The SenaTards Are Celebrating

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

You can probably guess how I'm feeling this morning - it is going to be one long miserable day listening to every SenaTard in the city making plans for the Stanley Cup. The Sabres came out flat last night and the Tards took full advantage - I'll just say it was painful to watch...and it will be even more painful to listen to this band of idiots today. Expect the Sabres to turn it up a few notches on Saturday...they had better, or else.

We are hoping that the Anaheim Ducks come out better than the Sabres did last night. Not that is matters and not that it will come as a surprise to anyone who has been reading this page for a while - we are taking the Ducks to beat the Wings in six games. Brian Burke's boys will start with a win tonight. If only the Maple Leafs would have hired him when they had the chance.

Ok, it has been a while since we have discussed Curt Schilling; but he's done it again. For the record, I think what Schilling did in calling out Bonds was wrong - absolutely wrong, no matter what you think of Bonds - whether it was true or not. I have nothing fresh to offer on this issue, though I should say that CBS Sportsline's Mike Freeman wrote a great piece on it, but I wanted to say one thing about Schilling's apology. I read Schilling's apology on his blog, along with the comments which were split between those who lambasted him for being a blowhard and those who applauded him for "having the courage to say what no one else is willing to say".

The thing that struck me about the apology was just how cowardly it was - yes cowardly. The reason I use that word is that Schilling called Bonds to tens of thousands of listeners in Boston on WEEI - and eventually to tens of millions when it was picked up nationally - yet he issued his apology on his blog. While the apology was seemingly heart-felt and to some extent remorseful (and well written I might add) he chose a medium that certainly wouldn't reach the number of interested sports fans that heard the radio spot, and a medium that he had total control over so he wouldn't have to answer any questions. Look, we all say things in the heat of the moment we are sorry for and apologize for - but don't we apologize directly to the person we offended? Renee...if you are reading this, don't sit there smirking and calling me an A-hole.

If Schilling was a stand up guy and half as courageous as his legions of fans in Red Sox Nation have painted him to be - wouldn't he get his ass back on the air with WEEI and retract his statement using the same powerful media to assassinate Bonds' character? Better yet, why not go on a national radio show and retract your statement and make your apology. Schillikng has done this before - make brash, provocative and outlandish statements only to retract them when he sees the fallout (Anyone remember his appearance before congress with the Three Stooges?)

As someone once pointed out to me - you can't always get away with saying things and think that a simple apology erases it...the damage has been done.

Speaking of retractions - not that this one will end up with a retraction - but the Toronto Blue Jays announced that closer B.J. Ryan underwent Tommy John surgery yesterday morning...J.P. started out saying it was a back injury, then an elbow strain, now Tommy John surgery (didn't we suspect that here six weeks ago????). The team said there was no timetable for his return - though it is at least a year - experience has shown that it takes up to 18 months to fully recover (if ever). I thought that the Chickenhawk made a huge mistake in signing Ryan a couple of years back - I wonder how many Blue Jays fans are going to get on the "Thoughts of Hazel Mae" bandwagon and call for his firing. It was a $47 million dollar mistake 18 months ago - its now a $47 million dollar disaster. Wow long before we get the same kind of news on A.J. Burnett?


HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Boston Red Sox P Tim Wakefield has laboured all season with little to no run support, well, his team gave him more than enough last night. Wakefield confused and confounded the Jays last night, pitching seven shutout innings and limiting the Jays to three hits and a walk while striking out five. Funny thing was the news of the day was the Chickenhawk's desire to have the roof open at the Rogers Centre. Way to go J.P.

Our boy Mark Texeira had a great day at Yankee Stadium yesterday - our favourite porkchop went 4 for 5 with three runs batted in and three runs scored in Texas' 14-2 beatdown of the Yankees yesterday.

Los Angeles Angels P Kelvim Escobar (Hazel would know Kelvim from his days with the Jays) pitched a complete game shutout against the White Sox. Escobar gave up seven hits and didn't walk a batter while striking out nine.

Three Stars we think Hazel would be down with - a former Jays player, a current Red Sox player, and a Portuguese guy that stars in a win over the Yankees - a Friday morning trifecta.


FRIDAY THREE PLAY
We split last night but wound up $65 in the red - still, the total for the week is a very respectable + $470.

Anaheim over Detroit - we like the Ducks to shock the Red Wings tonight. Anaheim brings a combination of size, speed, skill and physical play that Detroit doesn't fair well against. Lay $100 on the Ducks + $130.

San Diego over St. Louis - its always risky taking a team playing their first home game after a long road trip - but you have to like Jake Peavy over St. Louis today. Lay $100 on the Cards - $200.

Boston over Baltimore - the Sox are in a groove right now...might as well ride them during this stretch. Lay $100 on the Sox - $160.

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

KEEPING HAZEL UP ON WHAT'S WHAT IN TORONTO
Rogers putting up cash for rights to Maple Leafs

Leafs sign Pony to an extension

Ferguson rumoured to be offering Mats 2 years/ $12M

Richard Griffin on the Jays situation - we agree

Chickenhawk is out of answers - staying the course

It is getting ugly in Toronto


HAZEL'S FRIDAY HOROSCOPE
Although you have a lot going for you, you will also have those working behind the scenes to do you harm. Cover your back and make sure that you know of what you speak. Be direct and honest and follow through. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world - have a great weekend.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - seems to fit today

Crucial - K-OS

All around my hometown
They tryin to chop me down
But the truth shall not forsake me
Take me up to higher ground

Peesth Out...Buh Bye