When thinking about the best way to describe what the 2013 season will be like for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the one word that comes to mind is awkward. Make no doubt about it, playing your home games at the University of Guelph means you have little or no home field advantage. This is not a criticism of the athletic facilities at Guelph; I had four Argonauts training camps there and know its ability to host a CFL team for a season; it will work out well, but it is not the same as playing in your home city. It doesnt mean you cant win it just means you have to focus better. Hamilton is a two-thirds team. Their offence was productive last year: they were first in points scored at 29 per game, first in passing yards at 298 per game, and second in net offence with 298 yards per game. But they also has the highest number of two and outs in the league, so sustaining drives was a major problem. Special teams were also a strength last year and, depending of course on whether or not Chris Williams plays in 2013, it should again be a strength. Hamilton was first in punt return yards and third in kick-off return yards. Now, defensively they had problems. Whether it was pass rush, pass coverage, or co-ordination, there is truly nowhere to go but up this season. In the eight most relevant defensive categories the Ticats were dead last in six, and seventh in another. It was an issue in almost every game, but I repeat: nowhere to go but up! The third issue will be the transition at head coach from George Cortez to Kent Austin. Its hard not to be excessively optimistic about Austin. He has won the Grey Cup twice as a player and twice more as a head coach. And he has a quarterback that ages slowly in Henry Burris! If the Ticats can get a couple more good years out of Henry that will buy them enough time to find or develop the next Henry. It many ways the present Ticats are a success story over recent years. I remember not that long ago conversation that there would be no Ticats to succeed with. Now, with a new stadium on the way – it should be completed on time – to generate revenue, turning a profit appears closer than ever. Luca Congi hit 40 of 35 field goals on the year; the Ticats were 1- 8 on the road. This team almost leaves you in wonderment with its extremes, both successes and failures. There were certain aspects of Ticat football that were great, only to be followed by ones that were extremely bad. The seasons low though was the season-ending loss in Toronto to a fourth-string quarterback (Zack Collaros). I also remember the misshandled field goal attempt that led to a loss against Calgary. If Hamilton can bring those extremes of excellence and disaster closer to the middle, than they have as good a chance as any team. One major point of optimism though: Burris threw for 5,367 yards and 43 touchdowns last year, and as a collective offence the Hamilton produced 538 points. Sometimes it is easier to recreate success the second time than it is the first time. If he does again in 2013, you never know! Keon Broxton Jersey . The nimble-footed quarterback got his wish, dashing through the snow and a weary defence all the way into the NCAA record book. Devin Mesoraco Jersey . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . http://www.metssale.com/mets-todd-frazier-jersey/ .Y. -- Injured Buffalo Sabres forward Marcus Foligno did not practice with the team Monday and head coach Ron Rolston said its unlikely hell play in Wednesdays season opener in Detroit. Jacob deGrom Jersey . Roman Josi had a goal and an assist to lead the Predators to a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday night. Tim Tebow Mets Jersey . The FA rejected Wilsheres appeal that the length of his punishment was "clearly excessive" and said Thursday his suspension begins with immediate effect. He will miss league matches against Chelsea on Monday and West Ham on Dec. MIAMI -- Emotions were more subdued Tuesday night for the Miami Marlins, and their bats were, too.Still mourning the death of ace Jose Fernandez, Miami managed only six hits and lost 12-1 to the New York Mets.The game was the Marlins second since Fernandez was killed in a boating accident, and came one night after a heart-tugging victory over New York filled with tributes to their teammate.But Miami couldnt muster much against Noah Syndergaard (14-9).Im sure our guys are exhausted, Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. But momentum is controlled by their guy. This cats got great stuff.Syndergaard struck out eight and allowed one run in six innings.Last night was a little different for us, he said. We just went out there tonight and competed. I feel like thats what Jose would have wanted us to do, with as much passion and heart as possible.The Mets totaled 19 hits, and Jay Bruce and Yoenis Cespedes each hit his 31st homer. New York remained a half-game ahead of the Giants for the first NL wild card and 1 1/2 games in front of the Cardinals.We kind of got back to business as usual, Bruce said. Hearts are still heavy, and theyre going to be here. But we needed to win this game today, and we were able to do that.One more Miami loss or a San Francisco win would eliminate the Marlins from playoff contention. Major League Baseball said its possible Sundays scheduled game against Atlanta, canceled following Fernandezs death, could be made up if it still had postseason implications.For mourners at Marlins Park on Tuesday, there were nudges toward a return to normal. The Kiss Cam and organ music returned after a one-game hiatus, but the dugout dancers were still missing, along with the sea creatures that usually race around the warning track.Marlins players were back in their regular uniforms after they all wore Fernandezs No. 16 on Monday. But each jersey sported a patch with 16 on the sleeve, and the number remained stenciled on the back of the mound.Tom Koehler (9-13) allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings.dddddddddddd.It was different stretching, getting warm, it just had a different feel to it. Its hard to explain really, Koehler said. I think everybodys doing the best they can. Were not trained to handle anything like this.Dee Gordon, who hit a Hollywood-worthy homer in the first inning Monday, again got things going in the first. This time he reached on a bunt, stole second and came home on a single by Marcell Ozuna. But that was Miamis only run.The crowd was mostly quietly, except for transplanted New Yorkers. Bruce hit a two-run homer into the upper deck in right field in the second inning, and Cespedes hit an even more majestic two-run shot off the home run sculpture in the third.Lucas Duda hit a three-run double, and Curtis Granderson also drove in three runs for the Mets.MOURNING MARLINSSlugger Giancarlo Stanton said its important that the team pay proper tribute to Fernandez as they grieve.It has nothing to do with baseball, Stanton said before the game. If you care about life, if you have passion or loved ones or anybody, you can relate to this situation.A memorial service and public viewing for Fernandez are scheduled for Wednesday. Players will attend a Mass on Thursday.Fernandezs agent, Scott Boras, watched the game with Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria.ROOKIE MILESTONEYefri Perez came off the bench to single in the eighth for his first major league hit.Perezs locker is next to Fernandezs.I thank God for this opportunity, Perez said in Spanish. Youve been working so hard to fulfill that dream of getting your first base hit. But for us these have been difficult days -- to lose a great teammate like Jose. The joy he displayed on a ballfield and in this clubhouse, it is not the same without him.UP NEXTMarlins RHP Jose Urena (4-8, 5.95) is scheduled to start the series finale Wednesday against RHP Seth Lugo (4-2, 2.61). ' ' '