Back in Korea: February 2008

Trade deadline musings

Well, the trade deadline has come and gone and there are some big winners, and some big losers. Now if you're a Toronto fan, guess what side you are perennially on? The last time I was eager about the deadline was in 2002 when the leafs brought back Doug Gilmore, and brought in Phil Housely, Ron Francis, Brian Leetch and Glen Wesley. That was a great trade deadline, which ultimately sputtered and was cause for much mourning.

This year the geriatric Cliff Fletcher was called in to top what John Ferguson Jr. did last year. Last year JFJ brought in a 4th line center who was a face-off specialist who came in for the price of a 2nd round pick and a prospect. Admittedly, he set the bar a little low for Fletcher to follow.

This year Toronto had what was called "The Toronto Five". Doesn't quite have the same ring as "the Fab Five" or "The Magnificent 7", but neither Fab nor Magnificent are quite the words to describe most of these "Toronto Five". The five that were referred to were Sundin, Kaberle, Mcabe, Tucker and Kubina. All of them could have been moved to another team, there was interest in most of them, but all 5 had a no-trade clause. One other thing that was left as JFJ's legacy. Not one of these single Leafs wanted to waive their no-trade clause to leave a sinking ship like the Leafs to go to a possible Stanley Cup contending team. I don't know about you, maybe one thinks that these people have a love of Toronto. Maybe they actually believe that a team that has dwelt under .500 for the entire season has a chance of winning next year when Sundin's contract is up and they don't have people like Stajan and Wellwood under contract and they've already got $42 million committed in contracts for the next season.
I think anyone who knows hockey knows that the Leafs are in a stage of rebuilding and won't contend for the next few years. Sundin could have left Toronto and no one would have blamed him. It would have been like Ray Borque leaving the Bruins to win a cup with the Avs. He put in his time and he deserves a shot at the cup. Kaberle I would be hesitant to let go mainly because he is still not that old and he could be a good influence on the team for years to come. Mcabe, Tucker and Kubina are all over priced players that need to go to free up room for rebuilding. After seeing what the Thrashers got for Hossa, it's amazing to think what the Leafs could have gotten from Sundin. Actually, if they played the trade game right and got rid of Sundin, Tucker, Mcabe and Kubina... they might have had a chance to do what the Flyers did last year and go from being a bottom feeder one year to contending the next.
But now, the Leafs are going to put together their annual late push (they've done this for the last 2 uninspiring years) and not make the playoffs, but play themselves out of contention for the top pick of the draft. All will continue as normal in Leaf land with mediocracy the norm and a lackadaisical mindset amongst their players.

That is unless they blow everyone's mind and actually make a smart signing for the new GM. Unfortunately it's been a long time since someone has seen a snowflake in hell.

Visa Run

Here's what I wrote when I was in Japan:

So, thoughts on Japan so far.

It's warm! I don't know if it's the fresh feeling of spring here, while in Jeonju it's still freezing away, but I feel an energy here. It could also be the foliage here too. I'd live to see it in the spring or summer when the grass is green.
Other things I've noticed is that it doesn't seem as "Busy" as Jeonju. Granted it's still Thursday afternoon, but still, less random people walking around than Jeonju.
Also, it's clean! After I noticed this I looked around and (like Korea), no trash bins. Now how can Japan keep it clean but Korea can't?
Anyways my night at the hostel proved to be a good time. I met some new people and went out for dinner, drinks and Karaoke. I ended up rolling in at 3:30 in the morning. It was a good night.
The next morning I went straight to the embassy and got my Visa. No problem at all. I spent some of the day walking around, found a nice little beach to sit, read a book and walk along the water. But then it started to rain so I headed back to the airport. I got there at 4:00 and had to wait until 9 till my flight left. But hey, at least it gave me time to read my book "Guns, Germs & Steel" a great book.

Well, that's pretty much the whole trip I had. Down below are some pictures that I took while I was on my trip.