bob's idea of allowing the Argos to go over the Cup - not a fan of cheating.I think you mean go over the salary cap. I didn't know what you meant until I heard the interview : ) Interesting about Rogers possibly showing interest.

[rdavies]

590 is part of the problem with declining interest in the CFL in the GTA. Except for the talk after the GC win i heard next to nothing all year long about the CFL and when I did it was always how lousy and bush league the league was. Those guys are seriously out of touch. They say they can't remember who the QBs are and that the QBs of yesteryear were so great, there's a fairly decent crop now as well. Just nonsensical, some of the stuff they are saying, comparing the old Argos to today and how they can't compete. The Argos don't want to compete with yesteryear, they can't, it's a totally new ballgame now and management knows that. They have to build for the new reality not what the fossils of PTS think.

[smokeslet'sgo]

590 is part of the problem with declining interest in the CFL in the GTA.

As much as I'm aware that we need all the (positive) media and promotion we can get, I almost don't want 590 around the Argos. They've done nothing but talk them down, wish for their demise and damage the team more than anyone else ever has, and now that they've won a Cup and are moving forward in a positive direction they want their piece of the pie? Nope, as far as I'm concerned they can buzz off. Keep letting us know what Josh Donaldson ate for breakfast. The funniest thing is that Blundell (is he even still with the Fan? I honestly have no clue) made a point to rag on both the Argos and TFC. As much as I don't care about soccer it would be hilarious if both the Argos and TFC, the two teams Blundell rags on, both won championships in the same year.

The Fan and the Argos is almost like the guy that picks on you in school but once you get a new video game system suddenly he wants to be your friend. Nope. Go away Fan

[Ron]

Grudges are hard to break ... but if Rogers is softening their approach towards the Argos then I am all for it. That can do nothing but help the franchise.

Younger fans forget that the Fan used to be good with the Argos and Rogers used to be a major sponsor for the league when nobody else would. So if the "anti argo" voices at Rogers are starting to be pushed aside ... I won't be petty and I will put the franchise first.

[rdavies]

I think I've seen a softening of the "treatment" that Rogers has given to the Argos this year, and before anyone accuses me of waffling because of the PTS quote, I have stated it previously. Maybe Posey was right, all you need is love. The Argos just seem to be turning this perception corner and TFC and Rogers started to lose some in the goodwill department.

So what does anyone suppose the quote meant. Was it just the usual PTS being uninformed or do you think it's something tangible. Is he talking about something Rogers already does for the Argos through MLSE? God forbid Rogers would buy a piece of the action. Any one have any ideas?

I think Rogers (MLSE) was walking a tightrope with TFC fans and not trying to piss them off. Now that the ground sharing issue has been all but settled (aside from the lunatic fringe) there has been a bit of softening from TFC as well.

[Tobythor]

I think it would be good for the league if Sportsnet got a game a week, instantly Rogers media would start talking fondly about the CFL. Look at how they ignore all forms of Canadian Football until the the CIS playoffs which they televise, then all of a sudden you hear them discussing it on the radio and TV. A broadcast team of Tim Metcalf and Donovan Bennett would be great, they're both young supporters and fans of the league at Rogers. I heard Rogers had interest in being part of the Argos deal only if they got some games to televise, TSN/Bell said no.

[Argo57]

As much as I'm aware that we need all the (positive) media and promotion we can get, I almost don't want 590 around the Argos. They've done nothing but talk them down, wish for their demise and damage the team more than anyone else ever has, and now that they've won a Cup and are moving forward in a positive direction they want their piece of the pie? Nope, as far as I'm concerned they can buzz off. Keep letting us know what Josh Donaldson ate for breakfast. The funniest thing is that Blundell (is he even still with the Fan? I honestly have no clue) made a point to rag on both the Argos and TFC. As much as I don't care about soccer it would be hilarious if both the Argos and TFC, the two teams Blundell rags on, both won championships in the same year.

The Fan and the Argos is almost like the guy that picks on you in school but once you get a new video game system suddenly he wants to be your friend. Nope. Go away Fan

Blundell rightfully got his ass booted out of town months ago, the guy was terrible.

[rdavies]

I heard Rogers had interest in being part of the Argos deal only if they got some games to televise, TSN/Bell said no.I don't think Rogers wanted any part of the Argos.

