Piggy 1

Nate said crazy stuff about everybody. Pretty sure he has been banned for every CFL forum.

I almost mentioned that when this thread was posted,but thought better of it. Ohhh ,the crazy **** Nate would say about Lyle.....

Morris in the Village was his handle during call in shows on OB and the like. He is a former radio guy and actually did help me once upon a time with a move from one gig to another. But man he's batshit nuts for sure...

as of February 2024 it appears Nate is still very much alive:
Incorporating verse – Winnipeg Free Press

right.  I knew his name was Morris.  At least now I remember it was Morris.  Still don't know why he hated Lyle Bauer so much, but that rivalry got pretty heated at one point, if memory serves.  I remember Lyle putting out some news release from the Bombers talking about "The Bookworm", which I assumed was Nate?

I didn't want to go there.

I don't really want to take clicks away from the Freep, but I will for this article. 
 
Bomber legend’s greatest impact was off the field
Three-time Grey Cup Champ co-founded Never Alone Cancer Foundation
By: Taylor Allen
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/05/01/bomber-legends-greatest-impact-was-off-the-field
Lyle Bauer was a hall of fame athlete, a respected football executive, and a charitable force that improved the lives of thousands.
“He was a difference maker, and he lived his life that way,” said former Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman David Black, who played six seasons beside Bauer.
“I’m proud of everything he did and accomplished through a lot of adversity.”
MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS files
Lyle Bauer left a lasting impression on people whether it was on the gridiron or working with cancer patients.
Known as one of the toughest blockers in CFL history, Bauer helped the Blue and Gold hoist the Grey Cup on three occasions (1984, 1988, and 1990).
He earned that same respect in the front office as an assistant general manager (1992-94) and later president and CEO (2000-09) when he brought some much needed stability on and off the field to the Winnipeg Football Club.
His biggest impact came away from the gridiron when he co-founded the Never Alone Cancer Foundation (NACF) in 2004 shortly after being diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer. For two decades, the organization has helped individuals affected by cancer with emotional, financial and informational support.
Bauer, who lived in B.C. near Slocan Lake, died earlier this week at 65 with his family by his side.
“He made use of his time here,” said Bauer’s daughter Danni, who lives in Calgary. Bauer and his wife Heidi also have two sons, Wesley and Brodie.
“He’s done so much. The stuff he did with the Bombers was amazing, but I think just connecting with people and how he was such a positive force (is what I’m most proud of).”
Free Press Files
Bauer had a 10-year career with the Bombers from 1982-1991.
Born in Saskatoon, Bauer played at Weber State University in Utah before enjoying a 10-year career with the Bombers (1982-1991). In addition to being a team captain, he was named Winnipeg’s most outstanding offensive lineman in 1988 and a division all-star in 1990.
Bauer was inducted into the Blue Bombers Hall of Fame in 1998.
Chris Walby was Bauer’s roommate and has no shortage of stories to share.
“We just traded for (defensive lineman) Leon Hatziioannou, a good guy, too, and it was the day before the game and we were just doing a walk-through. We don’t go 100 miles an hour, but Hatzi kept going 100 miles an hour and he was going against Lyle and Lyle said ‘You better slow down, brother.’ But Hatzi kept coming, so, he chopped Hatzi at the knees,” said Walby.
“He was not one to be taken lightly. A really good football player technique wise, but he had that mean streak which was great about him. He’d get in the huddle and he wouldn’t say much, but he’d give you the eyes. You didn’t mess with Lyle. He was fiery and took no prisoners.”
Marc Gallant/ Free Press Files
Bauer rides in on a motorcycle during the halftime presentation of his induction into the Blue Bombers Hall of Fame in 1998.
“I loved Lyle, he just made my laugh. I’m gonna miss the **** out of him and that’s all I can say.”
Bauer had an uphill climb in front of him when he became president and CEO as the Bombers were in debt. He managed to get them into the black and appear in two Grey Cups (2001 and 2007).
He held the same role with the Calgary Stampeders from 2010 to 2013.
“When he got the job, I was a free agent at the time and it was the last time I ever was a free agent. We’re talking on the phone and I tell him, ‘This is what I want and this is what I expect to get,’” said hall of fame receiver Milt Stegall.
“And the first words he ever said to me was, ‘I don’t think you’re worth that.’ And I was like what the heck? Who is this guy? What does he think he’s doing? But after that, everything worked out and our relationship was spectacular. Our relationship went way beyond him being the president of the team and me being a player.”
Stegall added: “People were held accountable. People knew there was a new sheriff in town and you had to be on your job. It wasn’t about just being good, you had to be great, you had to be at your best if you want to remain in the organization… He brought in a different mentality. It was unfortunate we weren’t able to get that Grey Cup when he was there but he did some great things on and especially off the field.”
Free Press Files
Bauer, No. 59, was named Winnipeg’s most outstanding offensive lineman in 1988 and a division all-star in 1990.
When Bauer got sick, he didn’t give up. He kept working, kept fighting, and was determined to help others who were going through a similar battle even when the disease was taking his voice away from him.
The foundation started by helping around 50 or 60 people a year, but that number has grown to 500-plus. NACF executive director Michael Schiefer said Bauer never imagined his vision would turn into what it has.
Before the pandemic, Bauer would host an annual fishing getaway with cancer patients to help them get their mind off of things. He was also always quick to reach out and offer a lending hand to anyone who contacted the NACF
“At one of our luncheons, I’ll never forget this one time where he was making his rounds around the tables and he met a man, who now volunteers for us, with a very similar diagnosis. In mere seconds, Lyle could show compassion and this hulking figure would wrap his arms around you which he did to this man and he said ‘(You’re my) brother, anything you need, I’m here,’” Schiefer said.
“For that brotherhood to be extended to just somebody in attendance is something I’ll never forget. It was a really powerful moment to witness.”

