Random Thoughts
Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.
For those of you who have been here before, you know Monday nights are "Hazies" entries - this morning, I mentioned a few of the more notable performers from the past week or so. I wasn't going to do it tonight, but after watching David Ortiz hit a three-run shot in the bottom of the ninth to give Boston a 9-8 victory over Cleveland - the second time in three days he has had the game winning hit for the Sox - there is only one "Hazie" tonight...and that is for David Ortiz; because chicks dig the long ball.
Actually, one more "Hazie" goes out to former Cardinal stopper Bruce Sutter who was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame this past weekend.
So while David Ortiz has the title of "Hazel's Hero" bestowed upon him this week - we'll look at some of the "not-so-heroic" figures from the world of sports this year. My man Adam once told me that I should stop referring to them as "Hazel's Zeros".
MAYBE HE'S NOT A SUCH MAAN MAN
Word from France today that Tour de France winner Floyd Landis' urine sample showed that there was synthetic testosterone in his system. Landis told the world last Friday that the elevated testosterone in his system was a result of his body's natural metabolism - and that he would prove to the world that this was not a case of doping. A not so defiant Landis was unavailable for comment today.
Why do these guys do this? Why are they so defiant when proclaiming their innocence to the world - only to be exposed later on? Didn't he learn anything from Lance Armstrong? Speaking of Armstrong - last week, another former American Tour winner, Greg Lemond, told reporters that if Landis was guilty - he hoped he would own up to it and not hide his cheating, like "other" cyclists (thought to be a shot at Armstrong).
DON'T DENY - JUST BLAME SOMEONE ELSE
American sprinter Justin Gatlin took a page out of Gary Sheffield's book of excuses. Gatlin was also found to have elevated levels of testosterone in his system - Gatlin has not come out and denied the findings, instead saying that it was the result of a massage therapist who rubbed testosterone cream on his legs. For those of you not following this story - Gatlin's coach, Trevor Graham, has been associated with a number of other athletes who have received drug-related suspensions. Gatlin's lawyer has come out and said their case against the charge is to claim an "exceptional circumstance", in other words Justin didn't know what they were doing to him. Dick Pound is all over this one and wants Gatlin banned for life.
This case is particularly funny in light of the fact that earlier this year, when Gatilin tied the record for fastest 100 metres, he claimed that his time was actually 9.76 and wanted to be recognized as the sole holder of the "World's Fastest Man" title.
HOLLAND IN AMSTERDAM?
A month ago, SenaTards GM John Muckler told the hockey world that goalie Dominic Hasek said that he would only return to the NHL to play with the Tards. According to Muckler, "Hasek wanted to finish what he started - winning a Stanley Cup in Ottawa." Today, Red Wings GM Ken Holland announced that the team had signed Hasek to a deal to play for them this year. I have always thought of Holland as one of the smarter GMs in the NHL - but this one looks pretty dumb. I think Holland must have been in Amsterdam enjoying a "space bon bon" when he came up with this one. Stay tuned...the demise of the Red Wings is imminent.
THE HEAD TARD IN TROUBLE
SenaTards' owner Eugene Melnyk is in the midst of a situation with the Ontario Securities Commission. It seems that Mr. Melnyk, a Canadian citizen living in Barbados, broke a number of trading laws in his dealings over the past decade. Melnyk claims that he is not responsible - that the transactions were carried out by trust companies. How the rich get richer...
NOT SO THRILLING
Canadian auto racer Paul Tracy, who refers to himself as the "Thrill from Westhill", demonstrated how reckless and volatile he can be this past weekend when he pulled out in front of former teammate (and fellow Canadian) Alex Tagliani, knocking both drivers out of the Grand Prix in San Jose. A heated discussion followed with Tagliani berating Tracy for his recklessness - the "Thrill" threw a punch at his countryman, later explaining he had to defend himself. Tracy has always been thought to be a bit of an ass at the best of times - I guess this proves he is a complete ass at the worst of times.
There you have it - the "Not-So-Heroic" figures from the world of sports this past week.
The Hazelspeeps Fantasy Baseball Pool stayed pretty much the same this past week - one slight change at the bottom of the standings as Commish (and soon to be dad) Drisc moved up into 8th spot. Expect changes next week - as Renee got fleeced in a trade with league leader Bronx Zoo (Renee doesn't read the page very often, so she won't see this)
86.5 - The Bronx Zoo - owned by Sparky, who has taken over for Hubie as the resident Steinbrenner - after weeks of preaching faith and patience, he has traded 6 of his players.
69.5 - Shuggysux - owned by Pogue (the other Pogue) who may or may not be out of the country, or may or may not be aware of his standing as he never makes a move or checks in.
61.5 - Tom Sawyer - owned by Hubie who has joined recruiting efforts for the Hazelspeeps Fantasy Football pool.
56.5 - Hazel Mae's Hackers - owned by El Presidente (me) who is holding steady - but STILL happy to be on top of Renee again this week.
57.5 - Naughty Girls - owned by Renee who did the unthinkable and traded David Ortiz to Bronx - I STILL think she just likes being under El Pres.
52.5 - Tina's Team - owned by Tina who has been been tinkering with her lineup.
48.5 - GB Steam Boys - owned by George who is still missing - he must be making a lot of steam these days.
46.5 - Fighting Bobcats - owned by Commish Drisc who announced that football is his game and is getting ready for the NFL pool.