[Tobythor]

I don't think Rogers wanted any part of the Argos.

I heard directly from a pretty high source that their involvement would have had to include some television rights. Not sure how far along negotiations came, or how serious Rogers was, but there was some interest in the Argos if a TV deal was included. I'm not naming my source, you'll just have to trust me.

[Neely2005]

As much as I'm aware that we need all the (positive) media and promotion we can get, I almost don't want 590 around the Argos. They've done nothing but talk them down, wish for their demise and damage the team more than anyone else ever has, and now that they've won a Cup and are moving forward in a positive direction they want their piece of the pie? Nope, as far as I'm concerned they can buzz off. Keep letting us know what Josh Donaldson ate for breakfast. The funniest thing is that Blundell (is he even still with the Fan? I honestly have no clue) made a point to rag on both the Argos and TFC. As much as I don't care about soccer it would be hilarious if both the Argos and TFC, the two teams Blundell rags on, both won championships in the same year.

The Fan and the Argos is almost like the guy that picks on you in school but once you get a new video game system suddenly he wants to be your friend. Nope. Go away Fan

No, Grey Brady is back now. Not sure if that's better or worse.

https://www.thestar.com/sports/2017/02/08/dean-blundell-axed-in-fan-590-morning-show-reboot.html

[Neely2005]

I think it would be good for the league if Sportsnet got a game a week, instantly Rogers media would start talking fondly about the CFL. Look at how they ignore all forms of Canadian Football until the the CIS playoffs which they televise, then all of a sudden you hear them discussing it on the radio and TV. A broadcast team of Tim Metcalf and Donovan Bennett would be great, they're both young supporters and fans of the league at Rogers. I heard Rogers had interest in being part of the Argos deal only if they got some games to televise, TSN/Bell said no.

It would be good if Shaw or Global got involved too.

[rdavies]

With the extent of cord cutting being what it is and the OTA networks having a 20% larger footprint, they've got to get some games back on CTV or CBC. Like vinyl records, rabbit ears are making a comeback.

[R.J]

It would be good if Shaw or Global got involved too.
???
Global is owned by Corus Entertainment, which is owned by the Shaw family.

[Tau Ceti]

Man, I never listen to McCown (or radio in general really) except when somebody links it on this forum and I swear I've heard that fricking story about the fan drop off after the first McNall / Gretz / Candy game five times from Bob. Has he not had anything to do for 26 years?

Anyway, I think Rogers will come around. One gets the feeling they wanted to sit in a huff until the boomers die off and the CFL goes the way of the dinosaurs. But there's other sexy properties TSN has -- NFL, MLS -- and the CFL remains more durable than expected. The advantages of working together outweigh the advantages of not.

[Ron]

Man, I never listen to McCown (or radio in general really) except when somebody links it on this forum and I swear I've heard that fricking story about the fan drop off after the first McNall / Gretz / Candy game five times from Bob. Has he not had anything to do for 26 years?



Do you mean the massive drop off from 41K to 37K?

[ArgoRavi]

Do you mean the massive drop off from 41K to 37K?

Every time Bob talks about the Argos, he mentions this, except his dropoff is from 45k to 35k.

[argos1873]

Is there anyway to skip to the 31 minute mark on this nonsense? You used to be able to skip content. But now its just playing without control. I don't want to listen to more of their nonsense than I need to.

Edit* Ok, doesn't matter...I waited my way through and listened to their nonsense anyhow. Its all nonsense even when they were talking CFL. Just pure nonsense.

[rdavies]

Is there anyway to skip to the 31 minute mark on this nonsense? You used to be able to skip content. But now its just playing without control. You can still skip around, are you doing it on the player at the top of the page? That's where you can move it.

https://i.imgur.com/HRl0Vdi.png

[ArgoRavi]

Edit* Ok, doesn't matter...I waited my way through and listened to their nonsense anyhow. Its all nonsense even when they were talking CFL. Just pure nonsense.

They complain about not knowing the QBs but it doesn't take a lot of effort to find that info. I couldn't name you all the goalies on each of the seven Canadian NHL teams either but I could easily find that information if I really wanted to.

