Wednesday A Little Wild - A Lot Wacky

Hey peeps, and anyone else checking in tonight (or whenever)...from the semi-regulars to those who are new to the page...to of course Ms. Hazel Mae (if she has chosen to peek in). I know the regulars must get sick of this Wednesday intro...but for the unintiated - Wednesday entries look back on the week that was in the world of sports...highlighting some of the more weird, wild or just plain wacky/silly stories from the past seven days or so.

Tonight's thought... Port - Pistacios - Good (20 year old vintage port no less...nice).


MLB
You had to figure that when the Sox released Mark Bellhorn, the New York Yankees would go out and pick him up. The first question I had when I heard about it was "How much does this have to do with the Yankees trying to rattle Boston by picking up a Sox castaway?" Think of it - part of it has to be a bit of a mind game with Boston...picking up Bellhorn, hoping that he does something...messing with the collective head of the Sox and Red Sox Nation. Hey, maybe I'm wrong.

My next question was "How long will it take for Bellhorn to be Public Enemy no. 1 in Red Sox Nation?" My question was answered with a quick check of the board - the members of the Nation didn't take long to voice their collective displeasure with Bellhorn's decision to join the Yankees. A few of the more intelligent posters on the board rightfully acknowledged that Boston let him go...and he went to the place that offered him the best chance for success and exposure. When it is all said and done...it won't mean much - Bellhorn won't help New York - and as one person in Red Sox Nation said "He was hurting us more by being here."

Curt Schilling got pounded by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays...I said Curt Schilling got pounded by freaking Tampa Bay - its Curt Schilling...its Tampa Bay...Schilling is getting lit up on a regular basis these days...that in itself is weird. I hate to say it...but when I asked the magic 8 ball if Schilling would turn it around this year - the answer was "My Sources Say No." Then again I've asked the Magic 8 Ball if Hazel checks in here and it said...never mind. hahahaha I'm kidding...it's a damn joke. I wonder if Schilling can turn it around, things don't seem to be getting better for him...and I wonder if it is a loss in velocity that is making him look rather ordinary. I'll shut up now before Red Sox Nation comes looking for me.

David Wells keeps talking about Bud Selig and MLB...David Wells keeps getting himself into more trouble...See David spit...See David bump...Hear David talk...See David get into more trouble. For the record...again...I hate it when he calls other players into question...about "getting away with it" - if you are going to say that stuff...name names...or keep quiet.
I know there is a logical answer to this...but did anyone else see the humour in watching Wells address the media with the Dunkin Donuts logo in the background? I know...they sponsor the Sox...still funny though.

Mark Buerhle of the White Sox gets roughed up by the Texas Rangers earlier this week and talks about rumours going around MLB that the Rangers cheat by relaying signs to hitters in the box using a high tech lighting system. Of course Buerhle claims that he isn't the only one that thinks this..."a lot of other guys do too". I saw the interview on television...he goes on and on about Texas - then says "hey, they hit me today...no excuses" - ummmm HUH? the whole interview was an excuse...was it not? The media has pointed to the big difference between the Rangers' home and away hitting stats - coincidental I would say...home cookin' maybe...or maybe it is cheating...bottom line, PROVE IT or shut it.

HOCKEY
Last weekend, Prince George, B.C. played host to a pay per view "Battle of the Enforcers" with a bunch of semi-pro hockey players beating the tar out of each other for a 1st prize of $75,000 and a 2nd prize of $25,000. Some yahoos actually paid $200 for "VIP" tickets. Of note, former NHL tough guy - Link "The Missing Link" Gaetz, a heavy pre-tournament favourite lost in the first round. Link went into the tournament boasting that it was his to lose... I guess he now knows what "adding insult to injury" means.

A blog in the Czech Republic claimed that Toronto Maple Leaf Defenceman Karel Pilar had a heart condition that might force him to miss some time this year...Sportsnet has picked it up...not sure how credible it is. We were discussing as much on a Toronto Maple Leafs board the other day...I wonder. The guys on the Leafs board weren't convinced...but what do we know? We don't read Slovak.


SOCCER
Michael Owen signed with Newcastle United today of the English Premiership. What is funny about this (for those of you who haven't read some previous musings on Owen) - last year, he left Liverpool to play for Real Madrid...claiming that he didn't think Liverpool could or would win European titles. He leaves and not only does Real have a bad season...Liverpool wins Champions League. Now, he goes to Newcastle United...a big spender...but small time achiever in English soccer last year - finishing 14th out of 20. Newcastle recently was knocked out of the Intertoto cup competition which is open to any European team who wants to play...you have to win four or five rounds to get to final...and the winner of the final gets the privilege of joining a bunch of other teams for UEFA cup. Nice move Mike.


I think that about does it for tonight...its been a long day. I want to point out a good article in the New Hampshire Union Leader - a columnist by the name of Joe Sullivan wrote an article about a baseball roadtrip and he had kudos for Hazel. Mr. Sullivan gives Hazel credit for displaying "charisma, professionalism and quality of delivery" - I ask you...have you heard that before? I wonder if Mr. Sullivan has seen this blog before...if he hasn't...I've sent an email suggesting he visit! hahahahaha Hazel..if you are reading this...keep up the good work - we are behind you, even all the way up here! Don't listen to the haters...there are a lot more Joe Sullivans down there than the "vocal minority".

Night Peeps and anyone else checking in - thank you for taking the time to stop by and spend a few minutes on a wacky Wednesday...the "wild" part of it was being pounded by the remnants of Hurricane Katrina...it was nasty up here today...but nothing compared to what we saw on tv...if you are reading this...get in touch with the Red Cross and donate some cash...those people need it. Hazel...if you are reading this...hope things are good in your world - if you hadn't seen the article before...I hope this page brought it to your attention. Good work!

The Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - for Red Sox Nation who asked Mark Bellhorn..."why the Yankees?" ... for the Texas Rangers who seem to be in the eye of a storm of controversy questioning their integrity....to the ongoing saga between Boomer and Bud...to the losers in the Hockey Brawl...I give you...

Do You Really Want To Hurt Me - Culture Club

what can i say? it's that damn "playing what we want" radio station. You know you are all singing it...and you know that if she read this...Hazel's laughing at that one. Night peeps

Peesth out.

Monday's Heroes and Zeros

Evenin' peeps, and anyone else checking in - welcome and thank you for stopping by. Before I start, let me say four words that sums up my state of mind/mood right now - before any smart ass asks if two of those words include "Hazel" and "Mae"...well never mind. The four words are, in order...Port - Dark Chocolate - Good. I always prayed that modern science would see the benefits of chocolate...lets hear it for research on anti-oxidants.

Ok so to recap some of the highlights and lowlights over the weekend, and in the last week or so in the wonderful world of sports. There are a few people who should be applauded for their actions...this week - European soccer figures prominently in both the Heroes and Zeros section.

Heroes
I would love to start with Adriano and or Luis Figo of Inter Milan...but I have to start with Italian soccer referee Pierluigi Collina for the show of honesty and integrity he has long been lauded for. If you don't know Mr. Collina, he is a bald man (resembling the weird looking bald guy in the old Friday the 13th movies...you know who I'm talking about right?). Mr Collina recently retired from officiating international soccer matches - Collina was going to focus on Italian soccer and move into an easier life. He recently signed a sponsorship deal with a car manufacturer called Opel - Opel happens to sponsor Italian soccer club A.C. Milan (who are definitely in this week's zeros). Collina, against the wishes of the Italian soccer federation, resigned from his duties, citing a conflict of interest. There isn't a person in the world that could possibly think that Collina would let this deal interfere with his duties on the pitch...but he showed himself to be a man of honour, integrity and honesty. Bravo Mr. Collina...you really didn't have to...but bravo! (I think Hazel would approve).

Adriano, Brazilian striker for Inter Milan scored all three goals on Sunday as Inter won their opening match of the Italian Serie A season, 3 - 0. At the risk of boring any of the regular readers with this...I am picking Adriano to be this year FIFA World Player of the Year...I think he will edge out Ronaldinho and Steven Gerrard.

Luis Figo merits mention for his debut too...from all accounts it was a very good showing for THE MAN deemed expendable by Zinedine...errrrrrrrrrr sorry, Real Madrid. Inter's fans gave him an ovation every time he touched the ball...with this being a World Cup year, expect big things from the man who brought Portuguese soccer back to the world stage. Start practicing that pronounciation Hazel...

Ken Griffey Jr. You may or may not know this, but Jr. is one of the leaders of Hazel's Heroes...my roto league team (currently in 2nd place despite a rash of pitching injuries). Griffey has had a tough go of it over the last few years...but he is having a great season. Good on Jr. Good for Hazel's Heroes. :)

Now for the Zeros
Rogers Sportsnet (Hazel's former employers...and no this one doesn't have anything to do with the fact they dropped the ball when they let her get away). The Jays aren't playing tonight...and Rogers decides to show fans in Ontario the Cards vs. Marlins game. HUH? St. Louis and Florida? With all of the Tiger fans in Southern Ontario, not to mention Red Sox Nation north...and Rogers shows us that crap? Please...no talk of Wild Card Races in the NL...we are talking Tigers and Sox...enough said. Ok..FINE. Tigers, Sox and Hazel's updates...enough said. Rogers sucks...ok, maybe they don't suck (strictly to disuade them from ever pulling plug on Sox games - hahahaha)...but they really piss me off sometimes.

Fans of the Ottawa Senators - they are telling anyone who will listen that Marian Hossa had lived out his usefulness in Ottawa and had to go. I think everyone knows that is a load of crap...it was strictly a money move and Ottawa would have loved to keep him if the price was to their liking - in other words, had he signed for $ 4 Million...$4.5 Million...or maybe even $5 Million...the trade for Heatley never happens and Ottawa fans continue to say he is one of the best players in the league. Senator fans (especially the media hacks) you guys really bite the big one.

Pierre McGuire, TSN Hockey Analyst (no jokes on that...I swear). For those of you fortunate enough not to live in Ottawa...McGuire does a daily radio spot on the sport radio station here - consider it his ongoing audition/job interview for the Sens GM job. While its bad enough to listen to him gush about the Ottawa Senators...its impossible to listen to him continue to butcher the English language has he repeatedly bashes listeners over the head with big words that he uses incorrectly and out of context - the latest one from Friday...talking about Hossa leaving the Senators and the mistake he and other players are making in asking for big contracts...Pierre says "Players still operate in an air of INEVITABILITY...they still think they can get away with anything...without reprecussions" - huh? inevitability? I think you meant to say invincibility...thanks Pierre.

Ok, time for the disclaimer "the following does not reflect thoughts, comments or suggestions from Hazel Mae...it was not reviewed, amended or commented on by Hazel Mae...the thoughts and opinions about to be expressed are those of the author (me) and do not reflect the views of Hazel Mae" (hey...bet you never thought I could get "Hazel Mae" in a sentence three times).

David Wells and Curt Schilling of the Boston Red Sox...If you have read this page before, you know I'm not a fan of Schilling - outside the diamond - he's a fantastic pitcher...but. This past week both Wells and Schilling publicly turned on Rafael Palmeiro - with Schilling taking a shot and Wells complaining about what Palmeiro did this year...what if some of the games he had against Boston ends up costing them the division. I'm not saying that what either of them said was necessarily wrong...but what ever happened to solidarity? Palmeiro is part of the same player's union as these two...to turn on one of their one is weak. I wonder how someone like David Ortiz or Manny Ramirez might feel about the comments of these two. Ortiz has maintained a neutral position in all this...I don't think he would take kindly to remarks like those. Here is another thought for Wells...what if someone on his team this year...or in any years previous...was or were on steroids? I'm sure Wells has benefitted from some steroid-enhanced performances...just ask Schilling - didn't Curt say that 30 - 50% of major leaguers were on something? Just a thought Boomer...you've always been a character...don't turn into a jack ass at the end of your career.

The Florida Marlins management who suspended a bat boy for six games who threw up in the Marlins club house after trying to down a gallon (4.4 litres) of milk on a dare/bet from Dodgers' pitcher (and former Marlin) Brad Penny. Penny offered to give the kid $500 bucks if he could. Suspending the bat boy? Give me a break...Penny shot back to the Miami Herald "It's kind of ridiculous you get a 10 game suspension for steroids and a six-game suspension for milk". Nice.

I think that about wraps it up for tonight...there are a couple of other people who deserve honourable mention...but let's not go there. After all, we ended on a high note with the Brad Penny crack...didn't we? I would like to think that one would make Hazel crack a smile if she was peeking in.

So I'm going to wish one and all a great night (or day...depending on when you are checking in - some people actually check in late at night...imagine that...I wonder if ... never mind...I won't go into who might be checking in). As usual...a wish for a groovy day for Hazel..from the author of this page...here's hoping that the content in tonights entry would not meet with her disapproval..but rather bring a smile/smirk/snicker.

The Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - what Marian Hossa must be saying to Ottawa Senator fans...what Palmeiro must be thinking when his peers and members of his own union turn on him...what Pierre McGuire must be saying to Ottawa Senators management everyday that he isn't in their colours...what the Marlins batboy must have been thinking when we was suspended...

I give you a slice of 80's Cheese/Fromage (what can I say...I flicked the radio to one of those "playing what we want...when we want" stations...

Don't You Want Me - Human League
(no complaints...unless you wanna make a suggestion)

Peesth Out.

Closing Out The Weekend

Evenin' peeps, and anyone else checking in - from the semi-regular visitors to those checking in for the first time, whether by accident or by design (like the newest member of hazelspeeps who said he did a search on Hazel and found the site - nice) to of course...Ms. Hazel Mae (if she has chosen to peek in tonight - think she has the page bookmarked? wishful thinking? perhaps...oh well...its here).

So its Sunday night - a bit of port, some almonds and a quick update before I log off to call my buddy in Southern Ontario for our catch up chat for the week. A great weekend here, except for this a.m. I was in a bit of a surly mood this morning, I had a few long-shot proline tickets on the English Premiership...Everton's failure to win against Fulham saw $1,200 bucks disappear and the Ontario gov't laughing at me for giving them $15 bucks - if that wasn't bad enough, I had another ticket worth $200 bucks that looked like a sure thing this morning -

I needed Manchester United to beat Newcastle United (they did...2 - 0)
I needed Inter Milan to win (they did 3 - 0, with three goals from Adriano...FIFA world player of the year...here he comes...by accounts Figo had a very good game too)

and I needed AC Milan to win against a team that was promoted to Serie A this year...THOSE PINHEADS TIED!!!!!!!!!!! unbelievable...they friggin tied a team that was in the "B" division last year....grrrrrrrrrrr. Ok, enough venting...but you know who will be leading off "Zeros" in the Monday morning Heroes and Zeros entry.

Another thing that got my morning off to an annoying start was reading the Sun today. Ya, I know, I shouldn't be starting my morning off reading the Ottawa Senators PR dep't - but what can I say, I needed a proline list and the probable pitchers for the day today.

Back to the Sun, they have a freelance writer who publishes on Sunday, her name is Erin Nicks - she writes an opinion piece in the Sports section (some of it mildly amusing, some of it interesting, most of it uninformed). Today's entry was a shining example of an award winning article from the Bruce Garrioch School of Journalism - as one would expect, the entry was about the Senators trade for Dany Heatley. The article, which read more like a Senators promo piece, talked about what Heatley brings the Senators - leadership, grit and a guy who is "brimming with potential" (I won't even get into how one "brims with potential") which is exactly what the Senators need.

I say this comes from Garrioch's school because it is so woefully uninformed and not grounded in anything that comes close to being fact. The Ottawa media is working very hard (in conjunction with the Senators Management and PR teams) to portray Dany Heatley as this tough, fierce, gritty competitor who is going to be a physical force and supply the Senators with a lot of muscle down the middle. This is a myth, Dany Heatley is NOT the second coming of Eric Lindros as the Ottawa media would have you believe - he is a good player, but certainly not everything he is being made out to be. Nicks goes on to promote myth number 2 - that Brian Smolinski is a bona fide second line centre in the NHL and the Senators did a great things by signing him to a $2.2 Million contract - yeah right. An no "Made in Ottawa" article would be complete without taking a few shots at the departed player - Nicks muses about:

• how John Muckler laid down the law with Hossa and any other Senator that is thinking of asking for too much money - huh? he laid down the law how? by trading a guy who is making at least $3 Million more than you wanted to pay him? The Ottawa media keeps talking about what a privilege it is to play in Ottawa, and as such, players should take much less to play here - Nonsense
  

• and of course there has to be a reference to Dirty Marty Havlat and what a great player he is going to be...especially now that Hossa is gone. Big things predicted for Havlat...like he won't be asking for a major raise next year.

I don't mean to hate on Nicks...but today's article was more suited to something Garrioch would write...and certainly not a freelancer who wants to be seen as credible. The article was garbage - the funny thing was that two pages later, in bold lettering Steve Simmons calls Atlanta the winners in the trade, because they got best player - Hossa. You figure it out. Hazel (if you are peeking) do you wanna wade in here? Who do you think won?

Ok, I've really gotta book here - its getting pretty late to call my buddy. One funny thing before I leave...I've got people on Maple Leafs message board talking about Hazel's departure...the consensus from Leaf Nation in Canada "we miss Hazel, Sportsnet not the same without her." I'm not kidding...seriously, and to my brothers and sisters (there was one there too) in Leaf Nation who miss Hazel...HERE HERE!

If you are a regular or semi-regular...you know that there is usually a song of the day to reflect the theme of the entry - and that on days where there is no real theme...it is editor's choice. This may be stretching it a bit...but here it goes.

The Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps at yahoo - In honour of Adriano's hat trick today (with plenty of help from Mr. Figo)...and to slap AC Milan and Everton around a bit today...(and for the CD I rediscovered early this week - Hazel you have to have a copy of Nelly Furtado's Folklore...seriously)

Forca - Nelly Furtado

Forca (Four'Sah) was the theme song for Euro 2004 *sigh* which sadly wasn't won by Portugal.

So I'm outta here for the night...have a great one peeps...Hazel, hope your week is a groovy one.

Peesth out.

A Quiet Thursday

Hey peeps, and anyone else checking in.

A quiet day in the world of sports today - what with today being getaway day in MLB; the NHL being relatively quiet - except for talk about the Hossa/Heatley trade; and Europe holding its collective breath watching the draw for this year's Champions League group draw (32 teams).

A quick entry tonight - watching the Sox vs Royals tonight (thank you Rogers Sportsnet Ontario) - as things stand now, Sox losing 6-2 (Schilling looked very ordinary, very hittable) but the game is in the 6th...Lima was just pulled. Hazel was her usual smooth self on the 4th inning Sports Desk Update - sure as hell beat the "Rogers Boys" (Hazel if you are peeking the off-white/beige suit was a very good choice - classic...stunning actually) - have I mentioned recently that Rogers STILL hasn't managed to replace Hazel with anyone as good as she was?

Funny thing about the telecast tonight - they had an interview with Millar about his HR vs the Royals...first HR in 180+ at bats. I may be pushing it a little...but don't you find it funny that that shortly after "Thoughts of Hazel Mae" blog nominates Millar as a Monday Hero (for putting team ahead of himself) he hits his first HR in what seemed like forever? Would that be a case of Hazel's karma helping Millar out? I mean...she did it for the Sox last year, whose to the acknowledgement on Monday didn't help out? Stranger things have happened, been recorded, and argued.

Good News Story of the Day
The Team1200 highlighted the work of former CFLer Glen Kulka and Ottawa Renegades coach Joe Paopao who are working with Aboriginal kids in Northern Quebec (Cree Nation) on a mini (few days) football camp that helps kids with life lessons as well as football. Good for you guys...nice job. I think Hazel would second that thought.

Bad News Story of the Day
Again with the Team 1200 - afternoon guy Gord Wilson did an interview with Marion Hossa today...where he repeatedly tried to put the kid in a bad spot, some of the low lights of the interview included Wilson making silly statements such as the following:

• claiming that John Muckler tried to do a three player deal this summer to lock up Chara, Redden and Hossa...that two of the three agreed to take less money, but Muckler said one player wouldn't...Wilson pointed to Hossa. Hossa was quick to point out that another player said "no thanks" to Muckler.
  

and asking Hossa some inappropriate questions such as:

• do you regret comparing yourself to Iginla and Lecavalier? Hossa stated he claimed he was a top player in the league and never compared himself to Iginla - Wilson ignored it and continued on the line of thought - good on Hossa for standing strong.
  
  
• did you expect to be traded? What in the hell is Hossa supposed to say? Wilson later mused that Muckler should have said if you want the deal you signed...you are gone...here is the deal to remain part of the Senators - $5 Million per year. If you haven't listened to Wilson...consider yourself lucky...if you are a sucker for punishment - afternoons from 3 - 6 pm...though you might have trouble making through more than an hour.
  
  
• knowing what you know now...would you change how you handled things with the Senators? Hossa of course said "no" - what is he supposed to say. Again, after the tape of the interview playerd...Wilson snickered that he wasn't going to win crap in Atlanta. That was weak.

The Ottawa media never ceases to amaze me in plunging to new lows of "small time...small town" journalism. The station is an embarrassment - as are much of the wackos that call in to talk about the Senators.

UPDATE - Hazel in the 7th inning update...in a word..."damn"..."damn"..."damn". I'll shut up now...

Ok...time to head over to Maple Leafs site to see what my brothers and sisters in Leaf Nation is talking about.

Thanks for stopping in tonight (or whenever you are reading this) from the "peeps", to the semi-regulars, to those finding this page for the first time...to of course, Ms. Hazel Mae (if she's peeking) - hope things are groovy in your world (great new "do").

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps

I was going to nominate the groovin beat on the new Budweiser commercial...but I hate that damn beer...and its not really a song now is it?

You are so beautiful - Joe Cocker
OK, I'M KIDDING...sorta, kinda, maybe...Jayzus...ok..sheesh...I could have nominated a real cheezy/catching song like...

When You're Gone - Brian Adams, ft. Mel C (I actually like that song...ssshhhhh) - and an emphatic NO if you are wondering about anything Bette Midler...not even as a joke.

but I give you instead a song that those kids up in Northern Quebec must have been singing today when Kulka and Paopao packed up to come home...to the real feeling behind Gord Wilson's bush league line of questioning -

Don't Go - KWS (a 90's remake of the old KC and the Sunshine Band hit)

Ok, tonight's entry was light on content and opinion...but hey, Hazel was on...my attention was divided - and if you are a semi-regular here...you would have had the exact same reaction - you know it! hahahaha. I'm outta here now.

Peesth out.

Late Start Today

Hey peeps,

Today was a bad day for commuting...listening to the half-wits on the radio today talking about Dany Heatley like he is the second coming of Mario Lemieux was enough to want to make me pull a Van Gogh and cut my damn ear off. They were saying things like "A player of this calibre comes along once in a lifetime." HUH? WTF

Dany Heatley? come on..the guy is a very good player...but certainly not one of the NHL's elite...not yet. Memo to Ottawa fans who may read this...Heatley is no Mark Messier, not even a guy like The Big E - he isn't that gritty. For you people that think he brings toughness to your team...ummm well...no he doesn't.

But on a positive note - after having enough of them...I listened to my girl Nelly Furtado's CD Folklore...easily one of the best CDs I have heard in the last 5 years. If Hazel is checking in...you should have a copy, a lot of the songs may resonate with you - heck, I'll buy it for ya.

Ok, back to work...going out at lunch...a Rome Report in the offing later this aft? Who knows...

Before I go...CFL last night, Bashir Levingstone not one...but TWO - 100+ yard kick returns for touchdowns...amazing.

One more thing - question for Hazel...my fantasy football team...a dude emailed me this a.m. wants to know if I want Priest Holmes...he wants a first round pick for Holmes - as he said "come on dude...you got Green, Gonzalez...if Hazel was your GM..she'd pull the trigger for the troika of K.C. Chiefs" - thinking about it...not sure. Comments? thoughts?

Peesth out.

Its Wednesday So That Can Only Mean...

Hey peeps, and anyone else checking in.

If this is your first time on the page, Wednesday entries take a look back on the weird, the whacked and the downright silly in the world of sports over the last seven days. If you think of anything that I have missed, please feel free to post in the comments box.

So this was a relatively quiet week - do you think maybe athletes around the world know that we are watching? So where to start...oh hell, why not go back to the NHL?

NHL
Former Ottawa Senator, and newest Atlanta Thrasher, Marian Hossa told the Ottawa Sun that he wasn't angry that he was traded yesterday - rather, he was shocked and disappointed because he loved playing in Ottawa, loved playing for the fans and wanted to be part of this team that was a cup contender (anyone who has read this page knows I'm not in agreement with that last statement). This story is funny for a number of reasons

• Hossa was already on record as saying that exercising his option to take the Senators to arbitration was just business and nothing personal - ok Marian, so its business...so was trading you to Atlanta; or did you not expect that?
  
  
• John Muckler said a few weeks ago that no one on the team would make more than Captain Daniel "Krusty the Clown" Alfredsson ($5.5 Million) - ok Marian, by my estimation an avg salary of $6 Million is more than $5.5; and you didn't expect to be traded after signing the deal? wake up man...B-U-S-I-N-E-S-S
  
  
• Reports indicate that before signing the deal yesterday morning, Hossa and his agent Jiri Chra (former Leaf goalie - Hazel would remember his playing days), requested a no-trade clause...the Senators refused - ok Marian and Jiri, you think you are the cornerstone of the franchise...the foundation...the building block - and they say no to a no-trade clause, did you not think something was up?
  