 

well they aren't considering Arniel right away

All the best Mr. Bowness to whatever you shift to now.
Not gonna happen but Rod Brind'amour would look outstanding behind our bench. I love his coaching style.

Thanks Bones!   All the best going forward! I remember him coaching Jets 1.0.   Almost full circle moment for him.
 

Not surprised. Lots going on in his personal life. Enjoy retirement, Bones. 
Bring on Arniel. Seems like it's taken forever for the timing right on this one. 

I think Cole will be an impact player this year. Could steal Wilson’s spot, or (preferably) Kramdi if they can make the ratio work.

Ford could very well take a starting corner spot.
I’d like to see what Jake Kelly could do at FS as well. 

Aw, too bad about VGK 🥳

I agree with the takes the DL and LB are the two worrying spots going into 2024.
I think we may have some issues early but at the end of the year, we'll be firing on all cylinders and capable of beating everybody.

Four grey cup victories means nothing to me... Stegall has zero ...  it's meaningless.  
Drummond is a fringe HOFer...  for a few seasons he was oustanding... the other seasons he was platooning and not "The Guy".    He probably should go in... but only if that year has weak candidates who are also on the fringe.   

There's an exhaustive list with credentials of the American receivers coming into camp in Tait's receiver preview.  Where do you think Bailey came from?  Receiver is hardly a concern here.
Rush end is a spot I personally would have been more active on.  The Bombers were a completely different and not good defense without Jeffcoat.  Jefferson is declining and was not a factor (positively, negatively yeah) when Jeffcoat was down.
Hardrick was bad last season.  Don't believe he will be hard to replace.  More concerned about Canadian spots on line personally.  Some limitations and age issues there basically with all the guys we have.

