One Bourbon, One Scotch, Too Many Beer(s)

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

The weekend started out with taking in George Thorogood at the Cisco Bluesfest on Friday night and got better from there - but we won't bore you with details, let's just say there was a bunch of "Portagees" and a few coolers full of cerveja.

We should be out of the haze in time for this afternoon's game between Portugal and Gambia - a win or tie gives Portugal second place in the group and a Round of 16 date against Austria (looking like a lock for 2nd in Group A). We threw a fit earlier this week when Portugal lost to Mexico, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise; with a win over Austria, Portugal looks like they'll have a Quarter-Final date against the U.S., who shocked everyone by finishing in first in Group D - the young Americans shocked Brazil...but we'll be ready for them. We couldn't have asked for better luck in this tournament.

Leave it up to Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi to make headlines going into the All-Star break - this latest tidbit confirms what we have been saying for the better part of a couple of years here; the guy is a jackass of the highest order. For those of you who haven't heard/read - Ricciardi was on a Toronto sports radio station (FAN 590 - Hazel would be very familiar with the FAN) and called out P AJ Burnett. Ricciardi questioned Burnett's toughness (after being put on the DL yet again - ten times in six years). Ricciardi told the Fan that Burnett has to learn to differentiate between pain and being physically unable to perform. This strikes us as being absolutely hysterical, since Ricciardi was front and center back in 2005 saying they had checked Burnett out head to toe and there was no reason for them to doubt his durability. Burnett fired back at Ricciardi saying that a 10/mph dropoff in his fastball shows there is definitely something wrong.

The Toronto media is painting Ricciardi's rant as his subtle way of getting Burnett to opt out of his contract in 2008. We think it has more to do with Ricciardi's outright refusal to ever admit he made a mistake in signing a big name free agent - he won't admit that it was a mistake to sign a pitcher with a long history of arm troubles to a 5 year/$55M deal (or Ryan's 5 year/$47M deal, we could go on and on), he'd rather run him out of town and have the option of calling him a quitter. The best part in all of this is that Burnett isn't going anywhere - after firing back at the Chickenhawk, Burnett basically told the FAN he isn't going anywhere...that he knows J.P. is just "challenging him". Classic...Eventually someone at Rogers is going to have to realize that the problem with the Jays begins with and ends with one man - J.P Ricciardi.


SATURDAY'S THREE STARS
Baltimore Orioles P Eric Bedard (a local boy to boot) pitched a complete game two hit shutout against Texas, tying a franchise record with 15 Ks on the night.

Seattle Mariners P Felix Hernandez pitches eight shutout innings, giving up two hits and striking out two, in a 4-0 win over Canadian Rich Harden and the A's in Oakland yesterday.

Chicago White Sox P Mark Buehrle stopped the bleeding vs. the Twins, pitching eight strong innings and limiting the Twins to one run on six hits and two walks, while striking out one.


SUNDAY'S THREE PLAY
We should have checked in yesterday - it would have been a great day...it was on Pro-Line. Apologies to those who checked in for Saturday's suggestions. The total for the week stands at + $190 - we'll see if we can't get that up today.

Milwaukee over Washington - can't see Washington winning two of three from the Brewers, especially not against lefty Chris Capuano who has been solid all years. Lay $100 on the Brewers - $155.

Chicago over Pittsburgh - "Big Z" has been lights out ever since Michael Barrett was traded. We expect the Cubs to continue their hot run of late with a win today against journeyman Tim Redding. Lay $100 on the Cubs - $170.

Cleveland over Toronto - Josh Towers goes today for the Jays - if you have read the page before, you know the rule. Lay $100 on the Indians - $125.

Oakland over Seattle - no way the A's get swept facing Ryan Feierabend, not with Joe Blanton (of the Maeple Leafs) pitching for Oakland. Lay $100 on the A's - $190.

That's it for today gang - thanks for taking the time to check in. We'll be back later in the day with more. Have a great one peeps.

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

I'm Out.