While we can all have a chuckle at the plight of Marian Hossa, the NHL's new Six Million Dollar Man (again...I'd think Hazel would remember Lee Majors and that slow motion run), there is something to be said for the weasel factor John Muckler has displayed. The day to day operation of the Ottawa Senators under the watch of John Muckler, could give Ashton Kutcher and the gang at Punk'd an idea or two...Just ask Jacques Martin, Patrick Lalime, Marian Hossa, Todd White, and Greg deVries (who received a vote of confidence from Muckler earlier) - Ottawa Senator fans beware...your team is watching this all unfold, and I'm willing to bet they aren't thrilled with "Mucks" - not nearly as thrilled as you all claim to be with him.

MLB
I was going to lead off with a Randy Johnson observation - but the Cardinals and Pirates came up with a classic. Before their game tonight, Pirates Manager Lloyd McClendon and Cards Pitching Coach Dave Duncan were have a nice pre-game chat...that suddenly turned into a brawl bringing both benches out. Excuse me while I laugh my ass off - aren't the Managers and Coaches supposed to be the grown ups? I wonder if Lloyd pulled Duncan's surfer hair - hahahaha. I'm sure Hazel is laughing as she broadcasts this one to New England - Hazel, call Ric "The Nature Boy" Flair and get his can to Pittsburgh...he'd love that!

Last week all the talk was that two MLB players would be suspended by major league baseball for violation of their drug policy - names being mentioned were...never mind, they weren't suspended. My question is this - "What in the world happened?" Is MLB going to suspend someone? If the story was bogus from the beginning, would they not have come out and issued a statement to quash the rumours? This is starting to stink...Palmeiro gets suspended, hmmm he's latin...any other big name major leaguers who are NOT latin suspended? Kinda makes ya wonder, I expect to hear something from David Ortiz soon...I would ask Hazel for her thoughts, but she may be too close to this one.

Randy Johnson gave up 4 HRs in an inning last week...FOUR DONGS in an inning - I mean freaking Randy Johnson. Ok...I've snapped out of it...its not that I care, I'm just shocked. Speaking of shocked - Curt Schilling is going back into Boston's starting rotation...he's been getting rocked in the pen...yet he's ready to go back to the rotation? Huh? I won't question Francona, but I'll be ready to say I told ya so - kidding.

Former New York Met Dwight Gooden is wanted by police for fleeing from police after being stopped for drunken driving. Gary Sheffield, Gooden's nephew, says the family is at their wits end with "the Doc". A sad ending is in the cards for Gooden if he doesn't get his crap together.

SOCCER
Michael Owen, Striker for Real Madrid, left Liverpool last year because he wanted to play with a team that had a chance to win European Championships...Liverpool goes on to win Champions League. Owen went from being the #1 Striker for Liverpool to being Real's #4 choice - he has asked for a transfer. He wants to leave Real to get first-team football...England's National Team Coach Sven Goran Ericksson has said England's World Cup Team will be made of ONLY of players getting first team football. The funny thing here is that English Premiership Team Everton contacted Owen about playing for them (they are competing in Champions League qualification) - Owen refused, saying it wasn't in his best interest. Liverpool's Manager Rafael Benitez doesn't want Owen back...stay tuned, this promises to be good. Another athlete about to get screwed...by himself...bring new meaning to the team go "make love" to yourself huh? Hazel's gotta be smirking if she's reading this one.

NBA
LeBron James is affiliated with a racing team - there was LeBron talking about how some dude was his favorite driver (I think it was NASCAR or something) - again....HUH? LeBron James has a favourite NASCAR driver? Let me go think about that one...

GOLF
Did anyone catch Karrie Webb take the camera out of a photographer's hands last weekend? Webb hit a tee shot...turned around...walked over to the gallery and took the guy's camera and kept it. The poor dude must have felt like he was back in grade school. Nice.

Ok all, that's about it for tonight - long day here.

The Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps at yahoo - from the trades and eventual moves of Marian Hossa and Dany (where's the second "n") Heatley...from Dwight Gooden's flight from police...to Schilling leaving the bullpen...to Michael Owen's desire to leave Madrid...to the movement of LeBron's brain from his craninium (if he expects us to believe he's into NASCAR or whatever)..

Has Anybody Seen Hank - The Waterboys

It's a weird, but cool, little song off their Fisherman's Blues album (a burned copy available to Hazel on request). Have a great one gang...Hoping things are groovy in Hazel's world.

Peesth Out.

How Ya Liking The New NHL?

Hey peeps, and anyone else checking in from the semi-regulars to the first-timers who have happened by here, to of course Hazel Mae (if she's having a look-see - since she isn't an official member of her peeps - funny huh? haha)

Tonight's topic is obvious - from the hardcore NHL fan to the casual observer...the talk is about the Ottawa Senators signing and trading their "star power forward" Marian Hossa and defensemen Greg de Vries to the Atlanta Thrashers for forward Dany Heatley. As you can well imagine, Ottawa Senator fans were all over the radio voicing their opinions...90% of it was negative.

Ok...here is the disclaimer - the following opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Ms. Hazel Mae. She has not collaborated in the development of the following statements, not has she reviewed, commented, or approved the following. (How is that for a disclaimer? pretty good huh?)

What you need to know first and foremost about Ottawa Senator fans - most of them are former Montreal Canadien fans (I've voiced my thoughts on this issue in previous entries) enough said. Last year, Senator fans would tell anyone who would listen that Hossa was one of the best players in the league, the quintessential power forward, a great team guy...blah blah blah. The love-in soured over the last week when Hossa announced he was going to arbitration with Ottawa - suddenly, he was a greedy jerk who wasn't worth Jerome Iginla money, a guy who hadn't done anything to deserve that kind of jack, a 3 to 4 million dollar player tops - this was of course followed by the sentiment that he should be a team guy and take less money...to win a cup for Ottawa. Just think, that was last week.

Today's sentiment was - good riddance to him, he's greedy and he priced himself right out of Ottawa; it was about time Ottawa got rid of that Euro, he never did anything for the Sens; he wasn't a leader, he never showed up when it counted; we'd rather have Heatley any day of the week...a good Canadian boy. It was almost funny...but more than anything it was downright sickening to hear this bunch of half-wits turned on their once beloved Senator - people think Leaf Nation is bad? They should try listening to Senator fans, I swear these people are like Scientologists - they are the Tom Cruises of NHL hockey fans.

Suddenly, Dany Heatley is the guy they have been begging for all along - the guy who is going to one day be their captain and lead this team - ahhhh what about Daniel "Krusty the Klown" Alfredsson? What about Spezza? What about Redden?

I can't believe they actually believe they won this trade - they are no closer to a cup today...Heatley is not the player Hossa is...not yet anyways; and before Heatley gets to that level (I would think 2 - 3 years) he will be an unrestricted free agent and Ottawa will have undoubtedly suffered a few more cap casualties. Today's sign and trade proved to me that Muckler is not the brightest GM; and that under his watch the Senators will never win the Cup. Muckler's job is to put a team on the ice to win a Stanley Cup - instead today's move was pre-emptive in nature rather than pro-active. He got rid of a guy he couldn't keep, rather than risk losing him for nothing next year - Muckler's job would have been to keep Hossa and take his shot at the Cup...I don't think he can legitimately say that his team is as good today.

And here my peeps is the game of the Ottawa Senators - they are a team that constantly teases their fans with thoughts of the future..."we are building for the future...our guys are maturing together" blah blah blah - while this would seem reasonable, the flaw in this thinking is not realizing the "future is now". In the new world of the NHL, teams are going to be forced to make moves due to salary cap considerations - you can build teams through a draft, but your window of opportunity will be a few years...before you start losing guys. Hossa was once considered a cornerstone of the Ottawa franchise...an untouchable - today, they can't wait to get rid of him. I can't stand Ottawa fans.

Speaking of Ottawa fans, Pierre McGuire was on TSN gushing about this trade - about how it was a great trade for Ottawa, they get younger and bigger - and that they are closer to a cup now. If you have watched TSN, you know how McGuire loves to talk about the nucleus of the Senators...how they have grown together and all that crap. He has always loved Hossa.

Tonight, no sooner is McGuire finished gushing about the trade - he warns Senator fans that this isn't the Heatley they may be expecting...this Dany Heatley isn't fully recovered from his injuries...he is missing a gear...he hasn't played well in the last two international competitions...he isn't having a good time at the Team Canada orientation camp - yet, he thinks it was a great trade. He thinks that trading Hossa and de Vries and signing Heatley (a net gain of about 3 million for Ottawa) will allow them to keep all of their other players (Chara, Redden - and Spezza, Phillips, Heatley and everyone else who is going to take a paycut to win a cup for Ottawa). McGuire couldn't be more wrong - today's move sent a message to those players in the Ottawa dressing room....its all about money...you make too much, you are gone. The exodus out of Ottawa starts next summer with Chara and Havlat...count on it.

McGuire is so blinded by that damned condom logo they call a Senators crest that he can't be objective when talking about Ottawa. His life is a constant audition for a job with the Senators - I'd love to see them hire his dumb ass.

More to come tomorrow on Weird Wednesday...not sure what the point of tonight's entry was...hope it didn't bore you to tears (if you made it this far).

The Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - for Marian Hossa who leaves a bunch of bitter Ottawa fans behind for Atlanta...and Dany Heatley who gets a fresh start in Ottawa after requesting a trade..

On My Way - The Proclaimers

I'm on my way
From misery to happiness today
ah huh ah huh ah huh


If Hazel's checking in...I think the song of the day made her crack a smile...probably made you laugh too - can't you hear those two little Scottish dudes and those wailing voices? Hazel, if you are reading...hope things are groovy in your world.

Peesth Out.

Late Additions To Monday's Entry

Mornin' peeps et al.

Late Monday night brought more interesting news...

Bob Probert, best known for his days as the Red Wings enforcer is in trouble again. Probert who was awaiting charges for punching a police officer outside of a Windsor bar...is now wanted by police for another incident where he allegedly hit someone else. Somebody tell Tie Domi to get down to Windsor to straighten Probert out. File Bob's case under Zeros.

(Leaf fans remember the fight with Tie Domi where Tie was taking a beating and came up with a round house that knocked Probert on his can - Tie wasn't with the Leafs during that one though, but we all loved it anyways). I wonder if Hazel appreciates the occasional good hockey brawl.

Speaking of good hockey brawls - Hazel's K.C. Chiefs keep making news. Former Renegades placekicker Lawrence Tynes got in trouble for breaking a bouncer's nose in a bar fight. Who knew kickers were so tough? I think a cage match between Lawrence and former Australian Rules Footballer Darren Bennett (now a punter for the Vikings) would get better pay per view numbers that Mike Tyson...my money would be on Bennett.

Sean Millington, former CFLer - who was part of CBC Broadcasting crew - has decided to come out of retirement and suit up for the Argos at age 37. Millington was a pretty decent fullback in his day, but that was at least 3 or 4 years ago - I wish him well...but I wonder what in the "hey" Pinball Clemons was thinking about when he pulled this one out. Hazel...any Skydome connections to the Argos?

Big freaking news - a report from French Daily "L'Equipe" reported today that Lance Armstrong tested positive for EPO during the 1999 Tour de France. Armstrong has always maintained his innocence with relation to using performance enhancing drugs - the catch here? The governing body of world cycling didn't begin using a urine test for EPO until 2001 - they couldn't test for it before that. I don't know where to slot Armstrong in - the story/evidence isn't compelling enough to put him in the Zero category...

Even BIGGER freaking news - a writer for the BBC has applauded Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho for the way he has handled a public dispute with one of his star defenders - Ricardo Carvalho. This may not sound like much...but it must be killing the English media to read a story that gives Mourinho any sort of credit.

I wonder if Hazel would have thoughts on any of these...

On the drive in today...I heard Speed of Sound by Coldplay...kind of fitting when you think about Lance Armstrong huh?

I'm outta here for a while...moving offices today. Hazel...if you are checking in...have yourself a groovy day.

Peesth Out.

Monday's Heroes & Zeros

Hey peeps, hey Hazel (if she's checking in) and anyone else who has arrived at this page either on purpose, by accident, or by hitting a link - thanks for taking a few minutes out of your day/night to stop by.

So today was a bit of a slow day in the world of sports, but as the title of this entry would indicate - a few stories caught my attention. Quite simply, some people came out of the weekend looking like heroes...and some, well...I'll let you decide.

