Talk, Talk And More Talk

Hey peeps, and to anyone else checking in - from the semi-regular visitors to those stopping in for the first time - to of course Hazel Mae if she's taking a few minutes to check in and see what the topic of discussion is on the page.

NHL
The topic of conversation in the NHL today was if and when Eric Lindros would sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

What? You mean the NHL DOESN'T revolve around Toronto? That's crazy...of course it does! Hazel would attest to that...right?

So back to the Leafs and Lindros...seems like Leaf fans spent the day waiting for the announcement that the Leafs had signed Lindros - those "in the know", and those who just like to speculate (your humble author included) expected the Leafs to reach a deal with the hometown boy who has always said he would like to play in Toronto...who has all but said he wants to sign with Toronto. We spent the day speculating where he would play, most of us agreeing that he should be a winger - playing on the outside where he won't get caught coming across the middle with his head down. So we'll wait for tomorrow - unless we think that Nick Kypreos is right. God that guy has a hate on for the Leafs - what did the Leafs or their fans do to get Kypreos' shorts in a knot.

Nick was on Sportsnet News talking about how Lindros shouldn't play for the Leafs. Seems like Kypreos knows what is best for Lindros - and that is to NOT play with the Leafs and to NOT play on the wing...because as he said "Eric wants to play centre - and with Mats, Allison, and Antropov there"...it isn't the best situation for Eric. Thanks Nick...why don't we wait and see what Lindros decides - there are worse things than playing wing on a line with Sundin and O'Neill - or maybe with Allison and Tucker. If that wasn't enough - Kypreos went on to say that Alex Mogilny won't be back either, because the Leafs can't give him enough money AND they have an axe to grind with him for collecting salary during the lockout (back injury). That's funny, I read today that Mogilny and his agent are on record as saying he would take a pay cut to come back to Toronto (I think the number they quoted was $2 - 2.5 Million). Does Kypreos have inside information that the rest of the Toronto print media doesn't have? Geez...Hazel, can't you talk to this guy? Get him to lighten up on hating the Leafs? You must have the number at Sportsnet.

The next week should be rather interesting...stay tuned...talk is that Toronto might be signing Anson Carter - or maybe taking a run at Teemu Selanne. Not sure about these two...but Lindros would be a good start. I wonder if Hazel has an inside scoop...would she share it if she did? hmmmm I wonder.

A lot of talk about whether or not Gretzky can pull off the coaching gig - most saying he'll be great. It's a long season - we'll sit back and see.

Again...all this talk and nothing to show for it from a Maple Leafs perspective. Lots more to write about on the NHL tomorrow...on????? All together now - Weird Wednesday!

MLB
Not a lot to say about MLB tonight - gotta save the overturning of the Kenny Rogers suspension for tomorrow.

Rafael Palmeiro's suspension and how worthy he is for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame is still a hot button on talk radio and the media in general. For the most part, the answer from sports writers/personalities in print and radio is a resounding "No. I wouldn't vote for Palmeiro. Not after he was caught taking drugs...not just any drugs - stanazolol has to be injected...he knew what he was doing." To those that are quick to refuse Palmeiro entry into the vaunted place in Cooperstown - I have one thing to say:

Ryan Franklin...Ryan Franklin...FREAKIN RYAN FRANKLIN. If Ryan Franklin was suspended...wouldn't that make you think that there are a lot more players taking performance enhancing substances. If Palmeiro is playing in an era where the use of these substances is widespread - isn't he playing on a level playing field and thus merits some consideration? Just playing the devil's advocate here. But I don't think its cut and dried - this one needs more thought and intelligent debate..not a bunch of people who don't have a vote...who want to talk about the "good old days" where guys were hitting HRs off of pitchers who were hungover...or throwing their arms out by pitching 200+ innings per year...every year. I'm not saying he deserves in or should be banned (imagine...ME...not taking a stand on an issue - haha), I'm just saying it should be reviewed and discussed' Palmeiro's case could be a watershed moment in the history of baseball and their Hall of Fame inductions in the future. I don't think there is a clear cut right or wrong answer here - as crazy as that sounds. I'm up to hearing anyone's thoughts on the Palmeiro case...Hazel included - of course.

NFL
Read today that Brian Westbrook of the Eagles ended his week-long holdout for a new contract. He came back because had he stayed out another day - he would have lost a year of eligibility and thus have to wait two years to be a free agent. So he stays out a week - knowing that he has to go back...with management knowing he has to go back - so what is the point? The Eagles owner (Jeffrey Lurie) and Andy Reid both said the right things...about wanting Westbrook, and working with him to make a deal happen - one that is good for both sides, blah blah.

SOCCER
Plenty of talk about player transfers and non-transfers. The biggest names being thrown around now are Michael Owen from Real Madrid, and Michael Essien from Lyon in the French League...of course now that the REALLY big names have moved - Figo, and Robinho from Brazil. Plenty of talk about who is going where...for how much money...but nothing happening.

Speaking of talking...seems that I've done too much for tonight and I should probably shut my cake hole and call it a night myself. I can almost hear the applause from the regular readers (if Hazel falls into that category...hope she isn't applauding with them).

So...in keeping with the theme of the night - all talk...and not a lot of action or substance (my blog entries excluded!)

The song of the day on Hazelspeeps at yahoo is


De Do Do Do - De Da Da Da - The Police.

Don't think me unkind
Words are hard to find
There only cheques I've left unsigned
From the banks of chaos in my mind
When their eloquence escapes me
Their logic ties me up and rapes me

De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
Is all I want to say to you
De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
Their innocence will pull me through
De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
Is all I want to say to you
De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
They're meaningless and all that's true


You all know the song...if you were born in the 60's, 70's or even 80's..you know it.

Have a great one all...thanks for stopping by and taking the time. Night peeps, Night Hazel (hope all is groovy in your world), Night to anyone else checking in.

Peesth out.