This Week's Hazies

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Another look back at the week that was - another edition of the Hazies. This week's awards will focus primarily on MLB - I've been trying to breakdown the World Cup for my man DJames, and anyone else who is interested.

For those of you who haven't been here before - the Monday Hazies take a look back at some of the more notable performances from the past week. The winners are awarded a Hazie and have the title of "Hazel's Hero" bestowed upon them. While Hazel hasn't officially OK'd the nominees - we'd like to think she give her trademark smile and the thumbs up.


MLB
The Pittsburgh Pirates haven't had much to celebrate about this year - especially with a record of 22-36 going into Tuesday night; but May was a good month for Pirates' fans in terms of individual awards.

Pittsburgh 2B Jose Castillo was named the National League Player of the Week. Castillo beat up on the Brewers last week and finished the week with hitting .478, with 5 HRs and 15 RBI. What made the week all the more impressive was that Castillo had a HR in five consecutive games. Castillo's award is the third consecutive Player of the Week award for a Pirates player - Jason Bay had won the award the two previous weeks. For anyone wondering, this certainly won't be the last time you see his name here (a la Chris Shelton of the Tigers); Jose will get plenty of play on this page as he is a member of Hazel Mae's Heroes (my NL only roto team).

Jason Bay, capped off a great month of May with being named the National League Player of the Month. Bay, who finished the month with two Player of the Week awards, hit .321 with 12 HRs and a league leading 35 RBI. Jason Bay and Hazel Mae...both doing Canadians proud.

Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners was named the American League Player of the Week. He got off to, what for him was, a very slow start to the season - but he has turned it on in the month of May. Suzuki hit .440 for the week, with 14 total bases, an On-Base Percentage of .517, and a .560 slugging percentage. Suzuki is on pace top 200 hits this season - and would be the only major leaguer to do that in each of his first six seasons.

The American League Player of the Month was "Mr. Insignificant" in New York - better known to Red Sox Nation as "Slappy". I would post his numbers for the month - but you can be sure they were accumulated in games that were blowouts - so who cares?

Jason Schmidt of the San Francisco Giants, teammate of "The Asterisk", was named the National League Pitcher of the Month. Being a Dodgers' fan, I can't bring myself to elaborate on the accomplishments of anyone who is a member of the Giants (I made an exception for Pedro Feliz because he was once a member of Hazel Mae's Heroes); so if you are really interested in what he did this month...click the link.

C.C. Sabathia of the Cleveland Indians was named the American League Pitcher of the Month. C.C. came of the DL and posted a record of 5-1, with and ERA of 1.20. An interesting stat that I don't think many people know - Sabathia is the majors winningest active pitcher under the age of 26...I think Hurricane Hazel would appreciate that one.


EUROPEAN SOCCER
With the World Cup approaching - most of the teams were in action this past weekend playing friendlies as a final tune up for the tournament.

Portuguese midfielder Simao Sabrosa scored two goals on Saturday in a 3-0 win over Luxembourg. Sabrosa is making a statement about his participation in the World Cup - he is going to be a factor; he will see some playing time. The Benfica Captain has had a very good year and deserves to be on the pitch when Portugal kicks off against Angola this week. My man Luis Figo also added a goal.

"Peeps" we have discussed this, while Renee has given you your marching orders for the weekend - WATCH THE DAMN GAME AFTER the trip!

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba also had a double this past weekend. I mention it because Drogba is a member of "Portuguese National Team North" aka Chelsea.


NHL
I have to give it up for Dwayne Roloson - while his week wasn't particularly deserving of a Hazie...going down with a series ending injury in the Stanley Cup Finals really bites - so for the playoff run he was on...he gets an award from Hazel. I don't know about you, but it would sure do something for me.


NCAA
I think Hazel would want to recognize the week that Iowa QB Drew Tate had. Tate his a hole in one at a charity golf tournament last Friday - with the prize being $25,000 towards the purchase of a new car. When informed that accepting the prize would be against NCAA rules and cost him his last year of eligibility - he turned down the prize and took it like a champ. Tate said that he was OK with turning down the prize - because had it not been for Iowa football, he would not have been at the golf tournament. I think Hazel would give Drew a thumbs up. I hope they gave the money to a worthy charity.

Well Peeps, that's about it for tonight. DJames, if you are checking in, I'm breaking down Groups A and B tomorrow - check back tomorrow night; I've got you covered man. Have a great one.

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Night on Hazelspeeps - now playing, a jazzy little number I think Hazel would definitely be feelin'

My Everchanging Moods - Style Council

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!