Swine Flu?

• Toronto FC are on the road tonight in California, playing Chivas USA who always pack in the crowds in Carson. With the playoffs in site, every point counts for the Reds, who will be minus "Captain Overrated" Jim Brennan, out for a game after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season last weekend.
• that's ESPN's Erin Andrews to the right. Wonder if the pictures of her last month in her hotel room naked were taken after getting the mud off?
  
• after a slow start to the year, hard not to imagine Mark Teixera of the New York Yankees nabbing the AL MVP award. As good as his offence has been, his defence at first has made a world of difference, especially in cleaning up the throws of the rest around the horn. Mix in that he's on the team with the best record in baseball and the argument becomes much easier. In the NL, is there anybody other than Albert Pujols?
• with Michael Vick, the Old Has Been, Rick Pitino and David Ortiz acts in recent months, and his own flying under the radar, Alex Rodriguez is almost starting to seem like a normal guy of late, no?
• what are the odds that the swine flu would hit a Japanese baseball team called the Japanese Ham Fighters?
• hard to believe, but the Texas Rangers have allowed the fewest runs in the American League. Considering the bandbox they play in, that is damn impressive.
• Gary Sheffield must have been reading this space a couple days ago and realized that as the New York Mets leading home run hitter, he should be paid a lot more than he is. So of course, he sat out a game and is said to be upset with management. Sheff is a serious piece of work.
• San Jose Sharks captain Patrick Marleau and assistant Joe Thornton have been relieved of their duties. Can't recall two guys losing their letters at the same time before without being traded.

Have a great Saturday, go Reds!

19.19

• As if cutting .11 of a second off of the 100 metre record weren't enough for Usain Bolt, he's now trimmed the same margin off of the 200 metre record in a 19.19 run. I know sprinters want to look loose as tension hurts big time, but he barely looks like he's trying out there.
  
• so why is it that the NFL owners are eyeing a lockout in 2011? Seems they have an issue with the players salary rising under this deal from $84.5 million to about $126 million for this year. In other words, they want their cake and to eat it too.
• might the MLS be looking to buy the United Soccer League and go to a promotion/relegation system down the road, the same as is done in the rest of the world? Interesting idea, but I can't see teams being bought for the franchise fee of $40 million and up in the MLS now and risk being sent down to lower profile league. After all, unlike the NHL even, the MLS at least appears on ESPN.
• Nuts.uk.com uncovers the ladies with legs, who know how to use them. Definitely NSFW.
• one NFLer - Michael Vick - leaves prison, another is about to take his place. Plaxico Burress is going into the Crowbar Motel for two years after carrying an unlicensed weapon in New York that ultimately went off and shot himself in the leg.
• Cris Collinsworth told The Jim Rome Show that even after Old Has Been announced his retirement, several Minnesota Vikings started a pool for when he'd come back. Now, either NFLers have too much money and time on their hands, or the subject of the bet is seen to be as reliable as a shizophrenic on crack. Or both.
• most dangerous job of late, domestically at least, is that of a cab driver driving a professional athlete. First, there was Patrick Kane of the Chicago Black Hawks who helped smack an old cabbie around. Now comes word that Tampa Bay Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib cracked another cabbie. If I were Russell Peters right now, I'd wonder if the latter was a family dispute.

Have a great Friday.

Lee is on fire in Philly

• My my how the tables are turning on a certain ego maniac that we don't discuss by name in these parts. Even long-time apologist and #1 on Old Has Been's speed dial, Peter King at SI.com, is saying the move is all wrong for the Vikings. Looks good on him. Here's hoping it gets far worse. Oh, and DJ Gallo at ESPN tore him a new one, too (thanks to B. Kennedy for that one). And, you can add former Vikes QB Fran Tarkenton to the list of those unimpressed.
• All you need to know about the New York Mets struggles this year can be summed up in one sentence: Gary Sheffield is leading them in home runs, with 11.
• Manchester United looked rough in a loss to newly promoted Burnley yesterday. Too many bad passes, too lacking in fluidity on the attack, and too little of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and especially, Cristiano Ronaldo. Sir Alex Ferguson says he's not concerned. Tottenham Hotspur crushed Hull City 5-1 on the road, and Liverpool smoked Stoke City 4-0 to cover off the big names yesterday.
• Cliff Lee moved to 4-0 since moving to the Philadelphia Phillies with a complete game, 11k effort. Meantime, the guy it looked like Philly wanted most, or at least first, Roy Halladay, was getting smacked around by Boston, only going five innings in a 6-1 loss. That was Halladay's first start in 70 against AL East opponents where he didn't pitch into the sixth. The Sox win puts them back in the lead for the AL Wild Card.
  