[rdavies]

They complain about not knowing the QBs but it doesn't take a lot of effort to find that info. I couldn't name you all the goalies on each of the seven Canadian NHL teams either but I could easily find that information if I really wanted to.Well considering they are in the business of supposedly being knowledgeable about sports, and the CFL is one of the major properties in Canada, it doesn't say much for them.

[AngeloV]

I could only last throught the first 2 minutes of this. McCowan and Shannon are both brutal.

[Topshelf]

The CFL would be better if there were long term elite QBs on each team.
Aside from Ray right now, most fans would have a hard time naming QBs of other teams.
Plus, the QBs shift around from team to team too much. It would be better if fans had a chance to get attached to their players, and also for new guys to come in rather than some of the veterans sticking around way past their prime. Im convinced the Riders would have beat the Argos if they played Bridge. But that's a sports thing, not just the CFL.

[Neely2005]

Since there are rumours of Rogers selling the Jays that could be why they're interested in the Argonauts. Probably a much better ROI on a CFL team with the Salary Cap and smaller TV rights fee.

[AngeloV]

The CFL would be better if there were long term elite QBs on each team.
Aside from Ray right now, most fans would have a hard time naming QBs of other teams.
Plus, the QBs shift around from team to team too much. It would be better if fans had a chance to get attached to their players, and also for new guys to come in rather than some of the veterans sticking around way past their prime. Im convinced the Riders would have beat the Argos if they played Bridge. But that's a sports thing, not just the CFL.

Then why do so many people in Southern Ontario drive to Bills games? Since Jim Kelly's last season in 1996, 19 different QB's have started games for the Bills.

Regarding player movement, I agree. That's why I would love to see the league put in an exemption of 15% towards the salary cap of any free agents that re-sign with their own teams.

[smokeslet'sgo]

Since there are rumours of Rogers selling the Jays

Source? I haven't heard this at all. (no intent to discredit you at all)

[argos1873]

You can still skip around, are you doing it on the player at the top of the page? That's where you can move it.

https://i.imgur.com/HRl0Vdi.png

Thanks, for some reason I didn't have that or couldn't find it.

[rdavies]

The CFL would be better if there were long term elite QBs on each team. Aside from Ray right now, most fans would have a hard time naming QBs of other teams. Plus, the QBs shift around from team to team too much.Seriously?

[rdavies]

Source? I haven't heard this at all. (no intent to discredit you at all)Rogers exploring possible sale of Toronto Blue Jays, CFO says (https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/12/05/rogers-exploring-possible-sale-of-toronto-blue-jays-cfo-says.html)
Chief financial officer Tony Staffieri also mentioned the company is considering selling off its stake in Cogeco.
Natalie Wong Toronto Star December 5, 2017

Rogers Communications is considering selling assets such as baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays and a stake in media company Cogeco Inc. to free up capital for other investments, chief financial officer Tony Staffieri said.

The Toronto-based telecommunications giant wants to get more value for the assets, though no deal is imminent, Staffieri said at the UBS Global Media and Communications conference in New York.

Rogers plans to increase investments in its wireless network as part of a plan to capture a surge in data use, chief executive officer Joe Natale told the Globe & Mail this week. Rogers shares have soared 26 per cent this year, outpacing rivals Telus and BCE (Bell) by more than double, as wireless revenue soared and customer retention improved.

The company has said before that it’s exploring ways to get more value from its portfolio of assets, including the Jays, but Staffieri’s comments Tuesday were more specific. Rogers still wants rights to sports programming but doesn’t have to own a team to have that, he said, pointing to the company’s 12-year deal with the National Hockey League.

Rogers’ media business made up about 15 per cent of sales last year but only about 3 per cent of operating profit, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The company has been a longtime investor in Cogeco and now holds about a third of the media company and a fifth of its cable unit, Cogeco Communications Inc.

“There were some strategic benefits that we had hoped for with Cogeco and those seem to be further and further away,” Staffieri said. “As we think about an environment where interest rates start to go up and compare it to the yield that we’re getting on the asset today, we think there’s probably better use for that capital.”

[argos1873]

Regarding player movement, I agree. That's why I would love to see the league put in an exemption of 15% towards the salary cap of any free agents that re-sign with their own teams.