Heroes
Portuguese National Team Striker Pedro Pauleta(born in Sao Miguel, Azores), scored for Paris St. Germain this past weekend - his 100th career goal in La Ligue. Pauleta blossomed when he made the move from the Spanish La Liga to the French Ligue in 2000 - he has played well enough to have been voted the "Foreign Player of the Year" in France. Let's hope this is an omen for upcming World Cup Qualifiers...and next year in Germany. Start practicing that name Hazel - remember to roll the "r" or you can just call him Pauleta - we do.

Kevin Millar of the Boston Red Sox, a lot of guys talk about being "team guys...team players" - well Millar showed just how much of a team guy he is. With the Red Sox charging towards a divisional title - with guys like Ortiz and Ramirez having big years...Millar is suffering through a sub-par year - just ask Red Sox Nation...they are giving it to him almost daily. Millar hasn't hid or made excuses - the man who made "Cowboy Up" famous, has himself stepped up...acknowledging both to Terry Francona and Red Sox Nation that John Olerud is full value for the playing time he has won from Millar - he owned up to the fact he is having a bad year and will do anything to help the team. Millar showed me a lot today.

On a side note...Millar was one of the dudes that helped ease Hazel's transition to Boston...shortly after she announced she was going, Rogers aired an episode of JZone where Hazel was hanging out with Millar, Ortiz and Pedro Martinez. I'm sure that was the Red Sox's unofficial "welcome to Boston Hazel - Millar's ok in my books...hope he regains his form.

Would I be a horse's a** for nominating myself? I was pretty happy with this weekend - I ran 6 km in 29 mins on Friday night (in rain), golfed Saturday morning and went out for a 20KM bike ride on Satruday afternoon (in light rain), ran 8 km in 38.5 mins on Sunday and ran another 6km tonight in 29 minutes. Ok, maybe the hero is my running buddy who won't let me "call in tired" for a run - she's tough. Ok, so my buddy is the hero.

Zeros
Lawrence Phillips, former Nebraska Cornhusker RB, former Montreal Alouette, former St. Louis Ram, former Miami Dolphin, former Barcelona Dragon....you get the picture huh? Lawrence was arrested Sunday after allegedly running his car into three teenagers he got into an argument with - AT A PICKUP FOOTBALL GAME. It gets better...Lawrence was already wanted by police in connection with two incidents of domestic violence (including allegedly choking his girlfriend to the point of unconsciousness). He is being charged with suspicion of attempted murder and domestic abuse - he is being held without bail. I remember this guy in college...what ever happened to him, I'll never know...he had it all - except a brain and an "off" switch on his temper. Way to go Lawrence.

This guy in my building who walks down four floors every morning to grab the newspaper and use our washroom for "his morning deposit/thought/constitutional" or whatever you want to call it. I can't get over it - this clown actually comes down to get a paper and use our facilities. Ok, it's not sports related...but there are days I'd like to pull a Roy Jones Jr. on this guy and kick his can back up to his own damn floor.

Ok...that's about it for tonight. I didn't connect with my buddy last night - I was too busy here with a Sunday entry...so I'm making the call tonight. I hope you all have a great night (or day - depending on when you are checking in)...here's hoping that Hazel is in the midst of a groovy week (still holding faint hope that she "just said no" to Stones tickets - haha).

The Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps at yahoo - in honour of crazy Lawrence Phillips...

Drive - R.E.M

"maybe your crazy in the head little baby"

ok...I'm gone.

Peesth out.

Should Have Cracked The Berry Last Night

Hey peeps, and anyone else checking in...unusual for me to be on during the day.

Came in to work to find 40 emails and only 10 urgents...I guess that's a good thing.

Started the day off by hearing "Black Betty" by Ram Jam...a Monday morning motivator if I have ever heard one...kinda starts your day off with some jam huh?

Lots of strange stuff happening...a Monday night entry is definitely in the offing.

A Crappy Weekend That Was Great

Hey peeps, and anyone else checking in.

So I am foregoing what has become my Sunday night ritual - to get a headstart on Monday mornings, by turning on my damn blackberry to sift through the 50 - 70 so-called urgent emails that are waiting for me...a perfect way to start a Monday morning...wouldn't you say?

Tonight, I'm having a glass of my favourite Port - Taylor and Fladgate's 10 Year Old Tawny Port - with some almonds and pistachios and sitting down to try to recap what was a pretty good weekend when its all said and done.

The great part of the weekend included my first round of golf this year, it has been a very busy summer (remember the patio?) so I haven't been able to get out yet. I played at one of the nicer/tougher courses in town, and was pretty happy with my game. I shot a 95, while that may not be overly impressive to most, it was a 95 that included a 44 on the back nine - with no mulligans, no gimmes, no "foot wedges", no forgotten strokes, or cheating of any kind. I left about six or seven shots on the course (lost four balls and missed 2 three-foot putts - not to mention of few "oh for f***s sakes" shots). That was on a day that was cloudy, damp, wet and kinda cold...with a few showers thrown in for good measure.

If Hazel is checking in tonight, I just wanted to say that... I got to break in my new golf cleats yesterday...they weren't "hot golf cleats" but I like them just the same. haha

For those of you that may be wondering what that is about - when Hazel was asked about how much coin NESN offered her to lure her away from Toronto - she answered only by saying - that it was enough to buy a new set of clubs...on her NESN bio her favourite article of clothing was "her 'hot' golf cleats".

In addition to my round of golf, the weekend included lots of great food - I was a BBQ'ing maniac - steaks and crab legs...some great Port and a "couple" of Kilkenny's and Smithwicks to celebrate my round of golf. Oh yeah...a call "home" this weekend to the Azores was pretty good (a couple of my cousins left Friday for a two week visit - I'm eating my heart out), I got game reports of Portugal's 2-0 win over Egypt.

Other good things this weekend - things in the world of sports that Hazel probably wouldn't be reporting on...of course European soccer heads the list.

Inter Milan, Figo's new team, beat Juventus over the weekend 1-0 - in the Italian Super Cup. The Super Cup (no Hazel jokes about super club or gold club) is the pre-cursor to the Serie A season and pits the previous year's champions vs. the winners of the "scudetto" (Inter). So Figo's debut with Inter results in victory...get used to it peeps. I wonder if NESN talks about Champions League...me thinks that before next year's World Cup, which Hazel will hopefully announce that Portugal has won, she might be talking about Inter winning the Champions League trophy (though I'd settle for Chelsea, Barcelona or FC Porto). Hazel, remember is Luis Figo - Loo'eee-shge Feeee-gou.

Chelsea - aka Portuguese National Team North - beat the hated Arsenal gunners today. Jose Mourinho is the talk of the English media for feuding with one of his star defenders (Ricardo Carvalho - pronounciation lessons for Hazel available at her request). I have gone on record as saying this is something Mourinho has planned with Carvalho (a member of the REAL national team - 5 quinas) to take some media attention away from Chelsea and some of their recent troubles and acquisitions. That is neither here nor there - Chelsea won. In other Premiership news...Cristiano Ronaldo (Hazel...remember to roll the R - like in Rrrrrrramirrrrrez) came on, and provided the cross that Ruud Van Nistelrooy potted to lead Man U to a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa (who have no Portuguese players on their roster), which would explain a lot.

The NHL was pretty quiet over the weekend - I think the league is in hangover mode after the rash of signings that took place over the first week. I think a lot of GMs are looking at what they did - or didn't do and asking themselves "what was I thinking?" Kinda like a wild night at a bar and winding up with the friend of the girl you wanted...except her friend ain't quite her in some respects...and a whole lot more than her in other respects.

In Roto news - come on, anyone checking in here must be a poolie. My roto baseball team, named after Hazel, is holding on to second place - all this without the benefit of crazy free agent spending or "less than up and up" trades that some guys pull. Hazel's boys (led by Ensberg, and a bunch of other "not household names" are fighting the good fight and look like they are going to finish in the money. I entered a fantasy football pool on Friday - it was an established league, so I got three free draft picks from unprotected list. Hazel would get a kick out of this - Hazel's Cowboys first two draft picks - Trent Green and Tony Gonzalez of the Chiefs - no lie. I was waffling between Jason Whitten of the Cowboys and Gonzalez... before you say it, Hazel was not the deciding factor. I went with the numbers and picked Gonzalez, the fact that Whitten plays for my Cowboys and Gonzalez plays for Hazel's Chiefs is a "co-inky-dink".

So, a pretty damn good weekend.

The "crappy" - not that I'm a negative person (not a peep out of the peeps...or else, you are all banned! hahahaha) - the weather sucked this weekend, it rained all day Friday and Saturday. Today was ok I guess, there was some sun during the afternoon - but it was cloudy most of the afternoon and evening. It was a crazy weekend in Southern Ontario, Environment Canada reported that a couple of tornados touched down in not far outside of Toronto (Hazel's hometown).

The other bad part of the weekend happened in the NFL - I'm sure most have heard that Thomas Herrion, a 23 year old offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers collapsed and died after their game against Denver last night. 23 years old...crazy. I'm sure it won't take long for the speculation to start - about why he died....what caused it... was it something he was on, or something he took. I hope it doesn't get to that - out of respect for the young man and his family - I hope people don't start rumour-mongering and speculation. I'm sure there will be a coroner's report...let's all wait for it to come out. Pete Prisco wrote a sobering article about the young man...its worth the read. Remember the young man and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Ok, I'm out of here for tonight...in watching the NESN broadcast of the Sox/Angels game today (thanks a lot Rogers...for picking up an NESN game Hazel wouldn't be part of....Sunday aft...grrrrrrr - hahaha - I heard the Stones were playing at Fenway tonight and Tuesday. First off, I'm not a Stones fan - not in the least; and while I would like to think Hazel wouldn't see the Stones...I have to resign myself to the fact that anyone who was connected to Fenway would have to see them - the reason being, "It's the Stones." (picture me grimacing now).

I was going to nominate a Stones song for the Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps tonight...but out of respect for Mr. Herrion and his family, that doesn't seem appropriate. If Hazel is peeking in tonight...have yourself a great week!

Where's my damn blackberry?
Peesth Out!

A Day Of Mixed Emotions - I Would Think

Hey peeps, and anyone else checking in or happening upon this page for the first time - thank you for stopping by. I said on Wednesday, I would be doing a Friday entry this week to mark an occassion/event, so here I be. As I sit here and sip on my glass of port, a funny thought just hit me; so please bare with me with for a few seconds.

A few times a week, I sit down to type in some random thoughts, musings, and rants related to the world of sports - somewhat jokingly asking "What would Hazel Mae think?" I say "somewhat" because while I would generally be interested in hearing Hazel's thoughts and opinions - as I told a member of the peeps who emailed me with suggestions and comments on the yahoo page and this blog... "Dude, I while I would like to think she's taking a peek and cracking the occasional smile - I don't expect her to be posting or acknowledging her presence/participation. I don't think she can, or would want to, for a variety of reasons. " (no need to get into them here - maybe when I sit down and write my "Why I write Thoughts of Hazel Mae Blog" entry)

So here is the funny thought/irony of tonight's entry, from my perspective of course. While I would like to think that Hazel might be one of the semi-regular people who check in to see what's being said here - I kinda hope that she wouldn't see tonight's entry...something tells me she might not want attention drawn to tonight's topic - shrugging it off as "no big deal". But tonight's entry is directed more at the Canadian members of the peeps (many of whom have emailed me to say Rogers Sportsnet just isn't the same without her) and of course...to Hazel herself - whether or not she's sneaking a peek at tonight's entry.

One year ago today - actually Thursday, August 19th, 2004, the lovely, talented and always upbeat Hazel Mae ended her broadcast by announcing to Canadian sports fans that she would be signing off the Canadian airwaves to accept a position with the New England Sports Network - NESN. Yes, peeps...today (yesterday if you are a stickler for days) marked the one year anniversary of Hazel's departure from Rogers; I think most Canadian fans would agree that Hazel left a big hole in Rogers morning programming...a hole they haven't been able to adequately fill (just ask members of hazelspeeps and fans of JZone). Her departure had the country buzzing last year - it was a topic of conversation on a number of messageboards - and one year out, she is still missed; about half of all hazelspeeps are Canadian sports fans who say that they thought she was pretty damn cool and they miss starting their mornings off with a cup of coffee and checking in with Hazel to see the previous night's happenings (don't I know it! hahahaha).

So if you are checking in from Canada and you want to show your support, good wishes or just say "Hey Hazel, we miss ya" - leave a comment/message here. If you are checking in from New England...well, ummmm...your entry comes in September.

So I hope I didn't build this entry up too much - hope it wasn't a disappointment for anyone who checked in to see what it was going to be. More to come throughout the weekend I think - quiet weekend here.

So to end the entry for tonight - on behalf of all hazelspeeps - Congratulations to Hazel Mae for great run up here, she was a bright light in the Canadian sports broadcasting scene...here's hoping her future holds many more successes. Is it proper to say Happy Anniversary? or is that more for the official 1 year at NESN? Either way...go get 'em Hazel...you have lots of support. If you are indeed peeking in tonight, or whenever - I hope this entry did not embarrass you - you have much to be proud of; celebrate it.

