Game Thread: Ottawa Redbacks @ Toronto Argonauts

[ArgoRavi]

Calgary v. Hamilton; does PJ Walker see action, pride game for Ticats

Does our spring football expert gilthethrill have any insider info?

Thanks Gabe I appreciate the kind words. I take a lot of flak from other members for following these leagues. Last week someone put a nail in my tire. Going by the Calgary depth chart, Walker is not dressing as he is on the PR. Calgary can't leave him there at seasons end or he becomes a FA. I expcet he will see action in the season finale next weekend.

Or they will at least dress him as the 3rd string QB next week.

[Scooter McCray]

The "Experts" are split 50/50 in their predictions. Ottawa looks healthier but they can't beat Eastern Football Conference opponents nor can they win on the road.

I'm an equal opportunity employer/critic/etc. I feel free to criticize Cauz, Steinberg and O'Leary for picking Ottawa in this game. I don't know what games they've been watching. I can only think their choice is based on...Ottawa needs it more, and because of the result the last time these teams met. But the Argos know this is the win to secure homefield. They want it just as much, and their want to has been on full display for the last month. Whereas Ottawas has left the building.
FULL MARKS TO KC FOR PICKING THE ARGOS. I DIDNT THINK SHE HAD IT IN HER.

And that's even with Kristina Costabile picking the Argos. I was definitely surprised to see this split decision.

Indeed, and now that she has, might I suggest we refrain from making light of her predictions over the past weeks to bed moving forward.

[GreyCup1971]

I listened to Keith Pelley on CFRB 1010 this morning. In addition to being responsible for the MLSE during the Rogers takeover from Bell, he is also responsible for delivering the World Cup here in Toronto in less than two years now. He sounded concerned that so much is yet to be done.

He was the first MLSE spokesman to all out all for franchises and specifically mentioned the history of the Argos.

[Scooter McCray]

I listened to Keith Pelley on CFRB 1010 this morning. In addition to being responsible for the MLSE during the Rogers takeover from Bell, he is also responsible for delivering the World Cup here in Toronto in less than two years now. He sounded concerned that so much is yet to be done.

He was the first MLSE spokesman to all out all for franchises and specifically mentioned the history of the Argos.

We couldn't have hoped for a better advocate to run all of MLSE. Let's hope he has the ear of ownership not to unload the team, and to put good people in place to let the Argos make something of themselves in Toronto once again.

[paulwoods13]

Going by the Calgary depth chart, Walker is not dressing as he is on the PR. Calgary can't leave him there at seasons end or he becomes a FA. I expcet he will see action in the season finale next weekend.

I wonder if, or how, his situation differs from the guys (including a QB) whom Toronto has recently signed to "futures" contracts, meaning they will be in camp next year. I assume Calgary can simply sign Walker to such a deal anytime before or after this season ends, but if they wait until afterwards there's nothing stopping some other team from beating them to the punch. I imagine the Stamps want to determine how big of a contract he's worth, and whether they are prepared to give him starting-type money. Tough to do that after only a few weeks of PR duty and (maybe) one appearance in a meaningless game.

[ARGOFanIan]

Great news that MLSE had to open additional sections.. Especially for a Red Black game.

Prior to the stuff with Chad happening... was thinking this season would be a bit of a disappointment if we didn't open up the upper east side at least once. Hopefully we can start to make this happen more often. This is the first time upper east section has been open for regular season game since Bill Manning took over.

I kind of like the way BC does it. If they feel it might be a good crowd they open additional sections right away... Hope we get there in the end.

Anyways if we can keep the organic growth going and we can keep Keith Pelly around ... This is a big positive.

PS ... Don't forget its Purolator Tackle Hunger game tomorrow.

[gilthethrill]

Going by the Calgary depth chart, Walker is not dressing as he is on the PR. Calgary can't leave him there at seasons end or he becomes a FA. I expcet he will see action in the season finale next weekend.

I wonder if, or how, his situation differs from the guys (including a QB) whom Toronto has recently signed to "futures" contracts, meaning they will be in camp next year. I assume Calgary can simply sign Walker to such a deal anytime before or after this season ends, but if they wait until afterwards there's nothing stopping some other team from beating them to the punch. I imagine the Stamps want to determine how big of a contract he's worth, and whether they are prepared to give him starting-type money. Tough to do that after only a few weeks of PR duty and (maybe) one appearance in a meaningless game.

Calgary has invested in Walker (2 Neg List Players and a Conditional Draft Pick) whereas other futures picks are merely FA signings. I agree, it will be difficult for the Stampeders to evaluate Walker on such short notice, so I gather they have already made thier decision to bring him back next year in hopes he is the new starter. All that needs to be done is doing up a contract.

[Scooter McCray]

Great news that MLSE had to open additional sections.. Especially for a Red Black game.

Prior to the stuff with Chad happening... was thinking this season would be a bit of a disappointment if we didn't open up the upper east side at least once. Hopefully we can start to make this happen more often. This is the first time upper east section has been open for regular season game since Bill Manning took over.

I kind of like the way BC does it. If they feel it might be a good crowd they open additional sections right away... Hope we get there in the end.

Anyways if we can keep the organic growth going and we can keep Keith Pelly around ... This is a big positive.

PS ... Don't forget its Purolator Tackle Hunger game tomorrow.

Did they sell tickets in the North Endzone as well? I thought I saw those on ticketmaster early week, but nothing shows up there now.

[ARGOFanIan]

Think the Brass Band normally sits in the North Grandstand. I think there was some tickets there for a while... maybe most reserved for the Band not sure.

Will be nice to have a Band at the game.... but still miss the ARGONotes....LOL

[Scooter McCray]

Going to be a solid crowd for sure. Best one of the year until November 2.
Anyone else surprised? Ottawa never draws like that here.