If the TPA would only trade me to MLSE….

Taxpayers, sports fans, back seat drivers. They all share a sense that if only THEY were in charge, things would be running more smoothly. Right or wrong (almost exclusively the latter), that’s one of the small pleasures in life for many.

This comes to mind today as the news of Chris Bosh’s departure sinks in. It’s not like the Toronto Raptors didn’t know this might happen. We suggested last December that it was time to trade CB4, while we had the chance to get something of value — anything — in return (see prior post “Bye Bye Bosh” Dec. 2-10):

It is time for fans to admit that CB4 will be moving on. Had the off-season player moves turned out differently, perhaps, just perhaps, Mr. Bosh’s prediliction to re-sign with the Raptors would have been higher.

There’s no choice but to trade our allstar, despite the fact that he’s a crowd draw and every 5-year old Toronto girl’s favourite player. We get zippo for him in April. Now, and least we can begin to craft a longer term strategy.

And then again in April, when our friends were thinking they had the chance to re-sign Bosh for a max. contract, I suggested medicinal hemp must have been in use at the ACC (see prior post “If I were to take a big haul on the pipe….” Apr 20-10):

I see in my DTM that the Front Office at the Toronto Raptors is intent on signing Chris Bosh to a six year, US$130 million contract. It appears, at least in print, that they also believe that he will seriously consider staying here for the balance of his useful career.

If I were to throw on Pink Floyd’s “Pigs on the Wing”, take a big haul or three on the pipe, and stare at the ceiling long enough, I could probably see a scenario where that might actually happen (see prior post “Bye Bye Bosh” Dec 2-09).

Perhaps the silly Collective Bargaining Agreement and fake salary cap are part of the problem, but every team suffers in equal proportions to the one-sided deal we the fans currently have with NBA players. But we’re not in charge.

MLSE has done a great job of drafting talent: Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, Chris Bosh to name three obvious stars. Let’s develop a 10 year plan to build a winner, part of which will be easier when we figure out how to keep these people. The Blue Jays landed in Toronto in 1977, and had a crown by 1992. Exactly 15 years. John Labatt Ltd. seemed to have a plan, and it came together.

The Toronto Raptors franchise is now 15 years old, and the 2010-2011 season may well look like an expansion team. Professional sports teams can’t win their league’s championship very often; that’s a reality. But MLSE needs a clear “oncourt” plan. That’s all the fans are asking for.

As for “The Big News Event” of last evening, I don’t think these players understand the damage they are doing to their relationship with the NBA’s fan base. I know that we stand and essentially throw rolls of $1,000 dollar bills at you each and every game night. But don’t prance around like some Conquistador.

Right now, you’re looking at lot like Wall Street circa 2007.

MRM