An open letter to Jim Barker

Even though he was out played by Dalton Bell, you decided to name Cleo Lemon the starting quarterback anyway Jimmy.

Dear Jim Barker,

I write to you concerning your shocking decision to name Cleo Lemon as the starting quarterback of the Toronto Argonauts instead of Dalton Bell.

Before we get in to that, let’s backtrack a little bit Jimmy. Oh, is it OK if I call you Jimmy? Anyway, I was never a fan of your hiring in the first place. Don’t get me wrong, the Argonauts made the right choice in firing Bart Andrus – who guided the team to a 3-15 record in 2009 – but I thought there were better candidates out there.

I strongly felt that Scott Milanovich, who has been a very successful offensive coordinator in Montreal, would have gladly become the new head coach if Toronto had offered him a reasonable contract.

Still, I was eager to see just what you would do to turn the team around.

I am not sure how much of an impact you had on every decision, but soon after you arrival the Argonauts made some big moves. The team got rid of all of the quarterbacks on the roster. This was a move I could live with, though having no pivot on the roster hardly inspires confidence.

A move I wasn’t so thrilled about was the decision not to bring back Jamal Robertson. Robertson was Toronto’s only offensive threat last season Jimmy. He pounded out 1,031 rushing yards last season and nine touchdowns. Furthermore, the move left your team without a solid running threat.

Even though I didn’t agree with all of the moves, Jimmy, at least you seemed to have a plan in place to rebuild the team your way. You wanted to start over with a new quarterback and running back. To your credit, Toronto did add talented slot back Jeremaine Copeland.

But Jimmy, I lost all respect for you when you decided to anoint Lemon as your starting quarterback.

A move like that makes me realize why you went 5-13 as the head coach of the Calgary Stampeders in 2003.

During Toronto’s training camp, in which the quarterback battle seemed to take centre stage, three main contenders emerged: Bell, Lemon and Ken Dorsey. It was clear, Jimmy, that you were rooting for Lemon, as you compared him to “Henry Burris”, but it was also reported that Bell and Dorsey didn’t do too bad either.

Then, preseason rolled along and upon its conclusion the decision of who should be the starting quarterback should have been clear to you.

In the first game, a 13-10 victory over the Hamilton Tiger Cats, Dorsey and Bell both put up good numbers. Bell went 7/10 for 94 yards and Dorsey went 8/17 for 96 yards and an interception.

Lemon, on the other hand, stunk up the joint. He went 3/10 for 41 yards.

How you didn’t cut Lemon at this point was amazing Jimmy. Kent Smith, a hopeful quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders who saw time in the first preseason game, went 2/12 for 32 yards and was subsequently released. That must be some love affair you and Lemon have got going.

Then, in the second preseason game, a 31-23 loss to Toronto, it was clear the competition was centered on Lemon and Bell, the only two quarterbacks who played for the Argonauts. Bell was very solid, going 11/15 for 247 yards a touchdown and two interceptions. Lemon improved from the first game, which wasn’t hard to do. He went 7/16 for 58 yards and an interception.

Just for fun, Jimmy, let’s look at both Lemon’s and Bell’s total preseason stats.

Bell: 18/26 for 341 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Lemon: 10/26 for 99 yards and one interception.

I got to say, Jimmy, that’s a pretty close call…

While about 95% of CFL fans thought Bell would be named the starter after this game, you didn’t seem so sure in the post-game interviews. You were quick to point out that Bell played against Montreal’s second-string defenders and Lemon made some good throws.

Soon after, you named Lemon the starter.

All I can say is, after looking at how poorly Lemon played in the preseason, he must be one hell of a practice quarterback. I am talking about a guy who throws effortless 60-yard spirals play after play.

Seriously, Jimmy, your stubbornness was really surprising. You obviously put a lot of stock into Lemon and weren’t willing to admit your mistake, even when Bell completely outplayed Lemon during the preseason. Lemon is not the quarterback to turn your team’s sinking ship around. Bell has more CFL experience and seems ready for the job.

Of course, this is only my opinion Jimmy. Maybe Lemon will turn out to be a fine starter. If that’s the case, feel free to send me an email at [email protected] and rub it in my face. I won’t be expecting an email…

To leave off, I would like to wish you the best of luck in this new season Jimmy. You’ll need it. Your Argonauts look terrible on paper and will likely be in for a rough season. As for you Jimmy, well, you are the fourth head coach of this team in two years. Don’t get too comfortable.

Yours truly,
Jonathan Hamelin

Jonathan Hamelin is an aspiring journalist, who has a freelance contract with the Regina Leader-Post and is a veteran online CFL columnist. He can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

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• Dalton Bell’s time to shine
• Pride comes before Barker’s fall
• Another open letter to Jim Barker
• Burris leaves a good first impression
• Not so fast Double D: Why Burris is still the top pivot in the West

Tags: Cleo Lemon, Dalton Bell, Henry Burris, Jared Zabransky, Toronto Argonauts, West Harbour

Category: Top Stories