Things Coming Up Snake Eyes For Dice-K

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

Daisuke Matsuzaka must be feeling like he is cursed; another very good pitching performance squandered against a Toronto Blue Jays team missing two starters and their closer. Matsuzaka again pitched well enough to win, gving up two runs over six innings of work while striking out ten - but for the second game in a row, the Sox big bats were dormant; Ortiz was held hitless and Ramirez was 1 for 4. In watching the game tonight, I thought Boston was too tenative at the plate - I know they have a lot of hitters that like to work the count, but with Chacin being around the plate from the beginning - sometimes you have to go up there swinging because the first pitch might be the best one you see in that particular at-bat.

Dice-K likely won't take any comfort in another moral victory - pitching a good game and not getting the win - but he has nothing to hang his head about; he gave his team every opportunity to win. So far this season, the Sox are rolling snake eyes for Dice-K - two very good performances spoiled by lack of run support; being shut down by a guy like Felix Hernandez is understandable - he is one of the game's best young pitchers; having said that, being limited to one run by the likes of Gustavo Chacin is unacceptable.

One team that isn't feeling snake bitten is Red Sox West - the Dodgers won their tenth in twelve games last night with a 6-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks - led by that crusty old fart Jeff Kent who went 3 for 4 with an RBI. You know, a few experts picked Boston and Los Angeles to be in the World Series - we're holding up our end of the bargain so far.

What must Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins be thinking this morning after another sub-par effort vs. the SenaTards? The fell behind again, this time on a lucky goal - a pass by Jason Spezza that was deflected into the net by Jordan Staal - and they couldn't finish when they had their chances. The Penguins came into the playoffs with one of the league's better power play units but failed to scored on four straight power play opportunities in the second period. The Penguins again said they were disappointed with their play, and that might be their biggest problem - talking about being disappointed, instead of doing something on the ice to correct things.

If I'm coaching the Penguins, I would remind them that the Tards have had a history of choking - they are a house of cards, one bad loss could cause all the doubts to creep back into their game. Pittsburgh MUST come out and score the first goal, they have to come out in waves and get on the Tards defence. Scoring the first goal on Thursday would go a long way to bringing the series back to Pittsburgh - and with it, a chance to gain some momentum and get back into the series. It is high time the NHL's MVP, Sidney Crosby, start playing like one - we caught him flopping twice tonight. "B" if you are reading this morning...no hate mail about this entry, you know the deal with me and the Tards - we'll discuss it tomorrow over coffee.

Other surprises last night - the Vancouver Canucks took a commanding three games to one lead in their series vs the Dallas Stars by winning both games in the Lone Star state. The Atlanta Thrashers were humiliated last night at Madison Square Gardens, falling 7-0 to the Rangers...I'm surprised by just how little fight the Thrashers have - especially with Bob Hartley coaching them. The Calgary Flames showed some fight last night, beating the Red Wings by a 3-2 count to get themselves back into the series.

HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Vancouver Canucks G Roberto Luongo was the best player on the ice again last night - the third time in four games vs. Dallas. Luongo made 26 saves to lead the Canucks to a 2-1 victory over the Stars and a commanding lead in the series.

New York Rangers C Michael Nylander had a hat-trick and added an assist the Rangers 7-0 beatdown of the Atlanta Thrashers; the Thrashers were awful last night, but part of that was due to the play of Nylander - he was unstoppable last night.

New York Mets OF Moises Alou hit two home runs and drove in three runs to lead the Mets to an 8-1 victory over the Phillies - the old guy still has some game left in him.


WEDNESDAY THREE PLAY
It was an ugly night last night - our first 0-3 night in a long time, and with it our first venture into the red in a while (- $235 on the week). We'll get back on track today.

Philadelphia over Washington - we'll go with Adam Eaton and the Phillies bats tonight against the Nationals. Lay $100 on the Phillies - $138.

Detroit over Kansas City - we'll take Bonderman over Kansas City's $55M man Gil Meche. Lay $100 on the Tigers - $190.

New York over Cleveland - Yankees bats are booming, so we like Igawa with some run support - the price is right. Lay $100 on the Yankees - $130.


That's it for this morning gang - have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S WEDNESDAY HOROSCOPE
Get busy learning whatever it is you need to know in order to advance. You hate sitting idle, so start the ball rolling on your own. You have the potential so stop thinking you need so much help. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - wake up song

Out Of My Head - Mobile

Peesth Out...Buh Bye