Karma's A Bitch

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

We've always maintained here on " Thoughts of Hazel Mae" that karma can be a bitch - and we (as in Leaf Nation) could find out how much of a bitch she can really be. The word out of Toronto is that Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment - in their infinite stupidity - has added the name of Harry Sinden to their list of potential candidates to join the organization as a senior consultant.

After all the crap we've been talking about Harry Sinden - we might actually end up with this guy acting as a consultant...God help us all.

As much as we want to think this is just another stupid rumour with no basis in reality - we know enough about MLSE to know that they would welcome Harry's business acumen to the fold. Sinden was a pioneer in the NHL - he was one of the first GMs to differentiate between winning championships and the organization's bottom line. We've written about Harry's business model here before - so we won't bore those of you who have been reading the page for the last couple of years - basically, it boils down to this.

Championships don't necessarily equal money - under his leadership, you could always count on Harry's team to make the playoffs...he knew enough that a few playoff home gates meant money in the owners pockets - championships meant that players would be looking for more money and that would eat into the profit margin. Just ask Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr.

This looks like a match made in heaven for MLSE and a deal with the devil for Leaf Nation. MLSE is looking more and more like SCTV - first they talk about hiring Sid Dithers (Muckler) and now they are going to Guy Cabellero (Sinden). Hazel, if you are still a member in good standing of Leaf Nation...HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The U.S. lost a heart breaker yesterday at the Under-20 World Championships - they went into the game heavily favoured to beat Austria yesterday, but wound up losing 2-1 in extra-time. The U.S. dominated the first half scoring the first goal, but a defensive breakdown lead to both of Austria's goal - the winner came in the 105th minute by striker Erwin "Jimmy" Hoffer. This should put an end to the talk that Freddy Adu is the next greatest thing - he may play in the MLS...but the international game against the world's best is a whole different ball game...one he isn't ready for.

SATURDAY'S THREE STARS
Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz had two hits, including a first inning solo shot, and drove in two runs to lead the Sox to a 9-4 drubbing of Justin McGowan and the Blue Jays...didn't we tell you that yesterday?

Red Sox West 2B Jeff Kent had a tough day in the field, making an error and missing a couple of plays he should have made - but he hit a three run shot and drove in four runs in yesterday's 8-7 win over the Giants.

Montreal Alouettes QB Anthony Calvillo completed 27 of 37 passes for 310 yards and 3 TDs; of note was that AC became a member of the 50,000 yard club and passed Doug Flutie for number 5 on the all-time TD list.

SUNDAY THREE PLAY
Another perfect day yesterday going 4-0 (never mind the "also consider" section - we didn't suggest playing them) and adding $400 to the total, bringing the number up to + $805. For those of you counting, we are 9-1 since the all-star break. We keep the good run going today with the following suggestions:

Boston over Toronto - Beckett vs. Jesse "Rojo" Litsch equals mismatch. We can't see Rojo containing Boston's bats today, he'll be lucky to get out of the fifth today. The Jays, for all their talk, know their season is over - and if they didn't know, Beckett will show them what a playoff pitcher looks like. Boston won't split this series - they'll win 3 of 4 like they should. Lay $100 on the Sox - $220.

Cleveland over Kansas City - we're hating the Tribe today, yesterday's loss to the Royals cost us a nice Pro-Line ticket - thanks for nothing C.C . Sabathia. We like Fausto Carmona to get the Tribe back on the right track today against Jorge De La Rosa and his 5.16 ERA - batting practice for Cleveland today. Lay $100 on the Tribe - $230.

Detroit over Seattle - Jeff Weaver has been pitching better of late - not great, but better than awful (which is what he was earlier this year) - but he is going to face one of the more potent lineups in the AL; and we know his history against the AL. Justin Verlander should keep the M's in check today. Lay $100 on the Tigers - $140.

Oakland over Minnesota - ok, this is one of those "they won't get swept" picks - but you have to think the A's will one of four against the Twins, especially when the match up is Dan Haren vs Boof Bonser (that sounds like a porn name). Lay $100 on the A's - $115.

That's it for today gang thanks for taking the time to check in - we'll be back tomorrow, as we are off to Frank Clair Stadium tonight to see Argentina vs Mexico in the fourth Quarter-Final game of the Under-20 World Championships. Have a great one peeps.

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

We're Out.