IS BOSH REALLY LEAVING?, CHAPMAN DECLARED AN MLB FREE AGENT, FAVRE SHOWS WHO'S BOSS

There's been a lot of questions in Raptorland about whether or not Chris Bosh will leave the team when he becomes a free-agent at the end of the up-coming season. There is a couple factors that come into play when Bosh's first contract expires next summer. His teammates don't seem to be phased about it much. "I'm not worried about (Bosh leaving)," C Andrea Bargnani told the Toronto Sun. "He loves Toronto". "He said to me, and he's a good friend," PG Jose Calderon added, "that he's happy in Toronto. His teammates obviously want him around and expect him to keep Toronto high on the list when offers start pouring in. Another factor will undoubtedly be money. The Raptors can offer Bosh more than any other team. Because he is originally their draft pick, the maximum money the Raptors can offer him will be more than any other team, no matter how much salary-cap space another team has. Hey, it's not like he dislikes the city by any means. Bosh spends a lot of time during the off-seasons in Toronto, he's developed a lot of close relationships with people in the city and has recently signed a music deal with Warner Brothers CANADA. If anything, the city would be a reason he stays. The organization has also showed Bosh that they are committed to wining. The last two seasons have been disappointing but GM Brian Colangelo has gone out and done everything to improve the team every season. Things don't always pan out like they're supposed to but when you know people in upper-management are doing everything they can to win, it leaves a positive impression on the players. The performance of the team this season will probably play the biggest role in the decision-making process. The team has a lot of new talent and it will be interesting to see how they gel together as the season progresses. If they make the playoffs and get out of the first round, expect Bosh to stay. If the Raptors can not play up to potential, Bosh could be as good as gone. Just don't buy into everything you read.

Highly touted Cuban defect, P Aroldis Chapman, was declared a free-agent by Major League Baseball on Friday. The 21-year-old left-hander has been on the radar of MLB teams for the last couple of years. The youngster throws a 100 mph fastball and was one of the main attractions at the 2009 World Baseball Classic. In his second attempt to defect from his native country, Chapman was successful. He left his hotel during a national team tournament in the Netherlands, as prior arrangements were made for his escape. Since, he has established residency in Andorra for the time being. He will get a lot of interest from all the big clubs this off-season. Already, it has been reported that the Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, Dodgers and Angels are interested. MLB Trade Rumours has reported that the bidding for his services will start at around $40 million. Scouts have mixed reaction on how they think Chapman will fair in the majors. Some say his secondary pitches are not enough to pitch in the league and that he may be more suited for a relief role in the MLB. Regardless, it will be an interesting story to follow this off-season.

Brett Favre has done it again. He was supposed to have a less prominent role with a well-rounded Vikings team this season. But he has shown that he can take the pressure more than ever and that age isn't a factor for the 39-year-old. On Sunday, Favre took over in the fourth quarter to shock the San Francisco 49ers in a 27-24 win for the Vikings. Down by four, with two seconds left in regulation, Favre threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to the back of the end zone and connected with WR Greg Lewis to win the game in dramatic fashion. It was just another one of those Favre moments. The future hall-of-famer has taken much criticism because of his much-publicized retirement antics, being labeled selfish. He has proven so far this season that when healthy, he can still be a top-calibre quarterback and can make big plays. This is one guy that in my opinion should never be underestimated. He can stay as long as he wants when he makes plays like that and continues to win games.