The Hazies - The Champs & The Chumps

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

For those of you who are new to the page - we like to start each week by taking a look back at some of the more notable newmakers from the week that was in the world of sports. To those who have risen above the rest, we salute them by honouring them as one of Hazel's Heroes and awarding them a "Hazie". On the flip side, we look at those who have distinguished themselves for less than stellar performances - The Chumps.

While Hazel hasn't officially approved this week's list of winners and "runners-up", we'd like to think she would give her trademark smile and thumbs up.

HAZEL'S HEROES - THE CHAMPS HOCKEY
The Canadian Junior Team wrapped up the "Super Series" with a their seventh win in eight games over Russia on Sunday night (they other game ended in a tie). Canadian coach Brent Sutter, who will coach the New Jersey Devils this season, guided Canada to a record of 19-0-1 over his last 20 games, including two World Championships. That record pretty much defines what a champ is - too bad we are going to have a hate on for him now that he is working for Lou Lamoriello. Leaf Nation hasn't forgotten about the decision to play Scott Clemensen against the Isles in the last game of the 06/07 season.

FOOTBALL
As mentioned yesterday morning - Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo had a great game yesterday - but it is worth mentioning again. Romo finished the day with 345 yards passing on 15 completions (23 yards per completion) with four touchdown passes and running for another one. Romo responded to last year's gaffe against Seattle like a champ.

When the New England Patriots acquired Randy Moss in the off season many questioned the move, wondering aloud about how Moss would fit in with the team-first oriented Patriots. Leave it to Tom Brady to silence the critics by showing everyone how to keep Moss' focus on the game and contribute to the team - Brady showed some trust in Moss, throwing a couple of passes in areas that only Moss could and would catch. Brady got Moss on board by letting him do what he does best - make plays. Tom Brady, the best damn QB in the NFL...period.


BASEBALL
New York Mets P Pedro Martinez made his first two starts of the season last week and won both. Pedro wasn't the Pedro of old - lasting only five innings in each of his starts - but he got the job done...you have to respect that.

Colorado Rockies 1B Todd Helton hit his 35th double of the season last week - making him the first player to hit 35+ doubles in 10 consecutive seasons. You can chalk it up to playing in Colorado - but he still has to hit the ball. How good would he have looked in Boston this year?

New York Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez hit home runs in five consecutive games last week - we don't show ARod a lot of love here, not since we traded him in the Hazelspeeps Fantasy Baseball Pool, but that is an accomplishment worth mentioning. ARod in Boston in '08? Our mole in the know says "bet on it". We'll see...


THE ZEROES - THE CHUMPS
We could have gone with a pretty long list this week - there were enough candidates: Rick Ankiel and Troy Glaus; Joey "Happy Feet" Harrington; the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears; etc. They can all thank Ottawa SenaTards Goalie Ray Emery for saving them the embarrassment of being named Chumps. Emery put the (re)Tard in SenaTard.

A senior citizen told the Ottawa Sun that intended to sue the Tards goalie in civil court for a traffic incident that happened last week. The old timer apparently accidentally cut Emery off - leading to an enraged Emery jerking his Hummer in and out of the senior's lane. Emery confronted the man at an off-ramp and started shouting profanities at the man. You can read about it here - Emery is a retard. Read the story...its definitely worth the read. To no one's surprise - the major media outlets in Ottawa didn't give the story too much attention.


MONDAY'S THREE STARS Washington Nationals LF Wily Mo Pena had three hits, including two home runs, and drove in three to lead the Nationals to a 5-4 win over the Marlins. We have to show Wily some love because he has taken a beating in the Yahoo group.

Chicago Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez had four hits, including two solo shots, to power the Cubs to a 12-3 win over the Cardinals.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays P Scott Kazmir out dueled Boston's Curt Schilling at Fenway last night. Kazmir ended the DRays horrible run against Boston by pitching seven shutout innings and limiting the Sox to five hits and two walks while striking out ten.

We're adding a fourth today - special circumstances.

Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Johnson had five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown to lead the Bengals to a 27-20 win over the Ravens in the early Monday Night game. We like "Ocho Cinco" - he's brash, he's bold, he's confident, and he's pretty damn funny. The guy has some personality...which the NFL needs.


TUESDAY'S THREE PLAY
We hating the 49ers today for not covering the number yesterday - another great Pro-Line ticket goes for not. A mistake was made yesterday posting the line SF -3, it was actually 3.5 so we are going to take a hit there. We start the week - $140. Today's suggestions:

Milwaukee over Pittsburgh - we'll go back to the well with the Brewers tonight; Yovanni Gallardo goes against Bryan Bullington who was rocked in his last start. Hard to think the Pirates can win 2 of 3 from the Brewers. Lay $100 on the Brewers - $165.

St. Louis/Cincinnati over 11 - Cards starter Mark Mulder was knocked around in his last start, Kyle Lohse has been getting knocked around all year - there is going to be a lot of runs in this one. Lay $100 on the over at even.

Colorado/Philadelphia over 11.5 - Adam Eaton has been getting rocked by everyone lately, while Rockies starter Franklin Morales has an ERA of over six in 17.1 innings - these two might each put up more runs than their respective NFL teams did this weekend. Lay $100 on the over.

New York over Atlanta - Orlando Hernandez goes for the Mets tonight against Buddy Carlyle, who has been awful over his last three starts - Mets look solid in this one. Lay $100 on the Mets - $165.

We'll be back later with more.

That's it for this morning 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!