MINOT, ND -- The news of the Saskatchewan Roughriders acquiring quarterback Michael Bishop from Toronto Saturday afternoon was big news on both sides of the 49th parallel.  Here in "The Magic City" on a weekend respite with the family, all CFL news slowed to a trickle. However early Saturday the texts and phone calls starting rolling in (things might be different if I could send and receive emails on my Blackberry in the U.S.!)

Nonetheless, this move is another shocker by Roughrider General Manager Eric Tillman.  Perhaps we should stop being shocked by all the incredible moves he makes. Once I heard the news, I immediately called him and he was back in his office just after having met with the media.

News of the trade first hit the Canadian Press wire at 1:17 p.m.  The Riders' media gathering was not long afterwards.

"We played Toronto at home last season on one of the windiest days of the year," Tillman told me.  "But if you remember, Michael threw the ball with precision.  It was like he was cutting it with a knife, and they blew us out that day."

It was one of Bishop's eleven wins as a Toronto for the Boatmen in 2007, against just one loss.  They blew the Riders out by about thirty points that day, and Bishop shredded the Rider secondary like a cheese grader.

"We probably wouldn't have made the move if Kenny (Miller, head coach) and Paul (Lapolice, offensive coordinator) weren't so keen on him," Tillman continued.  "They're excited."

So too are Rider fans.  And so too was Tillman.  In my haste, I forgot to ask if Bishop will be starting for the Roughriders in the Labour Day Classic next Sunday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  Would you be surprised if he did?

I also never asked the reason for the trade, although that likely doesn't need an explanation.  At this point in the season, the 6-2 Roughriders must not be enamoured with the production they're getting at the position.  However after Thursday's 27-10 loss in Edmonton, I was helping Roughrider staff load their gear into the equipment truck when I overheard an interesting comment.

"There isn't a team in the league missing its to three receivers like we are," huffed one Rider staffer as he heaved another bag of equipment on top of the pile.

I've steadfastly defended and supported Rider quarterback Marcus Crandell, and I will continue that stance.  I also believe Darian Durant is this team's quarterback of the future.  But the question remains, can Michael Bishop's able arm and nimble feet be the cure for what the Riders need to
snap them out of the doldrums?  Can Bishop's presence alone overcome the absence of D.J. Flick, Andy Fantuz and Matt Dominguez?

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we're about to find out.

(Rod Pedersen is the Voice of the Roughriders on 620 CKRM radio.)