Directive #2 For John Ferguson Jr.

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

More news out of Toronto - former Leafs G Curtis Joseph has said he would like to finish his career in the blue and white and would have no problem signing on as a backup to "push" Andrew Raycroft. Joseph isn't look for big money - speculation is he would sign for about $700K; and isn't necessarily looking to be "the guy" - though he would be decent insurance if something happened to Raycroft, and could play 20 - 25 games a season. Signing Joseph makes sense for Leafs.

As we said yesterday - JFJ, for me, for Tilt, for Hazel and the rest of Leaf Nation - MAKE IT HAPPEN.

In other news, talks with Carlo Colaiacovo have stalled - the Leafs still have the option of tendering him a qualifying offer in order to protect their bargaining rights. Not blaming Cola for digging his heels in - given what McCabe makes, he's got to be thinking that by the end of last season he was a better option that McCabe.

Toronto draft news - we are keeping our fingers crossed on this one. The Leafs think that Ottawa 67s center Logan Couture might be available when they step to the draft podium on Saturday. Couture is exactly what the Leafs need...he would be another Alyn MacAulay, with more offensive talent and upside. Hard to think he'll last that long.

"Football" is front and center today - Portugal takes the field against Italy in Holland. The game is being played as the winner secures a spot for the Beijing Olympics. The thought of beating Italy AND securing a spot at the Olympics has us smiling. Go Portugal.

"Soccer" is on the radar here in North America - Canada faces the US in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Club (ooops...I meant Gold Cup - never mind, some people might get the joke)...ok, so it really isn't on the radar; I just wanted to say Gold Club.


WEDNESDAY'S THREE STARS
Texas Rangers RF "Skinny" Sammy Sosa moved into fifth place on the all-time home run listed, hitting his 600th in a 7-3 win over the Cubs. I have to eat a little bit of crow - over the winter our girl Renee said she thought the Sox should take a flyer on Sosa, we thought she was out of her mind...looks like she was right; though thankfully she hasn't rubbed our noses in it.

Seattle Mariners P Jeff Weaver must be missing the National League - he pitched a complete game shutout against the Pirates last night, limiting them to four hits and two walks while striking out five.

Colorado Rockies P Jeff Francis baffled the Yankees last night, giving up one run on five hits and a walk while striking out nine - pretty damn good for a Canadian kid who is going to celebrate today by watching the Gold Club semi-finals.


THURSDAY'S THREE PLAY
Finally, the kind of night we deserved - we picked all four games last night...so the balance sheet stands at a very respectable + $485 for the week - today's suggestions:

Seattle over Pittsburgh - no brainer, you have to figure the Mariners are going to get a win for Felix Hernandez sooner or later. Lay $100 on the Mariners - $195.

New York over Colorado - Clemens goes today for the Yankees, but we are suggesting the Yanks today for two reasons; 1) Rodrigo Lopez goes for the Rockies and his career numbers vs. New York are ugly; 2) Yanks won't get swept. Lay $100 on the pinstripes - $185.

We'll leave it at that for today - thanks for taking the time to check in. Have a great one peeps!

Hazel I hope things are groovy in your world.

I'm Out.