Ok...two songs for today/tonight on Hazelspeeps...both have to do with departures, while not totally reflective of Hazel's situation in leaving for Boston - they are great songs...and might hold meaning for someone close to her.

Bright Lights - Matchbox 20

Yeah well maybe maybe maybe
You'll find something that's enough to keep you
But if the bright lights don't receive you
You should turn yourself around and come on home

and my choice



When Ye Go Away - The Waterboys

Now he's brought down the rain
and the Indian summer is through
In the mornin' you'll be following your trail
fair play to you
You ain't callin me to join you
and I'm spoken for anyway
But I will cry,
when ye go away

Your beauty if familiar
and your voice is like a key
It opens up my soul
and torches up a fire inside of me
Your cloak is made of magic
and around your table angels play
I will cry,
When ye go away

Somebody left his whiskey
and the night is very young
I have much to say
and I have more to tell
The words will soon be spillin' from my tongue
I'll rave and I will ramble
I'll do everything but make you stay
But I will cry
when ye go away

Goodnight one and all - as always Best wishes to Hazel Mae.

Peesth out!

A Wednesday Quickie

Hey peeps, and everyone else checking in, from the regulars to those happening upon this page for the first time...to of course - do I even have to say it?

As the title would suggest, today's update is a quick one - I have a big job competition/interview to prepare for tomorrow - so tonight's entry won't go into all the weird, whacked and downright silly events in the last week or so. Having said that, there are a few things worth mentioning on this fine Wednesday.

SOCCER
Today was a day of "International Friendlies" in the world of soccer. First and foremost, Portugal wins - they beat Egypt 2-0, in a match that featured many of Portugal's up and coming players. For those that didn't read yesterday's post, the game was played in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores - check out yesterday's post for the story on Ponta Delgada and a website for more info (as an aside - some family members are crossing the ocean to go visit family back home on the island...tomorrow).

England got their cans kicked in Denmark, 4-1. Funny thing, England's goalkeeper - David "Calamity" James had another bad game in the net for England and will probably see his international career come to an end, much to the chagrin of the rest of the world - with James in net, you always had a chance against England. James was quoted as saying he "didn't go through his normal preparation to play in the game" because he didn't think he'd start. Now there is a true professional. There were a few other surprises - Germany and the Netherlands playing to a draw....as did Brazil and Croatia. Good news for Portugal - Slovakia tied today...leaving them 2 points behind Portugal...with the boys having a game in hand. I'd say our ticket for Germany is pretty well booked!

Practice the pronounciation on those names Hazel - you are going to be repeating them a lot next year during the World Cup! (I'll gladly volunteer my services to coach you on Portuguese pronounciation).

SPORTS RADIO
I was out and about at lunch today and turned the radio on to hear Jim Rome - just when I think this man cannot get any worse...he outdoes himself. This guy is like the Jerry Springer of Sports Radio. Rome was going off on Canadians sports fans - according to Rome, we all support Todd Bertuzzi and the NHL's decision to bring him back. Rome spent the better part of an hour talking about how he was bombarded with emails and calls from Canadian sports fans (you mean all 10 of them who listen to his show regularly) - the prevailing sentiment being that we feel sorry for Todd, and we are fully supportive of his reinstatement.

This embellishment and misrepresentation (if not a total fabrication) wasn't enough for Rome - no, he had to go on and on about how Canadians are so blind in our support for Bertuzzi that we were making up excuses like "the code of the NHL", "that Steve Moore deserved it for not fighting when challenged" and a host of other ridiculous statements he attributed to Canadian hockey fans. Rome pontificated about how is he "pretty sure that there is no code about sucker punching and breaking a guy's neck" and so on...you know Rome...over and over. I have to admit that he got to me today - his arrogance about his statured in the world of sports and his ignorance towards Canada and Canadian sports fans was too much...even for him. He even had a bunch of half wits on the air; so-called Canadian hockey fans from Calgary and Winnipeg who were embarrassed to be part of a nation of people and fans that supported a criminal like Bertuzzi. I don't know what to say abou these guys - especially the dude from Calgary that claimed "his grandmother was a "Patrick" - named for the Patrick Division and that they built the first arena in Vancouver."

First, how in the hell could his grandmother be named after a division in hockey? (ya ya..he probably screwed up his words...but still funny to laugh at that)

Second, I thought the Patricks were American - certainly not from Vancouver...and we are to believe his family built the first arena in Vancouver

Third, why would you call an American sports show to say you are embarrassed to be a Canadian?

I shouldn't even have to say it, but -almost everyone I have spoken to agrees that Bertuzzi got off lightly and NO ONE is feeling sorry for him. So to Jim Rome and all his clones - YOU SUCK.

I was heartened to see that at least so of the smarter sports fans in Boston hate Rome too - though a poster on Red Sox Nation has given himself the handle of "SonofHazelMae" grrrrrrrrrrrr to him.

CFL
A City Councillor from Ottawa is in a bit of a pickle today - she was quoted in the Ottawa Sun referring to the President of the Ottawa Renegades - Lonie Glieberman as "a little bitch" and went on to insult his maturity...linking it to the size of his manhood (Lonie is a short guy) - stay tuned...this promises to be good.

That's about it for tonight gang...I have to go read some stuff for tomorrow. There will definitely be an entry Friday - for those of you that are fans of Hazel - you will know why. For those of you that don't know why...you'll have to check in Friday! (you included Hazel...if you are peeking in tonight...but I'm guessing you would know why there is going to be an entry on Friday).

See you all on Friday!

The Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - loosely connected to the crap on the Jim Rome show today

Don't Lie - Black Eyed Peas.

Ok...back to my reference material...night peeps...night to Hazel Mae, and goodnight to you.

Peesth out!

Who Knew Sports Fans Could Be So Angry?

Hey peeps and anyone else stopping by or happening on this page for the first time (here's hoping you check back). Monday entries are used to recap the weekend in the world of sports - I mean, would you anyone really want to check in to see Friday, Saturday and Sunday roll ups? I doubt it, but if I'm wrong - feel free to tell me you can't get enough of this page and we'll start this weekend (insert laugh track here).

MLB
I tuned in to watch a bit of the Jays vs Orioles on Sunday afternoon, I wasn't going to watch any of it, had better things to do than watch a couple of also rans in the A.L. East (it pains me to put Baltimore in there...I really thought they had a good thing going earlier in the season)...but Jamie Campbell (a former colleague of Hazel's from her days are Rogers Sportsnet) wouldn't stop talking about this being Palmeiro's first game back - so I had to watch his first at bat. I was saddened to see the reaction of the O's fans. A few weeks ago, I read something about Boston sports fans being the best sports fans in the U.S. (I always thought St. Louis had the best fans...but that's neither here nor there) - if Boston has the best fans, Baltimore has to have some of the worst fans.

What I saw on Sunday was, to sum it up in one word, "sad". There was a mix of cheers and boos, understandable but still not acceptable, but the good fans of Baltimore didn't stop there - that would have been too easy. What I saw was parents standing there next to their kids...lustily booing Palmeiro, encouraging their children to do the same (some had their kids holding up homemade signs denouncing Palmeiro). I think it was very week of Rogers to show that (apologies to Hazel...as she was a Rogers employee...but nonetheless) - what purpose did it serve? Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star wrote an article on Palmeiro and his return to the O's yesterday. Normally I like Griffin, he's a big Hazel Mae backer/booster - today's article was pretty harsh (calling Palmeiro a cheater) and didn't need to be written; like I said, normally I like Griffin, but today's article contained no new information, no new opinions or thoughts...it just took a shot at Palmeiro - something that is too easy to do these days.

I have never subscribed to that old adage "I paid my money...I can come and boo if I want." Everybody is paying the shot for something - and it doesn't give them the right to come boo you at your place of work if you screw something up. Palmeiro's infraction is more than simply "screwing up" - but if Baltimore fans were that disgusted and outraged they should have just stayed away (according to media reports - a great number left after his at bat...it was supposed to be Rafael Palmeiro day at Camden Yards). I have a lot of trouble thinking that anyone would support taking your kid to a ball game for the express purpose of booing an athlete. There is a perfect way to encourage or foster a love of the game in your kids huh? Hazel, if you are reading - feel free to chime in on this one. :-) (I gotta think Hazel wouldn't approve of that stuff)

Steve Simmons of the Sun mused that maybe Eric Hinske isn't as good as Jays fans want to think he is/can be - Simmons wondered if what Hinske has shown to date is all Jays fans can expect from him. If you have read some of the earlier postings - you'll know that I think pretty much the same thing. Hinske had a good rookie season..but what Jays fans can legitimately expect from him is a batting avg of .245 - 260, 15 - 18 HR, and maybe 65 - 70 RBI (depending on where he hits) all this to say - these number are not good enough for a player in a power position. The Chickenhawk made a big mistake by not getting rid of Hinske before the trade deadline - trading Hinske would be a case of "addition by subtraction" for the Jays. J.P. will never get rid of him though - that would be like admitting he made a mistake when he got Hinske...and he isn't going to do that. Suffer Jays fans...suffer.

The Red Sox keep rolling - but questions are starting to come about:

• what to do with Foulke now that he is coming back (most fans don't want him closing) ,
  
  
• what to do with Schilling, who wants back into the rotation even though he is getting hit hard in the pen (he blew a save against the Tigers tonight),
  
  
• how comfortable is Matt Clement - he's been getting hit since back from the incident a few weeks back (remember I asked if he would be gun-shy when he came back)
  
  
• what to do about Bellhorn and Graffanino.

I'm sure well all have an opinion - but who better to comment than Hazel? After all - doesn't she host the Sox show down there? (Still no sign of JZone up here - not without Hazel). Red Sox Nation - rest comfortably knowing that your bats will carry you to a division title this year (yes...I still believe the Yankees are too old and tired do make any serious run at the Sox). The playoffs may be a different story - you had better hope the "Hazel Karma" rubs off on them again.


SOCCER
What a weekend! No, Figo hasn't started his inaugural Serie A campaign with Inter Milan.
However, I had a couple of proline tickets that I started on Saturday and finished with Arsenal and Chelsea both winning - Arsenal threw a scare into me, waiting until the 80th minute to score...Chelsea (aka Portuguese National Team North) waited until the 92nd minute to score (I was on the verge of ripping up my tickets in disgust) - Hernan Crespo scored a beauty and made Sunday - a beautiful day!

Jose Mourinho showed himself to be a man of class (regardless of what the English press tries to make him out to be) - when Crespo scored that beauty, breaking the heart of Wigan's fans, Mourinho immediately went to Wigan's manager..shook his hand and told him that his side deserved a better fate. The commentators pointed out that it was a very classy thing for Mourinho to do. I'm sure Hazel would approve.

Speaking of Portuguese National Team - Manager Scolari has called up Portuguese wonderkid Joao Moutinho to play in a friendly against Egypt this week. Why is this signifcant you ask? ( even if you aren't asking) I will tell you - two reasons. One, Moutinho is seen as the future - a midfielder they will build their team around - with Christiano Ronaldo up front of course. But secondly, and from my perspective, more importantly - the game is to be played in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Acores - my favourite place in the whole wide world (click the link and check out the pic - "the gates of the city" - the homeland). Forca Portugal!

NHL
An interesting weekend to be a fan of the NHL - the free agent frenzy has calmed down a bit...which means that fans can now start voicing their opinions on how their teams came out of it. Funny story, I was at a birthday party on Saturday night, enjoying a nice tall frosty glass of Kilkenney Irish Cream Ale - when a guy I was introduced to five minutes before launches into a tirade and a verbal attack on me for being a Leaf fan. The guy went ballistic, screaming at me, telling me how much Toronto sucks, how we should be ashamed for signing "gimps like lindros and allison" and "goons like domi" - so he's screaming at the top of his lungs...mocking all Leaf fans and then he asks me what I have to say about that.

I looked him dead in the eye and said "Hazel Mae likes the Leafs" - he shakes his head and says "what? huh?... I'M ASKING YOU ABOUT THE LEAFS!!!! YOU P***Y - A***D LEAF FAN" - I should mention the guy was loaded and about 6'4" and 240 lbs. So, again, I look at him calmly and say "I don't care what you say...Hazel Mae likes the Leafs." A friend of mine heard me, starts laughing hysterically - the guy who was yelling at me looked totally confused...and asks who in the hell Hazel Mae is. I walked away laughing, afer telling him I couldn't talk to any Canadian sports fan who didn't know who Hazel was - I think he left to go find an internet cafe...cuz I didn't seem him after that. Why do people hate us Leaf fans? Has any member of Red Sox Nation felt this kind of hatred? I think Leaf and Red Sox fans have a kinship. Maybe I'm wrong - as usual, Hazel's perspective on this one would be most welcomed - she has the perspective of Leaf Nation - and she experienced the euphoria in Boston last fall.

