It's Do Or Die Now

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

Euro 2008 Qualifiers go today - Portugal, currently sitting in third after a heart breaking tie Saturday against Poland, host fourth place Serbia in a must win game today in Lisbon. Anything less than a win today could result in Portugal's destiny in the hands of others.

The qualifiers have been anything but inspiring - with Captain Luis Figo retired, the team has relied heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo and gotten less than stellar performances from the likes of Deco, Simao, Quaresma. Portugal's defence is banged up and they are fielding the B team back there - still no excuse, they should have been home and cooled by now. We won't hazard to predict the result today in Lisbon - all that has gotten us is a swift kick in the nuts.

We can't really count on/ask for Hazel Karma tonight at the Estadio Alvalade - we're really hoping the three lovely Portugal supporters pictured above will be at the game to inspire our boys to victory.

On this side of the Atlantic

The NFL is reportedly considering punishing the New England Patriots for having one of their employees videotaping the New York Jets coaching staff in order to steal their signs. This is getting a little bit ridiculous - if you suspect the Patriots have been stealing signs (a couple of teams have accused them of the practice) why in the hell wouldn't you send plays in via a defensive substitute like they used to in the old days? Football players like to refer to the game on the field as "a war". Last time I checked, intercepting communications was all fair in war.

The NFL is going to punish Bill Belichick and his staff for being smart? I don't buy this crap about cheating - its scheming, much like calling audibles and other instances of gamesmanship. I say the NFL should punish the Patriots by sending Belichick to Logan Int'l and putting him on the first flight to Lisbon to serve as an assistant for Portugal today - we'll gladly have him on the sideline stealing signals.

Great news from Miami - Buffalo Bills TE Kevin Everett has regained some movement and doctors are changing their prognosis from almost zero chance of walking aging - to it being a minor miracle that could result in a recovery. Keep sending good thoughts out to Everett.

The Raiders announced yesterday that they had reached an agreement with JaMarcus Russell that will guarantee the rookie $29 M over six years - good for the Raiders...actually who cares? We look at it this way - the Raiders and Detroit Lions, who guaranteed Calvin Johnson $27M, have given their number one picks more money than the Kansas City Chiefs gave Larry Johnson (in guaranteed money) - say a lot about those two franchises.

A good and bad night in the MLB last night - Red Sox win, Red Sox West drop one to San Diego.


TUESDAY'S THREE STARS
Cincinnati Reds LF Adam Dunn hits two home runs, including a grand slam, to lead the Reds to a 7-2 win over the Cardinals.

Florida Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez had four hits, including two solo home runs, to lead Florida to a 13-8 win over the Nats.

Boston Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia had two hits, including a home run, and drove in two in Boston's win. Hey, we gotta support the Portuguese kids.


WEDNESDAY'S THREE PLAY
Tough night last night - we should have hit those overs. The total for the week stands at - $250. Today's suggestions:

Arizona over San Francisco - we hate to make this pick, but the DBacks aren't going to lose with Webb on the mound tonight. Lay $100 on Arizona - $155.

Detroit over Texas - Justin Verlander is pitching tonight - that's all you need to know. Lay $100 on the Tigers - $220.

Cleveland/Chicago over 9 - Jake Westbrook gets shelled as often as he pitches well, Vasquez is also inconsistent - we're going with both to get hit today. Lay $100 on the over - $110.

Florida over Washington - the Marlins build on their big win last night. Lay $100 on the Marlins - $130.

That's all 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!