Former Lions’ running back Sean Millington is trying yet another comeback attempt with the Toronto Argonauts. Millington had been working as a commentator on CBC’s CFL panel, but could be in the Argos’ lineup as soon as this weekend. If Millington still has a desire to play, I don’t have a problem with him trying to get back on the field. However, I do question the Argos’ decision to sign him. The boatmen already have five running backs on their roster with Troy Davis waiting on the practice squad. Millington was an excellent player in his prime, and he does replace fellow Canadian Jeff Johnson on the roster after the latter broke his leg three weeks ago. But is a 39-year-old back who ruptured his Achilles during his last comeback in 2005 the solution for the league’s second-worst running game?
• With both young speedsters now dispatched to the farm, it looks as though the Canucks will attempt to get back to doing what they did best last season: play tight-checking hockey and grind out close games. It was assumed by almost everyone that Vancouver could add the youth, speed and scoring of Mason Raymond and Ryan Shannon without losing any of the traits that made the Canucks one of the NHL’s best teams in the last half of last season. But somewhere along the way, the Canucks forgot how to play “the system” they nearly perfected last season. Though you can’t pin Vancouver’s slow start on either Raymond or Shannon, the Canucks are struggling defensively right now and neither youngster is much help in solving that problem at this point of their respective careers.
• Don’t look now, but North Delta’s Jeff Francis is just four wins away from winning the World Series with the Colorado Rockies. Francis has started the first game of both postseason series sweeps for the Rockies, and been outstanding in each of his outings. The UBC product has allowed just 3 runs in 13 innings of work and made the cover of Sports Illustrated for the first time. Just a guess, but I think Francis’ increased profile might further bolster Terry McKaig’s efforts to recruit future major league prospects to the T-birds.
Mix equal parts college athlete, sports fan and broadcaster. Shake vigorously. Serve chilled Monday-Friday on the TEAM 1040 from 6-9 a.m. or online at thetoulbox.blogspot.com