I like the Leaf signings - while they didn't make a huge splash on the free agent market, I think they did as well as could be expected with the resources they had left - they didn't make any huge blunders. Allison could be the bargain of the year if he comes back and plays anything like he did in Boston - if he doesn't, no big deal...they don't have a lot of $ tied up in him. Same goes for the Big E - he may be the most intriguing signing of the summer. Lindros took a lot less money to come home to Southern Ontario - saying it was where he wanted to be (ahem....ahem - I hope Hazel shares Lindros' sentiment - hahaha). Lindros is coming back home to prove a point to the Rangers and the Flyers who gave up on him - to a lot of NHL fans who think he's washed up. If Lindros plays with Sundin and Jeff O'Neill - watch out! Lindros will be a point a game player and could once again be a dominant force in the NHL - especially if he plays on the wing where he won't get caught skating across the middle. Stay tuned Leaf Nation...I really think we got better this past week - as much as it hurt to lose Roberts and "Niewy" - Anson Carter or the man Leaf Nation affectionately refers to as "ALMO" (Mogilny) may be signed sometime this week...talk is one of them will be.

Todd Bertuzzi (or as someone on Red Sox Nation called him "Scott Bertuzzi") made a statement to the media today as he went to the Team Canada Orientation Camp - blah blah.

Well, that's about it for me for tonight. If you have made it this far - thanks for taking the time to read these random thoughts...here's hoping a few of them made you laugh a little - or at least a smile...especially Hazel if she's peeking. Night everyone - more tomorrow.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - tough one today...but for Leaf Nation and our hope that Eric Lindros will pan out the way we hope...

Elvis is Everywhere - Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper

When I look out into your eyes out there
When I look into your faces - you know what I see?
I see a little bit of Elvis in each and every one of you out there
Let me tell ya...

Weeeeellllllllllllllllllllllll Elvis is everywhere
Elvis is everything
Elvis is everybody
Elvis is still the king

MAN OH MAN
WHAT I WANT YOU TO SEE
IS THAT THE BIG E's
INSIDE OF YOU AND ME


It's definitely one of those novelty songs you have to have - that's it.

Peesth out!

Weekend Recap

Evenin' peeps and anyone else checking in.

A long weekend - a really great weekend...but too much jammed into less than 48 hours. Lots to talk about - "manhana"... Leafs made a splash last week with a couple of signings - Leaf Nation is happy (myself included) - so what did Hazel think of the signings? I wonder...but isn't that what this is all about? *laugh*

Tomorrow's topics

Baltimore boos Raffy - very weak in my opinion (parents encouraging kids to boo an athlete is weak)

NHL fans debate signings...lack of signings and missed opportunities - welcome to the new NHL, isn't the salary cap a great thing?

The NFL is back...and I don't care if it is just pre-season. Go Cowboys!!!! The one thing I will disagree with Hazel Mae on - Cowboys over Chiefs every day!

An exciting weekend in the English Premiership - you won't believe my luck!

But Sundays are "catch up with my best buddy night"...so I have to bid everyone a good night and make that call. Hazel (if your peeking)...have a great week!

No theme for the Song of the Day at Hazelspeeps - so its author's choice.

Speed of Sound - Cold Play...probably the best song I have heard in the last 5 years (buy the CD...they deserve the $).

Peesth out.

Whacked Wednesday

Evenin' peeps, and anyone else checking in - from the semi-regulars to first timers - to of course Hazel Mae (if she's peeking in).

I don't even know where to start - but this week's Wednesday entry is really about "the whacked" in the world of sports...not too much of the weird, but definitely some of the silly. To start the entry off with a laugh - why not start with the NHL - I'm sure Hazel would get a good laugh out of this...hope you do too.

NHL
We have to start a Wednesday entry with a story about our old friend - Bob Clarke (can you sense the sarcasm?). In Sportsnet's Hockey Hearsay section Clarke is told the Philadelphia Daily News that if the Flyers can't come to an agreement with Robert Esche - the team is willing to go with an unproven Antero Niittymaki in goal (ya...Forsberg would love Clarke for signing him to a team that has an unproven goalie...can't you see it?). In speaking to the paper, Clarke was quoted as saying "I think a club can win without anybody. I don't think one person makes a club." I'll let you digest that for a second before you burst out laughing - Clarke must be prepping himself to take over for Yogi Berra in those AFLAC commercials they keep running on MLB games. Hazel...do you have that crazy duck screaming at you at NESN?

Mr. Bettman conveniently announced Todd Bertuzzi's reinstatement with a press release - THE SAME DAY that Gretzky announces he is going to coach the Coyotes. Nice work NHL, way to show that you guys are a major sport. You must be very proud of the events on Monday...Gretzky announces he's going to coach...Comcast is putting the NHL on the Outdoor Life Network (there's hope for another outdoor game in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium - hmmm maybe the Leafs can host a game a Dufferin park - where I used to play shinny when visiting T-Dot...insert laugh trak here), and you reinstate Bertuzzi. Outside of the NHLPA, is there anyone that thinks Bertuzzi has sat out long enough?

Some guy in Toronto put a pair of Maple Leafs season's tickets in the Platinum section up for auction on EBay...for get this...$250K. That's right, he's hoping to get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND...with a minimum bid of a piddly $125K required. I mean, I'm a Leaf fan but...I bet Hazel could talk him down. Check it out here - give me strength

NEWS FLASH - Ottawa Senator fans and media are upset that Marion Hossa rejected the Senators' generous offer of $11.5M over 3 years - saying he wants Iginla like money. Prior to salary cap days, Ottawa fans and media regarded Hossa as a top 10 player in the league...now, he isn't worth more that $4M - and he should take less to play with Ottawa and win a cup for them (according to Glen Kulka and Gord Wilson of the Team 1200). Maybe Hossa saw yesterday's song of the day on Hazelspeeps and decided it wasn't worth a pay cut. hahaha

We will now take a short break while we head to the cabinet for a glass of Port. (insert musical interlude). Hmmm Port...Gooood


MLB
So Kenny Rogers was back tonight after serving 12 games of his 20 game suspension. An arbitrator ruled that due to Selig suspending Rogers and hearing/rejecting the appeal (what amounts to a technicality) he contravened the MLB collective agreement. So Rogers goes ballistic, not once..but twice...and gets twelve games. If he ever pulls that crap on Hazel and she doesn't kick his can...I'm organizing a "Peeps road trip to Arlington" - the Canadian contingent will fix his little red wagon. Welcome back Kenny...how did it feel getting your keester handed to you tonight in Boston? Welcome back pal.

A funny aside on the Rogers story...Bud Selig was angry about what happened. That's funny...some would say they are very angry about Bud's run as commissioner of MLB.

The incident involving a San Francisco broadcaster and the San Francisco Giants can't be ignored or swept under the rug. For those that haven't heard - where in the heck have you been? Mr. Larry Krueger was on record as saying that he couldn't stand to see "brain-dead Caribbean hitters swinging at slop" and went on to question what Alou was thinking. As you can well imagine, the crap hit the fan and Mr. Krueger was telling anyone who would listen that he wasn't a racist or a bigot and tried to apologize to Felipe Alou. Mr. Krueger's apology was issued via a press release and was rejected by Alou - rightly so I might add. Alou's point is that stuff like this can't just be glossed over with an apology. Mr. Krueger should be held accountable for what he said. From my own personal experience...this story is compelling for two reasons - one professional and one personal.

• from a professional point of view - in my experience in working on issues such as this - this case really falls under the "hierarchy of racism" - in other words it's more acceptable/pallatable to discriminate against one group vs. another. It has long been the view of people of hispanic descent that they are not afforded the same protection as people of African or Asian descent - whether it is true or not is irrelevant...if they perceive this to be reality then it is for them and must be addressed.
  
  
• from a personal point of view - I can't stand people who make stupid remarks like this and think an apology will suffice...quickly followed by the standard "I'm not a racist...some of my best friends are black/asian/hispanic or whatever. Not good enough - say what you mean...mean what you say. The easiest thing in the world to do is to be hateful or hurtful...spew your venom and then apologize for it. The damage was done. I'll shut up about this now. But Krueger shouldn't be allowed to get off so easily.
  
  

There was talk on Red Sox Nation that another player with even higher profile than Palmeiro had tested positive for a banned substance - and was currently undergoing a second test and maybe appeal (thought I don't know if you can appeal a pending charge). All in a whacked wednesday huh?

NFL
Big news in the NFL is that no one was arrested - not that we know of.

Terrell Owens was sent home by Andy Reid of the Eagles. I ask one question and only one question of Reid - "Why?" Why would you suspend a player that doesn't want to play on your team...why not keep him around...on the sidelines and out of drills (like putting him in the corner at school) and drive him nuts. Reid lets Owens off the hook on this one and isn't going to get anything for Terrell in a trade...and won't get much out of Terrell this season. Hazel and Gentelmen...Terrell has left the building.

Daunte Culpepper was given a lucrative contract extension by the Vikings...the reasoning being that Daunte was one of the top quarterbacks in the league and should be paid accordingly. Excuse me? I don't understand this one either. Culpepper is a good quarterback... a GOOD quarterback who hasn't won anything yet...not an NFC title even. Not a top quarterback - off the top of my head - not even a top 10. Daunte is a first half player who falls apart in the second part of each season. Daunte is not a player that makes his teammates better - that was Randy Moss (love him or hate him) Moss made Culpepper look a lot better than he was:

• by making amazing catches
• by drawing double/triple teams thus freeing up secondary receivers
• by being enough of a threat that teams didn't play eight in the box - freeing up a running game and taking heat off of Culpepper with fewer blitzes (not that that applies to Hazel's K.C Chiefs..their defence was just..ummm...well - hey, did you hear Drew Bledsoe is in Dallas?)

I'm not sure why Minnesota gave him a big raise...but this year will prove that Randy made Daunte look better than he was...and not the other way around.

SOCCER
Zinedine Zidane claims that a voice told him to come out of international retirement to play for France and lead them to a World Cup in Germany - for readers of this page, we know Zidane is crazy...not because he heard a voice...but because we all know Figo is going to lead Portugal to the World Cup and Hazel will broadcast the news to New England. *smile* I think this has a lot to do with Zidane being the forgotten man at Real, what with: Beckham signing a mega deal, Roberto Carlos being granted Spanish citizenship, Robinho signing with Real and of course...Zidane's biggest competion, Figo going to Inter. If you think that is crazy...having watched Zidane since he got to Real...there was always a competition when it came to Figo (the first galactico). Zidane hated Figo for some reason...and was one of the main reasons why Figo had lost prominence this past year (when by all accounts he was one of Real's best players). Zidane won the player of the year...but he did it by alienating many members of his team (on the pitch) - with Figo Real won hardware...with Zidane? you count them up...I'll give you three seconds...its all you'll need to count what Zidane led Real to. Please..no crap about France's World Cup and Euro trophies...(Brazil's Ronaldo gets sick before the final - and Thierry Henry was FIVE yards offside when he tied the game against Portugal). Zidane will always be obsessed with Figo (who came out of international retirement two months ago)...Figo will go on to help Adriano become the 2006 FIFA Player of the Year. You read it here first..and you'll hear Hazel announce it first..next year. Adriano wins (Ronaldinho and Steven Gerrard being runners up).

Trouble brewing in France. Chelsea (and my man Jose Mourinho) want to sign Ghana-born Michael Essien from Lyon. Lyon's President was asking for a ridiculous transfer fee when talks broke down. M. Aulas was quoted as saying "Michael is a good boy" and that he would do what he was told. Stay tuned...this one is gonna get ugly.

I'm sure there is more...but that's why I always invited readers to submit their stories. Time to say goodnight peeps...goodnight to Hazel (if she peeks after her last segment) and goodnight to you if you aren't one of the aforementioned. Thanks for taking the time to stop by, hope it was worth a chuckle or two.

The song of the day on Hazelspeeps in honour of the mysterious voice that spoke to Zidane...to the voice that tells Hossa that he's worth Iginla like money (which for the record is more than Naslund, Forsberg, and Sundin)...to the voice that reassures Larry Krueger that he isn't a racist or a bigot... I give you

Far Side of Crazy - Wall of Voodoo

or

Voices Inside My Head - The Police

(Both worth listening too - that goes for you too Hazel! )

Have a groovy one...Peesth out!

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.

Does The NHL Remind You Of Team America?

Evenin' peeps, and anyone else checking in. Thanks for stopping by and spending a few minutes here. I knew this was going to be a good day today, as I was pulling into my parking spot at work, I was tired of listening to the half-wits on sports radio...changing the station to hear "Jammin" by Bob Marley. Is there a better summer song? I think not...Your thoughts on a summer song? Hazel...any suggestions?