Dominant players do not play on the 3rd line in hockey.  
Role players/ depth players are good to have but cannot get paid the same as 1st liners.  Role players and depth players are also significantly easier to find then all-stars.  

we essentially replaced the best back up QB with a new...better best back up....abd the prospect behind him seems solid at first glance....Camp will be the true indicator...upgrade tho from 2023
I don't think Yosh is a majhor loss per say....As long as we can find a compatent replacement who can play we should be fine...Lofton should be that guy worst case, as we develop the heir apparent longterm guy...and with Eli back...Dobson hopefully with more polish to him, and the huge upside of Wallace and still having Kolo, I see no worries there really either...maybe some gelling at first....but with Bryant and Neuf next to whomever wins the spot they have on field coaching right there....and with some guys in the pipleline again...and the possible flyer on Manu....we upgraded I believe to a meaner group...younger...with upside
Replacing Jackson with the actual Canadian RB/FB who actually has a real good skill set...huge upgrade on multiple levels...especially for roster...upgrade there
Like the dline talent coming in....Was never sold or a fan of Walker, so I think we will be better with whoever is shotgun with lawson....and some intruiging guys competing for the end spots....Jackson's loss hurts, but bang for buck there and not knowig how many games we would get...with a guy on other side of 30...I like the route we take....camp will be the big battle and indicator there....we have some talent....and now with Jackson gone we can actually deploy it...so in my opinion the defensive rotation will be better all around, especially with Ford in the mix and the ability to if we want at times to go all Import on the line, and have some unique schemes with who we put out there.
Db's not concerned with whatsoever...we have a proven track record of plug and play there......
LB's is the one spot a little curious, dare I say concerned.....No issues with Wilson....and at SAM we have options....I'd like to see Cole take that over and Ford win a Corner spot....we also have a couple interesting guys coming in who may blow doors off and take that role...Not sold...nor liking Kramdi there...adequate atbest doesnt cut it for me, and he will not develop into a true difference maker, so why extend that experiment...we dont have to, so why? and if we want that Canadian then Ford offers way more...more upside, and a way better athlete...so at moment to me Linebacker is the big question mark to be filled
Receiever...nothing to be said there...we know what the main 4 bring....we have some intruiging options to replace Bailey and we replenished our Canadian backups....the new kid with more upside than Bolo I believe and I was one of the bigger BOLO tire pumpers here...plus he is an experienced teams guy...BOLO wasnt...we made him learn that spot
RB's...Nothing needs to be said there, and now with Ilke we have 3 solid Canadians and a actual guy to do the full back role who actually can do more than just get in the way....and don't sleep on Smith....If he takes Mcrae's role, as well as win that returnr spot...Huge upgrade....and he could make real noise with some offensive reps...true game breaking skill set there
Camp will be interesting and a true camp this yr with guys competing and jobs to be taken....

I think more than anything it's just work...and good coaching....and from experince I know how foot speed and general lateral movement improves from just shedding 15 to 20 pounds

We played with out 2/3s of those guys for more than half of the last two plus years. That significantly reduced any possible drop off. The portion of baileys touches that go to lawler demski Schoen or Brady will immediately be an improvement as well. 
we had bigger production games from guys who aren’t here any more than were had from Bailey.
 Talent level of replacement players is never the problem with imports. Bailey was deservedly loved but was a role player, an easily filled role at that. One normally filled by nis. Grant was a great role player but we don’t need the most dangerous return man in the league with our offence. We just need a capable one. And the amount of snaps jj played the last few years he was really a role player at a stars salary. 
 I expect us to be more consistent by ld and better off from moving on. Same with moving on from yoshi. This is how contenders stay on top and improve. How many times did the stamps lose key fas here or to the NFL and then find the next guy? 

I'd rather have Schoen and Lawler than Schoen OR Lawler and Bailey.
Talent level is much higher than it would be if we kept the slightly above average vets.

Bailey was not a dominant player,  he was a solid and reliable guy but never a guy that I'd think would be a hall of famer.  
Jeffcoat is several years past his prime and on a downturn with his injuries. Far from dominant on a consistent basis. 
Grant is a dominant returner and he will be missed.