The caption says it all

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

One of the most talked about side stories of this year's European Championships is "Where will Cristiano Ronaldo play in 2008/09?" Real Madrid is said to have an offer on the table which would see the club pay Manchester United anywhere between $120 - 140 MILLION for the transfer of the Portuguese superstar AND pay him a reported salary of $30 million AFTER TAXES. Ronaldo's performance against the Czech Republic probably pushed the numbers up a bit.

Does anyone want to tell me that he won't be the FIFA World Player of the Year?

In other welcome developments at the big tournament. The Greeks and Italians have found out that the defensive style that won them the last two major championships isn't working this year - the style of play has been more attacking in nature, and as such, these two who have played a smothering defensive style and hope to sneak a goal on the counter attack or via a set piece to win the game, have found that they are S.O.L this year.

The Greeks were particularly embarrassing against the Swedes, playing FIVE defenders with one lone striker - at one point during the game, the Greeks were passing the ball to each other inside their own half with the Swedes waiting for them to come forward...disgusting; the one-trick pony looks like they are on their way to the glue factory and the tournament is better for it.

In perhaps the most welcome news - Italy and France face each other tomorrow in a must-win game if either hope to advance to the quarter finals of the tournament. Both sit tied for third in the Group of Death, one point behind Romania who face the already qualified Dutch. IF, and it is a big IF, the Romanians were to upset the Dutch tomorrow, both Italy and France would be out of the tournament- can I get a "Hell yeah!" The Italians, often the beneficiaries of ridiculously easy qualifying groups, look very beatable in the tournament's most competitive group - their lack of creativity and offensive talent has shone through in the tournament and downgraded them from being one of the tournament's favourites, down to the category of also-rans.

The French aren't even worth discussing - they came into the tournament with some high (false hopes) built on big reputations...but the reality is that they aren't a threat to anyone. Some will point to how they recovered from a horrible start at the 2006 World Cup to reach the Finals - to that I say, "The Mad Minator from Marseilles" isn't here to guide this group of overrated sad sacks.

SATURDAY THREE PLAY
Cleveland over San Diego - Cliff Lee goes for the Indians, that is as close to "money in the bank" as you can get this year. Lay $100 on the Tribe - $180.
Arizona over Kansas City - can't see the Royals winning on the road, even against a very hittable Randy Johnson. Lay $100 on the DBacks -$170.

Seattle over Washington - the number is big for a bad Mariners team, but they are at home, have Eric Bedard on the hill, and they are facing the Nationals. Lay $100 on the Mariners - $200.

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

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world.

I'm Out!