That's an awesome idea. Unfortunately it would probably be abused somehow, but on the surface it seems like a great idea. Player stability has been a real issue in the CFL. There needs to be some incentive for teams to fix it. There's nothing worse than when a team releases a competent veteran, who may be on a bit of the downside of his career, but still very competent, because they can replace him with an unknown quantity signing who will make slightly less money but may perform at the level of the released veteran.

[gilthethrill]

Don't qb's (both starters and backups) in the NFL bounce around a lot as well?

[Argo57]

I could only last throught the first 2 minutes of this. McCowan and Shannon are both brutal.

John Shannon, the second coming of Cliff Clavin.

[argos1873]

Don't qb's (both starters and backups) in the NFL bounce around a lot as well?

There's 32 teams, I'm sure they do, but I'll admit, I do not follow the NFL in the least, and do not care what happens down there. I really do no care.

[gilthethrill]

There's 32 teams, I'm sure they do, but I'll admit, I do not follow the NFL in the least, and do not care what happens down there. I really do no care.

I will watch the NFL playoffs, but my point is would those guys on the PTS ever complain about that? I doubt it.

[AngeloV]

John Shannon, the second coming of Cliff Clavin.

It kills me how Sportsnet uses him as a panel guy on there hockey broadcasts. If I want someone to tell me why the broadcast switched from one camera angle to another, I might consider a TV producer as an authority. To have him tell me why a player is in a slump as if he's some hockey expert is mind boggling. Sportsnet has no clue.

[rdavies]

It kills me how Sportsnet uses him as a panel guy on there hockey broadcasts. If I want someone to tell me why the broadcast switched from one camera angle to another, I might consider a TV producer as an authority. To have him tell me why a player is in a slump as if he's some hockey expert is mind boggling. Sportsnet has no clue.I used to be a pretty regular listener but time has really passed these guys by. They are seriously out of touch and not very knowledgeable about a lot of subjects.

McCown's Abe Simpson schtick has grown old, the supersaturation of Jays and Leafs has tuned me out. Madani's CFL hitman routine is lame and the same with Cox until someone from the league might be on and then he is nice as pie.

Maybe my "shark jumping" moment was when Shannon said "my Wolverines" Really?

Again, as someone has said, why should we listen to them as a middleman for American sports when we can get it straight from the source.

[rdavies]

John Shannon, the second coming of Cliff Clavin.Problem is, aside from Fried, he's the best of the PTS lot.

[Argo57]

Problem is, aside from Fried, he's the best of the PTS lot.

That in itself tells you all you need to know.

[R.J]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/more/bob-mccown-signs-multi-year-deal-remain-host-prime-time-sports/

Bob sticking around for a little longer.

[Neely2005]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/more/bob-mccown-signs-multi-year-deal-remain-host-prime-time-sports/

Bob sticking around for a little longer.

Not surprising really:

"Prime Time Sports remains the most listened-to sports talk radio program in the country and is No. 1 by a wide margin for average minute audience for males (12+), average minute audience for males 25-54 and share of audience for males 25-54."

[Argo57]

Not surprising really:

"Prime Time Sports remains the most listened-to sports talk radio program in the country and is No. 1 by a wide margin for average minute audience for males (12+), average minute audience for males 25-54 and share of audience for males 25-54."

I listen to Overdrive with Noodles, Hayes and the O’Dog good mix of humour and sports banter.

[argolio]

Sportsnet had no choice except to re-sign Bob. His is the only Toronto sports radio show that gets good ratings aside from maybe Overdrive. Even though it has morphed into the FOB (friends of Bob) show, I guess he has built up enough fan loyalty to withstand the drop-off in quality.

McCown is 65, so this could be his last contract, but I wlouldn't be surprised if he sticks around for a long time.

[ArgoRavi]

Problem is, aside from Fried, he's the best of the PTS lot.

Shannon is certainly beyond his "best before" date. I will mention though that he produced the old Canadian Football Network games from 1987 to 1990. He was considered to be a controversial figure in the sports broadcasting world at that time and, IIRC, was fired by Hockey Night in Canada before resurfacing with the CFL.

[argos1873]

I will watch the NFL playoffs, but my point is would those guys on the PTS ever complain about that? I doubt it.

I know, my point was that there are 32 teams. 10 QB changes are felt the same as 5 in the CFL.