What a great weekend in every respect - but more on that later, at the end of the entry. Before getting to the NHL - a few orders of business to address first.

1st - the television broadcasting industry lost one of its good people with the passing of Canadian anchorman Peter Jennings of ABC News. From all accounts, both before and after his unexpected passing, Jennings was well respected by his peers and his viewers - with nary a negative thing said about him. Mr. Jennings should be held up as a role model for the broadcasting world...from members of the television news industry - right over to the inspiration for this page and her peers in sports broadcasting. What made Jennings so likeable was his down to earth style...he seemed to be a genuine person, humble and sincere. May he rest in peace. For the record, I think the inspiration for this page has shown that she embodies some of these qualities.

2nd order of business tonight is to follow through on a commitment I made to one of the members of "Hazelspeeps", who emailed to say he liked the blog (first positive comment) but thought that maybe I was hating on Jody Vance a bit too much and that I should lay off that. He questioned the validity of some of the stories attributed to Ms. Vance and Hazel...while I'm not in total agreement with his entirewhat he said, he raised a few very good points - never let it be said that I am not reasonable - so to Jody Vance and her boys... I apologize if I was hard on her. There will no longer be any negative posts about Ms. Vance on this page from this point on. I won't be hating on her - not now that the Ottawa Senators and the NHL are making the news!

I, and Canadian members of the "peeps", want to take this opportunity to wish her the best in all future endeavours.

NHL
For anyone who hasn't seem the movie Team America - World Police...there is a scene where the mad Korean Dictator - Kim Jong Il - in a moment of frustration asks "why are people so stupid". It is quite amusing. Remember the question as you read.

I just heard on Sportnet news that Todd Bertuzzi has been reinstated, effective immediately. I'm not on board with this one - I don't buy this crap about him sitting out 17 months...there was no 2004/05 season - so he didn't miss anything. I wouldn't tie his return to Moore's return - he might never be back, but not necessarily because of his injury. I certainly wouldn't open the doors this soon...his suspension amounted to 13 regular season games and 7 playoff games - a joke by any standards. Speaking of jokes...

Today on sports radio two big jokes.

1) not hockey related but... the Jim Rome promo. This week's promo has Rome talking about Kyle Farnsworth and how he can fight, how he is good at fighting and if Rome could fight as good as Farnsworth...he'd like to fight too. I find this funny cuz I keep remember the clip of Jim Everett pushing him after Rome kept bating him by calling him Chris (Everett). Rome looked funny falling back after he tried to push Everett...real tough guy Rome.

2) Ottawa Senator fans perhaps the most annoying in the NHL - most likely due to the fact that 3/4 of them are former Montreal Canadiens' fans who jumped ship when the Habs started to go down and the Senators started to look up - these clowns were on the radio this morning talking about a potential trade between Ottawa and Boston. These half-wits think that the Bruins are going to trade Joe Thornton for Martin Havlat, Brian Lee and a draft pick. Ya, O'Connell is going to trade one of the top 5 or 10 players in the league for a draft pick, a draft pick that hasn't played one second of NHL hockey, and a temperamental winger who disappears when the going gets tough. These clowns think the deal makes sense for Boston because they get "three very good players" and the Sens can afford Thornton with lots of cap room. You gotta be kidding me...they must not know that Thornton is going to wind up in Toronto. Right Hazel? are we working on that?

Last week, everyone was ready to hand the cup over to Bobby Clarke and the Flyers. Huh? Yes, he signed Forsberg, a great player no doubt - a dominant player when he is healthy...operative word being "when". Clarke destroyed whatever chemistry his team had, and to make matters worse...he follows up the Forsberg signing with the signing of three defenceman who may be in for a rough ride from Flyer fans. So people are ready to hand the cup over to a team who's defence is suspect at best (Pitkanen and Jonsson can't play 60 mins) and who's goalie situation is unsettled - as good as Esche looked against Toronto...talk to the half-wits in Ottawa. Yes, I'm hating on the Flyers. Speaking of crazy signings...

Can someone tell me what Lou Lamoriello is doing? I think he is among the best hockey men in the NHL...a guy that puts together winning teams with very little money - but Dan McGillis? He signed Dan McGillis? I'm trying to figure that one out...But I won't question him.

Wayne Gretzky announced he's going to coach the Coyotes - I like what Gretzky said - that he would be the first guy to know that he should be fired if he isn't getting the job done...history says that he won't know. I don't think this is going to be good for his legacy...as great of a hockey player as he was - he's going to be over matched by the tactians in the league like Jacques Martin, Jacques Lemaire and Ken Hitchcock, as well as by the motivators who know how to get the most of their guys Tortorella, Sutter, Quinn, Crawford and guys like that. This is not like being a GM for Team Canada...but then again, its Phoenix - they won't know the difference...Steve Nash is the most popular Canadian down there.

Some of the recent signings have me perplexed...lots of big money being thrown around by supposedly "small market" teams who are supposed to be working with smaller cap numbers - gotta love that revenue sharing I guess. We'll get into my theories on NHL expansion another night...but it's coming peeps...this season and next will be a test. They will tinker with rules, increase scoring, make it more appealing to a nation of people that don't watch hockey...and mediocrity...errrrrrrrr "parity and cost certainty" will net the NHL $$$$. If you are going to accuse me of being an angry Leaf fan who is upset because his team did nothing...yaaaa so? Your point?

MLB
Things in the MLB stayed pretty status quo - as far as most of the readers of this site would be concerned - I'm assuming that most are fans of the A.L. East...or the L.A Dodgers (ya right...I know I'm alone there).

In watching what has unfolded over the past week or so - the Jays are done. Jays fans (Hazel included...sorry) give up the dream - the Jays lost two out of three to the Yankees. While this might not seem like its the end of the world...after all...its the Yankees - they lost to Aaron Small and Al Leiter...enough said. If I'm a Jays fan, I'd really be asking Jays management what J.P. did to improve this team - the answer is simply "nothing". While I have heard all the excuses

"we weren't going to make a trade for the sake of trading"
"we like our team...going in the right direction"
"we'll be getting Halladay back"
"there just wasn't a deal to be made"

To all that, and any other excuse he and anyone else in Jays land comes up with...I say one thing. "Make it happen" Jays management makes too many excuses - I think J.P messed up by not making something happen...while it may not be easy - good GMs make it happen. I know I've ragged on him before...but Hinske has to go - J.P could have tried to package him to get something. What you ask? Anything I say. J.P. won't get rid of Hinske because he traded for him and he's cheap - fine. But I think getting rid of him would have freed a roster spot for another player who may bring more game. With Hill, Hillenbrand and Koskie - the Jays seem set on the corners and at DH - while Hinske may be seen as "depth"...he's not putting up the numbers to justify that much playing time. He could have gone out (or promoted) someone with wheels...with speed - someone who could be inserted in late in a game and steal you a base or something when you need it. Hinske isn't bringing enough to the game - a good glove? Plenty of good gloves in AAA. My two cents - but then again, I wasn't expecting much from Toronto this year...but hey, at least they have nice hats - especially when Hazel is under one of them.

Sox continue to roll behind Damon, Ortiz and Manny - speaking of which...Manny cost me 140 bucks on proline tonight...I can't believe Blaylock beat him tonight. While I still think something isn't quite right with Boston...they are going to win the Division (chalk that up to Hazel karma) - but things could get very tough if they have to face teams with good pitching - A's kickin' these days... White Sox pitching and small ball could pose problems in the quest for a repeat.

Is it just me? or to the Yankees look old...tired and uninterested? The only guy that seems to really be pushing to win is "slappy" (aka A-Rod). Sheffield is being Sheffield and speaking his mind...unfortunately his teammates are getting slapped. I like Sheffield, always have - he's a great ball player and a competitor...his problem is that he can't let things go (sound like anyone you know? yes...I'm raising my hand) - he speaks his mind...for better or worse. I'm not disagreeing with what he said - I think most of it is probably true...his timing was bad. Anyways, when did Randy Johnson become so hittable? Anyone got any ideas?

No need to get into the Raffy saga - but...Scott Miller had another good article about the O's - from Mazzilli being fired, to Raffy, to the downfall of Sosa. As usual, Miller pulls no punches - gotta like that. Sammy Sosa...what a collossal disappointment he turned out to be.

SOCCER
The news of the weekend was all about my man...Figo! Luis Figo left Real Madrid to sign with Inter Milan this past weekend. Inter's site has a lot of coverage on the man - from the press conference announcing the signing - to training photos. If you are the least bit interested in soccer - or if you just want to see what an athlete should be...visit the site. Figo is, always has been, and always will be a class act. His so-called parting shot at Real was to say that things didn't work out...but he had five great years there...and wished them well. Figo's achievements at the club level have not been matched by many - Liga Championships in Spain, European Championships in Spain...bringing Portugal to the semi-finals of Euro 2000, the Finals of Euro 2004...next stop - World Cup 2006 in Germany. Hazel's gotta get that on the broadcast! haha

More soccer news later in the week.

Ok, it's late...the weekend update will be on tomorrow's entry. Thanks again to my buddy from the yahoo site for his comments and suggestions.

So I'm outta here for the night...thanks for stopping by, thanks for taking the time to read it, feel free to leave comments or suggestions...night peeps...night Hazel (if you are checking in).

Given the focus on the NHL in tonight's entry...The song of the day on Hazelspeeps at yahoo - a playoff classic from a couple of years ago.

Three Cheers for Ottawa - the Fan 590 Radio in Toronto
(to the tune of the Chanuka Song By Adam Sandler)

Here's a little story
About a hockey team
Who just might win the Stanley Cup
But only in their dreams
The team is from Ottawa
The Senators is their name
Their soon to be inducted to the
Golfing Hall of Fame

They think they'll take our Leafers
Now there's a funny joke
Cuz every year at playoff time
THE SENATORS ALWAYS CHOKE

Three cheers for Ottawa
A real team they are "nottawa"
They can give all that they've "gottawa"
But the Stanley Cup will never go to Ottawa


later on...

Three cheers for Ottawa
They must be smoking pot-tawa

So get ready for the crying
Take out your handkerchiefs
You're about to get your asses kicked by
THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS...

Download it...it's a classic!

Peesth out!

Things Happen On Wednesdays

Hello to everyone and anyone checking in...if this is your first time here - Wednesday recap the weird, the whacked and the downright silly in the world of sports over the past week. Given today's events - I wonder if the sports world waits until Wednesday to make a splash and of course..."Thoughts of Hazel Mae".

MLB
Is there anything else to discuss but the Rafael Palmeiro saga? The Associated Press reports that a person with knowledge of the sport's drug testing program told the AP (on condition of anonymity of course - oh how I love that) that Palmeiro tested positive for stanazolol. This beacon of integrity did not want to be identified because the sport prohibits disclosure of test results without authorization. Seriously...no joke - check it out. So this person spills the beans - but doesn't want it attributed to them. Unbelievable...I've said this before, I can't understand why you would put out information if your "source" won't stand behind it. I remember what I was taught in my Journalism program at university...yes yes, journalists must verify that the source is credible, that the story checks out...all that stuff.

But in today's information age, do we really think that journalists are checking these sources out? What if it isn't stanazolol? Palmeiro has no recourse...shame on the AP for publishing that. Speaking of the Palmeiro saga - everytime David Ortiz opens his mouth or voices an opinion I can't help but admire this man more and more. The guy is definitely not a dumb jock - I found his position on the Palmeiro case to be thought provoking. While a lot of Palmeiro's peers are using words like "disappointed" (ahem Schill), or shying away from it completely "I don't use that s**t" (ya right Sammy), or "Chicken, rice and beans - that's my protein" (I believe Tejada - really)...Ortiz asked for some patience...and questioned the O's management for their lack of support for Palmeiro. Ortiz provided support for his friend...without making excuses - he also very astutely pointed out that MLB management (and also the PA it would appear) is not very supportive of today's players. You have to like this man...Ortiz is a man of reason, a man of reason, and most important of all at a time like this... a man with compassion - I think Hazel would be able to confirm that...she has spoken highly of the man New Englanders call "Papi". I'll get off the soapbox now.

Scott Miller of CBS Sportsline - a guy I really enjoy reading - wrote a scathing article about the Palmeiro affair. While I normally like Miller's no nonsense approach - this article may have went a bit too far, openly referring to Palmeiro as "the phony". Not cool Scott. If you haven't guessed, Miller is in the "No way Palmeiro gets into HoF" camp. ESPN's columnists seem to agree with Ortiz that you can't wipe out Palmeiro career achievements based on events over the last week and speculation. Have I mentioned that I think Ortiz is a good man?

