It’s my Parting Shot for my Monday Musings…..

While I have yet to watch the recording of Friday’s game, I highly doubt that this unpopular – but likely accurate take of mine – is going to change! The Saskatchewan Roughriders will NOT successfully defend the Grey Cup title they won last year! The Green and White are three games back of first place Edmonton with four games to play, they are tied with B-C for second place and the Lions hold the tie-brraker advantage. So does Winnipeg hold the tie-breaker over the Riders should they end up tied in the standings with the Blue Bombers just two points behind. Calgary is also two points behind Saskatchewan and those teams meet Friday in Regina. Another loss there by the reeling Roughriders puts them in grave danger of not even being the crossover playoff team into the East Division! Not good, Rider Nation. Not good!

As disappointing as it is for Blue Jays’ fans to not have their team be in the playoffs in 2026 – after getting all the way to Game 7 of the World Series in 2025 – I will say that it’s heartening to see the love, both ways, between veteran players who are multi-millionaires and the fans! Max Scherzer is a sure-fire hall-of-famer who has endeared himself to Toronto and Canada in just two seasons while George Springer is likewise, although a longshot to be in baseball’s shrine. But, he has embraced the city and the country in a way that some American politicians in power should take note of! This country is wonderful. If I’m a Blue Jays’ supporter, I’m hoping that Scherzer, at 43 years old, and Springer, at 38, return for one more season. I wouldn’t care how old they are or how productive they can be, their value in wanting to be in Toronto and Canada and being mid-career mentors for Vladimir Guerrero Junior is necessary because Vladdy isn’t ready to be a guy who puts the franchise on his shoulders without some help and reinforcement!!

And, should we really be surprised at the American team rallying from three points down to win the President’s Cup match play golf event yesterday. There were 12 points on the line – one from each of the 12 singles matches – and in all cases, but one – the American player was higher-rated than the International competitor in the World rankings! It was a stirring comeback, sure, but one that you kind of expected, right?!

That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!