Picking Up On Tilt's Report

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

Well, it looks like Tilt took a break from online poker to pick up the slack in the wake of our mini-vacation with a Tilt Report - in keeping with Tilt's entry from yesterday; here's what caught our eye:

We don't normally do NBA stuff because its a crap-hole league - but we would be remiss if we didn't point out the latest scandal that could bring the league to its knees. Tim Donaghy "resigned" from the NBA while being investigated for allegedly betting on games, including some he officiated in. David Stern is in full damage control, emphatically stating that Donaghy is the "lone official" - the stories surfacing about Donaghy are both compelling (looking at some of his questionable calls) to disturbing (reports from neighbours etc). To think that Donaghy is the only official to ever do this would be naive. The pressure on Donaghy to keep his mouth shut must be intense - from the league not wanting to have another scandal on their hands to his "associates" who want to protect their interests.

When people talk about gambling, the term "degenerate gambler" is often thrown around - Tim Donaghy may very well be the face of the degenerate gambler when this investigation is over.

We have stated a number of times that our "Three Play" suggestions are for entertainment purposes only - it is precisely because of stories like this why we don't suggest wagering your cash on a game where the outcome can be determined in so many ways other than the play of the athletes.

Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced he will try to be in attendance if/when Barry Bonds passes Hank Aaron on the all-time home run list. While some will be quick to applaud Bud for finally acting like a commissioner - we can't help but wonder if Bud's statement had anything to do with the fallout from the Donaghy issue. Think about it, how long before the media comes knocking on Selig's door to ask about umpires who may or may not be betting on games? You have to think they are going to move to baseball and hockey (maybe not since it isn't a big money betting sport) to ask if their officials could be caught up in something like this. What better way for Selig to distance MLB from a betting scandal than to make headlines by saying he will attend Barry's big event - he can just speak about baseball and Barry.

Speaking of Barry - his ex-mistress (Barry's bimbo) has agreed to tell her story and give details of her relationship with the Asterisk...TO PLAYBOY. Yup, Kimberly Bell is going to bare all - literally and figuratively. Bell said the shoot was liberating and has done wonders for her self esteem - ah...the wonders of airbrushing.

Boston Red Sox P Jon Lester gets the call from Pawtucket and pitches six solid innings against the Indians to pick up a win. No talk of steroids or performance enhancing drugs, no talk of cheating, no negative talk at all. Lester's story is one of courage, heart and determination - beating cancer and making it back to the major leagues to be a factor in his first game. Lester will definitely feature in our next installment of The Champs & Chumps.

Speaking of Boston - Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli is on a mission this year. Chiarelli seems intent on redefining the term "donkey", and leaving John Ferguson Jr a distant second in terms of the worst GM in the league. The Bruins announced they had traded G Hannu Toivonen to the St. Louis Blues to C Carl Soderberg. In his announcement Chiarelli talked about a succession plan and how a 23 year old goalie (drafted in the first round) didn't fit into their plans - he's counting on Fernandez, Thomas and former Leafs draft pick Tuuka Rask. Chiarelli's latest acquisition comes with his own baggage - first off, a serious eye injury that has left him with 20/80 vision and "character" issues. Chiarelli is becoming the Dr. Phil of the NHL - acquiring guys like Fernandez, Schafer and Soderberg. Dr. Phil acknowledged that Toivonen could evolve into an elite goaltender and that Soderberg might not be an elite player but a good player. Fret not B's fans - Chiarelli discussed Soderberg's "character" issues with the Blues but was willing to take the risk.

Memo to "PC" - when a GM (who was a goalie in the league) asks for a young goalie in your system...you may want to think twice about trading that guy - he obviously sees something you don't. Keep wheeling and dealing big guy...you are doing wonders for the morale of guys like JFJ.

The FIFA Under-20 World Championship wrapped up in Toronto on Sunday with Argentina beating the Czech Republic by a count of 2-1. The game was not without controversy as the Argentinians put on a theatrical display again - diving and embellishing the slightest bit of contact to make it look like a mortal wound. They were celebrating Sunday night...but we wonder how they will feel when they watch the tape of their championship game. The Argentinians were so blatant in their theatrics that they forced the Czechs to try and pull the same stunts. Sad ending to a sad tournament.

Michael Vick has been asked not to report to training camp - but it isn't a suspension as he will still be paid...good work if you can get it.


TUESDAY'S THREE STARS
Toronto Blue Jays CF Vernon Wells had two hits, including a home run, and drove in four runs in Toronto's 7-0 win over the Twins at the Rogers Centre. Hazel would want to see her old pal "Dr. Evil" get some recognition here. Honourable mention goes to Dustin McGowan who pitched shutout ball over 7.1 innings - now if he would just shave those ridiculous sideburns.

Boston Red Sox P Daisuke Matsuzaka held the Indians scoreless over seven innings, giving up four hits and three walks while striking out five, in Boston's 1-0 win.

Texas Rangers P Eric Gagne saves both ends of a game/night doubleheader against the Seattle Mariners. Gagne's line for the day 2 SV, 2 IP, 2 H, 3 K.


Thanks for nothing...

Dodgers P Rudy Seanez gives up four runs, including a bases loaded shot to Craig Biggio, as Red Sox West go down to Houston - earlier in the day Biggio announced he would retire at the end of the season.


WEDNESDAY THREE PLAY
Repeat after us - for entertainment purposes only. Ok, so if you followed last week's suggestions, it wasn't very entertaining - it was by far our worst week...we think it had something to do with crooked MLB umpires (that's what we're going with). The total for the year stands at an ugly (though imaginary) - $2,200. Today's suggestions if you are up for them...

Baltimore over Tampa Bay - if Daniel Cabrera shut the DRays down...what will Eric Bedard do the them? We like Bedard over Sonnanstine in a walk. Lay $100 on the O's - $185.

Minnesota over Toronto - J.P. Ricciardi is smiling these days, we don't know why but we can't stand it. Chickenhawk's smile disappears today as the Twins get a win over Jesse "Rojo" Litsch. Lay $100 on the Twins even.

Philadephia over Washington - we like Cole Hamels today over Nats Matt Chico - no way Washington wins today. Lay $100 on the Phillies - $240.

That's it for today gang - thanks for taking the time to check in. Have a great one.

Hazel, we hope things are groovy in your world.

We're Out.