Ryan Franklin of the Seattle Mariners was also suspended this week for violating MLB's drug policy. While one of my colleagues (and plenty of smart asses on CBS's message board) remarked - "It hasn't helped him much...has it?" I don't take that simplistic view...I see it from another perspective...two actually:

• its probably the difference between him being a Major Leaguer and a Triple A pitcher - meaning hundreds of thousands if not millions over the course of a career - and thus keeping another Triple A pitcher out of the Majors.
  
  
• if he's doing it...how many other guys do you think are doing it? It goes to show you that anybody and everybody could be on them and that Palmeiro is simply performing against other athletes who are on performance enhancing drugs - in other words...a level playing field perhaps?
  

In the spirit of Wednesdays - questions abound about Jason Giambi's remarkable July - Giambi has scoffed and gone on record as saying he doesn't care if people question it...its all hard work and has nothing to do with steroids or any other drug. I don't believe him...I think he's looking pretty healthy again - but I don't have an "unnamed" source I can get to confirm this.

Barry Bonds say he might not be back this year - I think he has been suspended for the year. But MLB is too afraid to announce it cuz he'll rip them apart in court.

As usual Hazel Mae's thoughts, comments, or opinions on this topic would be welcomed and appreciated. :-)

NHL
A flurry of activity this week - and some very big surprises and disappointments. As a lifelong member of Leafs Nation - the week started with a faint hope that we might be able to get Naslund and Forsberg for a year. Instead, we don't get either...we lose Roberts and Nieuwendyk...Antropov threatens to play in Russia - and it looks like we are going to wind up with Jason Allison and Ziggy Palffy. I'm ok with Allison and Palffy...but Forsberg and Naslund would have been something. Looks like Leaf Nation will have to cross our fingers and pray - somehow, I'm not seeing an end to the drought...but in the spirit of this blog's inspiration - I'll be optimistic and hope.

Speaking of the NHL - I'm not sure what Kevin Lowe is up to.

• Is he crazy for trading for Pronger? I think he gave up too much.
  
• Is he brilliant for getting Peca for very little? That may be more of a case of Milbury being one of "less bright" GMs in the NHL.
  

The jury is out...the Peca deal will prove to be his best move...Pronger? not so sure, especially giving up Brewer. Edmonton isn't so young anymore...and Lowe might be taking a shot (time might be running out on him). We'll see...

Bob Clarke, can anyone figure this guy out? Just when he put himself on a list for this year's Darwin Awards - signing Hatcher, Rathje and Therrien (the last two make NO sense). He pulls a major coup and signs Forsberg - and as an added bonus will get rid of Jeremy Roenick to the Kings - where we won't have to see or hear him as often. Bob Clarke, to my mind (as dumb as it may be on certain topics) is one of the league's most ineffective GMs - he blew his best chance at a Cup when he passed over Curtis Joseph for "the Beezer". Clarke keeps trying to build big teams - like the Broad Street Bullies. He forgets that he used to have Bernie Parent back there. I like the signing of Forsberg (hell, even big mouth J.R couldn't say anything bad) ...but I think with the supporting cast - big, slow defence, a couple of unproven rookies, I think he's in for another tough year...with plenty of excuses. Clarke pulled the trigger too fast - signing three defencemen that quickly will come back to haunt him - Hatcher won't be the guy he was five years ago...Rathje and Therrien are in big trouble in the new NHL. I wonder who will be the fall guy for Clarke's mistakes. Leaf fans hate Clarke and the Flyers..it goes back many years...right Hazel? We hate them...don't we?

It's only three days in...but I'm still trying to understand the actions of Pierre Lacroix, Bob Gainey and Mike O'Connell. I don't want to question Lacroix...and I shouldn't. But I'm trying to understand how he let Foote and Forsberg go...and winds up with Brisebois and Turgeon. He couldn't have kept one of them? I'll give him the benefit of the doubt (ya...like he needs my blessing).

Bob Gainey's signings have been a little bit on the perplexing sign - for a team that is still searching for an identity...he re-signs Kovalev (an enigma at the best of times) and Dandenault (a non-descript, avg defenceman).

As for O'Connell - he's got Thornton angry...he loses Gonchar, he signs Leetch, signs MacEachern....Boston is looking like a hodge podge. But hey...he's keeping Hazel busy with all the moves.

I am trying to reserve judgement on Ferguson...until he does SOMETHING. We'll see.

NFL
Terrell, Terrell, Terrell - enough said.

I'm outta here for tonight...big day tomorrow. Hope this was worth the few minutes of reading. Hazel if your peeking...hope things in your world are groovy.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps at yahoo - given today in the NHL, with player movement...trades...etc.

Change - Sheryl Crow.

"A change would do you good" - maybe not for J.R hahahaha

Peesth Out.

As Hazel Would Say "Buh Bye"

Hey all - from the usual suspects (aka "peeps" - the list is growing), to those of you that have been here before, to those happening on this page for the first time, to of course...you know who if she's sneaking a peek...the vacation ended today (Civic Holiday in Ontario)

There was so much to write about this weekend -

• the NHL draft and seeing Mr. Mario Lemieux on Friday night
• the NHL draft and the obvious and the very surprising picks
• some of the surprising moves in the NHL
  
• the unravelling/breakdown of the O's - a team I thought could really do it this year
  
• the controversy around Manny's day off and talk of trading him (ya right...as if)

but anyone who logged on to the net, turned on a radio or television today knows that there is only one thing people are talking about - Rafael Palmeiro. I was stunned to hear that Rafael was being suspended for 10 games for contravening Major League Baseball's drug (steroids) policy. I found out today when I tuned in to sports radio today, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Skip Bayliss hosting the Jim Rome Show (thankfully Rome is gone for a couple of weeks) - Bayliss is pretty outspoken and has no problem voicing his opinion...a very well informed and well-thought out opinion from the times I've caught him.

Bayliss had gone on record as saying the didn't think Palmeiro was a Hall of Famer (even after the 3,000th hit) - while I'm not sure I agree with Skip, he had some compelling arguments to support his position. Well, maybe it was just me who believed Rafael when he spoke at that Congressional hearing this spring - but it seems that everyone listening to sports radio knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Palmeiro was lying and they "absoultely knew" that he was on steroids. Funny, when I think back to those hearings - the consensus was that Canseco was grasping at straws and a liar who couldn't be trusted...today he, and if you can believe it...Jason Giambi are being held up as bastions of truth. Suddenly Jose isn't an idiot and a lying sack of crap - he's not even a rat or a snitch...nope, today he is a "whistleblower". Yes, you read that right Jose is a whistleblower. Now back when all this was going on...I said that while I didn't believe everything Canseco had discussed in his book - I also said that I didn't believe the other stooges who appeared before congress. I had said something to the effect that with Canseco "the fool can't always be wrong...sometimes the village idiot speaks the truth". Jose must be smiling right now...McGwire must be groaning...Sammy has forgotten more English...and Curt must be dying to give his two cents (it must be killing him not to be saying something - now that he's pitching again...he can talk to the media right?)

I feel bad for Palmeiro...I really do. You can go on and on about how he cheated, how his numbers mean nothing and his accomplishments are forever tainted, how he isn't a Hall of Famer...and so on. I'm not disagreeing with any of that - I just feel bad for the guy...here is a guy who's been pretty classy his whole career, now being mocked and having his integrity and character dragged through the mud, made the butt of jokes, a whipping boy for frustrated fans who long for the days of sports when there were "clean" (I've questioned why people feel so attached to records that they didn't set - who cares?)

Palmeiro was a guy that put together a very nice career (hell, 3,000+ hits and close to 600 HRs is a lot better than "very nice") - he was never brash or arrogant...he always seemed pretty quiet, pretty unassuming...a guy that went about his business. He's now pissed it all away (no pun intended...isn't that how they test?) ... his voice was shaky today as he read his prepared statement...I think he knows it's over and that he is in for a very very bad time at Major League parks other than Camden Yards (and maybe Texas). I wonder how many other major league ball players are getting a little worried - I mean...if Palmeiro tests positive - that to me is an indication that a lot more than 2 or 3% of major leaguers are "juiced". Isn't that right Curt? what was the number you originally had put it at? Major League Baseball brought down a big fish today...in a month where he received so much notoriety and praise for his accomplishments - suddenly Alex Sanchez and Jorge Piedra seem like minnows in the ocean of steroids and performance enhancing drungs.

Our friend Hazel has been around Major League Baseball parks and ball players for a few years now...I wonder if she has an inside scoop (not that she could share it I guess...), if she's peeking - she would be given administrative rights to post on here (new and improved meaning to "Thoughts of Hazel Mae" - don't you think?). I wonder what her thoughts on Rafael would be... Major League Baseball says he's out for 10 games - somehow, I think it's going to be a lot more than that...and with his departure - the final nail in the O's coffin this year (I thought they might have a run left in them - hard to see it after this one).

NHL
While the weekend had so much to talk about - there was a shocker today...if you are part of Leafs Nation (I'm pretty sure Hazel still is - at least I hope) we have to say "buh bye" to Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk - both of whom said goodbye to Toronto and hello to the Florida Panthers (at least it wasn't the frigging Senators). Some members are happy to see the Leafs get younger, many are upset that they are gone...and some are showing sour grapes claiming that they were too old...an injury prone. On behalf of Leafs Nation a very big thank you to both of them...Roberts for the grit, determination and excitement he brought this team over the last few years...and Nieuwendyk for taking a pay cut to try to bring a cup to Toronto (at least he killed the Senators last year).

I'm not happy to see either of them go...I thought that with the trade for O'Neill...they were a lock to stay. Nick Kypreos was on Sportsnet earlier...talking about what really happened (is it just me, or does Kypreos love bashing Leafs Management - I wonder if Hazel knows anything about Nick's hated of the Leafs - geez, he wore the Blue and White for a while). Kypreos painted a pretty bad picture of the negotiations with Roberts and Nieuwendyk...The Leafs lost a lot today...I hope that somehow this is the precursor to bringing in Naslund and Forsberg (though I'd be happy with Naslund)...or maybe...just maybe...clearing the way to bring Joe Thornton into the blue and white next year (is Hazel working on that? haha).

More on the NHL another night...as a Leaf fan...it's a sad sad day indeed (I'm sure Hazel and the rest of Leafs Nation would agree). Thoughts? Comments? Who knows, JF Jr. might get wind of this - haha.

SOCCER
Seems that even with all the money David Beckham brings to Real Madrid (I still think he's over-rated and his ass should be glued to the bench)...he can't exert enough influence over Real's Manager to save Michael Owen's hide. Owen has now joined my man Figo as the odd men out at Real...with the signing of Robinho - Owen is expendable. Figo may join Owen's old team...Liverpool - or perhaps head to Italy where Inter Milan is said to have interest. Owen is left with the prospect of going to Man U (which will certainly make him a hated young man in Liverpool).

ONE LAST BUH BYE
With the NHL gearing up for a few weeks of free agent "buh byes and hellos" - I include this last one for the amusement of Canadian sports fans. I read in Sunday's paper that Jody Vance has asked Rogers Sportsnet to let her out of her contract...stating that she felt it was time to pursue other opportunities. Vance was under contract until March 2006, but has seen her role drastically reduced over the last year or so (I won't get into why that is...but anyone following the story would know - Hazel must be cracking a smile over this one). Vance said she didn't know what she wanted to do just yet...wanting to take the summer off...and then maybe think of going back to talk radio in Vancouver. Let me get this straight...Vance is going to leave a national network (though in essence that decision was made for her last fall) to go to regional sports radio...riiiiiiiiight. Oh...and the person that "knew nothing about sports" left Rogers to head south to one of the biggest media markets in the US to host a nightly highlight show, solo I might add, and work for a network who owns a baseball team that won a World Series - whose next step is surely going to be national down there...sure beats sharing time with Jim Van Horne...huh Jody?

Ok...like I said, tonight's originally planned post had to be pre-empted by events of the day...stay tuned...tomorrow we discuss the NHL (yes again)...the weekend and the bike ride from hell...oh, and guess who reported to training camp? Terrell Owens (a favourite of Hazelspeeps) is back in Philly...but dammit, he isn't happy about it. So I'm calling it a night here...thank you for stopping by, I hope it was worth the time.

So, the song of the day on Hazelspeeps - for the way JF Jr. supposedly dealt with Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk...for Rafael Palmeiro (I hate to do it to him) who called Canseco a liar in front of a congressional hearing, but tested positive for steroids...to Michael Owen who left Liverpool because he wanted to win European Championships and then watch Liverpool win this year (still kilss me) and most of all - Ms. Jody Vance...she knows why...(Hazel would know why...and Canadian sports fans would know why)...

Karma - Alicia Keyes

"What goes around comes around"

ain't that the truth? Ok...I'm outta here...I'm going out on a limb...I'm thinking Hazel's peeking tonight...with Jody Vance in the news...she's gotta be. hahahaha - Night Hazel.

Peesth out!