Happy Apendectomy - At Least He's Smiling Today

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

Toronto Blue Jays fans learned yesterday that their ace Roy Halladay was admitted to hospital to undergo an apendectomy and would miss four to six weeks - Blue Jays fans now have to deal with the reality that the 2007 season, which fans thought would finally be their year, is pretty much over less than a quarter of the way into the season. Blue Jays are understandably bitter about the turn of events this season - but the reality of the matter is that this team was never really going to be a contender, the lineup had too many question marks and too many holes going into the season:

• putting their faith in a leadoff hitter who had really only been a part-time player coming into the season;
  
• signing Frank Thomas to big bucks a few days into free agency when no other team had expressed in him - we won't even get into the fact he was coming off a good year because he was playing for a new contract;
  
• signing a few free agents off baseballs scrap heap and hoping they would fill the 4th and 5th starters' role;
• a very young and untested bullpen to support a high priced closer with exactly two years of experience;
  
• a farm system that he has failed to build up in five years...meaning they have no depth to cope with any injuries...let alone key injuries.
  

Blue Jays fans ignored the reality of their ball team this year - and Ricciardi was all too happy to be serving up the kool-aid. So today while fans are in mourning and senior management have to be worried about what the bottom line is going to look like this year...I bet the only person smiling in Toronto today is J.P. himself. I predicted at the start of the season that Ricciardi would start with the excuses for another lost season by the end of May - well, I got the month right anyways. Halladay's apendectomy gives Ricciardi another bullet proof excuse for another failed season...and with it, another season to screw this team up even more than he already has.

I read earlier this week where Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe lamented that J.P. Ricciardi, a good man, was put in a position where he had to lie to fans and media. Well, J.P. doesn't have to lie anymore - he doesn't have to do anything anymore, except start talking about next year. While a GM can't be held accountable or blamed for injuries to a ball club - since it is out of their control - the should be held accountable when it is obvious that the club so devoid of depth that a temporary replacement can't be found in the system. He may be a good man, but he is not a major league GM...luckily for J.P. the city of Toronto has plenty of experience dealing with inept GMs running their professional teams - except for Bryan Colangelo.


HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Red Sox West P Randy Wolf pitched a beauty last night against Griffey Jr. and the Reds. Wolf pitched seven shutout innings, limiting the Reds to four hits and no walks while striking out eleven...bet Jays fans wished J.P. had signed Wolf instead of Frank Thomas huh?

San Diego Padres P Jake Peavy is making an case (albeit early) for being the NL's Cy Young winner this year. Peavy struck out ten Cardinals over seven shutout innings, giving up three hits and two walks in the Padres 7-0 win over the Cards...who, rumour has it, has a guy by the name of Albert Pujols in the lineup.

Seattle Mariners P Jarrod Washburn shut the Yankees down last night - limiting the Bombers to six hits and one walk over eight shutout innings while striking out six in a 3-0 win.

SATURDAY THREE PLAY
Tough night last night - our fear about playing the Red Sox was well founded...we'll get back on it today. We are still $310 in the black on the week.

Boston over Baltimore - the Red Sox won't waste opportunities today against Trachsel. Word is Curt Schilling took the night off from blogging to concentrate on today's game. Lay $100 on the Sox - $250

Houston over Arizona - you have to back Oswalt with the way he has been pitching. Lay $100 on the Astros - $190.

Los Angeles over Cincinnati - we'll go with Brad Penny to pick up a win for the Maeple Leafs. Lay $100 on Red Sox West - $180.

Buffalo over Ottawa - the SenaTards have a history of falling flat in Game 2 of series where they won the first game...expect the trend to continue against an angry Sabres team. Lay $100 on the Sabres - $155.

That's it for today gang...have a great one peeps.

KEEPING HAZEL UP ON WHAT'S WHAT IN TORONTO
Did you hear about Roy Halladay?

Is there anything else to keep her up on?


HAZEL'S SATURDAY HOROSCOPE
Plan your actions carefully. Although you may appear to have lots of opportunities, you mustn't overload your plate. Pick your options wisely and don't let anyone take advantage of you. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - for Blue Jays fans...a bit of 80's cheese

Broken Wings - Mister Mister

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!