JFJ's At It Again

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

We’re scratching our head here with the latest “news” out of Toronto. George Gross of the Toronto Sun reports that Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. has expressed interest in acquiring FA Peter Forsberg – should he decide to return to the NHL. JFJ’s will undoubtedly focus on the opportunity to play with countrymen Mats Sundin and Thomas Steen – we want to believe it, really, but we can’t see it.

The Leafs would have to clear too much cap room to accommodate Forsberg’s salary, unless they planned on eating a few contracts by sending guys to the minors to clear salary off the books; and if you know anything about the Ontario Teacher’s Pension Fund, you know that they will instruct the Board of Directors to veto any moves that would impact the bottom line.

Nice try though JFJ – we’ll give you an A for effort.

In other “news”

News from Los Angeles is the saviour , David Beckham ,will be out from four to six weeks with a strained ligament in his right knee on a questionable challenge from Pachuca’s Fernando Salazar during a SuperLiga match (couldn’t they come up with another name? The SuperLiga is in Portugal – period).

The injury will keep Beckham from suiting up for England in early September as they play Israel and Russia in Euro 2008 qualifiers. It must have killed British journalists when they found out Salazar was Mexican – they were probably salivating when they saw the last name, hoping they could blame this one on another rotten Portuguese player who is out to screw England.

Speaking of injuries – Boston Red Sox LF Manny Ramirez will be sidelined for the next few days at least with a strained oblique muscle. For all you Manny-haters out there – talk to us after you’ve seen Eric Hinske filling in; before you even say it, Bobby Kielty isn’t the answer either.


WEDNESDAY’S THREE STARS
Colorado Rockies P Jeff Francis throws a complete game shutout in an 8-0 win over the Giants (told you he’d win). Francis gave up six hits and a walk while striking out three.

Cincinnati Reds P Aaron Harang also threw a complete game shutout yesterday, limiting the Pirates to two hits and a walk while striking out eight.

Former Red Sox and current Red Sox West 3B Shea Hillenbrand hit a two run home run and drove in the winning run with a sacrifice fly in the 12th to bring Big Blue back from a 5-0 deficit to win 10-9. Can’t believe Brad Penny was as bad as he was yesterday.

We’re making an exception and nominating one more star today. Canadian Hurdler Perdita Felicien celebrated her 27th birthday with a silver medal in the final of the 100 m hurdles at the World Track and Field Championships in Japan. Felicien has overcome a lot since her disasterous fall at the 2004 Olympics.


THURSDAY’S THREE PLAY
We split yesterday’s picks, winding up at - $60 for the day. The total for the week stands at + $235 though. Today’s suggestions:

New York over Cincinnati – we can’t see the Phils sweeping the Mets, especially with Kyle Lohse on the mound; El Duque is the pick today. Lay $100 on the Mets - $115.

Detroit over Kansas City – Leo Nunez has been very good for KC, but the Tigers have to win this one if they are going to stay close – getting swept by the Royals would be devastating to them. Lay $100 on the Tigers - $145.

We’ll check back in later this afternoon with a look at tonight’s game.

That’s it for today gang – thanks for taking the time to check in. Have a great one Peeps!

Hazel, we hope things are groovy in your world.

We’re Out!