• Colorado Avs goalie Peter Budaj has Ned Flanders on the back of his mask? Weird.
• the Florida Marlins are the first MLB team since the 1937 St. Louis Browns to knock 10+ hits in 14 straight games. Impressive. Mix in that pitching staff and that'll win you a few games.
• Fuckingmanly.com presents the Top 11 Hottest Women, and frankly, you couldn't have a better #1
• the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California, USA, Earth might have all 9 regulars hit .300 this year (minimum .200 ABs). Catcher Mike Napoli might be the weak link in that.
  
• the Philadelphia Eagles are 10-0 against the spread in Week 2 of the NFL pre-season. The Indianapolis Colts are 3-16 straight up their last 19 pre-season games. They play tonight. Your friend Pinnacle can be found here. The Eagles are -3 at home. Enjoy.

Have a great Thursday.

He's back, like herpes

• Is it bad karma that I hope a certain Minnesota Viking, unretiring for the 87th time, suffers a serious, career ending injury? It might even happen at the hands of a teammate for all this guy has done to undermine a team's chemistry. The Old Has Been is positioning himself for a soft landing, with games at Cleveland, at Detroit and home to San Francisco to open. Of course, Old Has Been saw his team get off to a decent start last year with the Jets before he true colours showed.
• Don't let pre-season NFL records fool you. The Detroit Lions, after all, were 4-0 in last year's pre-season, and we all know how that ended.
• Venus Williams shows up at the Rogers Cup in Toronto and promptly loses her first match to some relative nobody. (Begin sarcasm) That never happens before the U.S. Open (end sarcasm).
• I don't know why, but I find it strange that an assistant coach in the NHL, and himself a long-time player in the league, presumably making good money still, would play the Lotto 6/49. But Toronto Maple Leafs Keith Acton did, and won a $98k prize. See, who said the Leafs didn't win the lottery this summer?
• from the Department of the Bland, check out the new Canadian Olympic hockey jersey's. That said, if you need one, leave your email and I can track one down for you (it'll be deleted immediately after). Can save you a bundle on this and all jersey's.
• a Philadelphia Eagle dog jersey? Sure, why not.
• funniest email to The Jim Rome Show on the subject of Michael Vick: "he's going to be the Eagles punter as he's got a killer pooch kick." Sorry, that's just clever.
  
  

Well played, Boras

• Jon Heyman's latest at SI.com includes this quote on JP Ricciardi from a rival exec: "no one gets to rebuild twice without going to the playoffs once." Seems perfectly logical to me. Heyman also covers the circling-the-drain Boston Red Sox.
• Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable cracked one of his assistant coaches in the mouth. The Raiders Commitment To Excrement is ongoing, and going strong.
• just what the world needed. Jay Glazer at Fox Sports is convinced that it won't be long until a certain has-been QB will be in discussions with the Minnesota Vikings about a comeback. No, seriously.
• Olympic wrestling gold medalist and now pro-wrestler Kurt Angle will be making a court appearance today after being arrested for possession of HGH, stalking his ex-girlfriend. Oh it's true, it's damn true.
• the NFLPA has informed players that they best prepare for a potential lockout in 2011. They can't be serious, can they? The league that has it all and has its players under non-guaranteed contracts wants more? Sad.
  
• what did Chavo Guerrero do to have to endure a weekly humiliation at the hands of Hornswoggle every Monday Night Raw?
• UFC heavyweight and Hall of Famer Randy Couture gives great interview.
• the Washington Nationals signed Stephen Strasburg with all of a minute to spare, a record deal of $15.1 million for the flamethrowing rookie, but word is his agent Scott Boras was looking for something closer to say, $50 million. Had he not signed, Strasburg would've gone back into the draft next year and likely end up getting taken by...the Washington Nationals.
  
• Question: why is there braille on the drive-thru ATM at my local bank? Or a sign at the local corner store declaring dog's not permissible in the store except for seeing eye dogs?
  
• the next season of Dancing With The Stars will feature Chuck Lidell and Michael Irvin, among others. I've got Lidell to get knocked out early.
• fresh off the opening weekend, 12 of the EPL's 20 sides will get it on over the next two days as they go full bore into their schedule. 8 teams had games pushed back, including Arsenal who take on Celtic in Champions League play, because of European competitions also on the go. Free money today on Chelsea at -1 -101 at Sunderland. Get down at Pinnacle.

Have a great Tuesday.

9.58

• Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt ran a world record 9.58 yesterday at the World Championships in Berlin. Scary part is he looked like he barely tried to get that time. Check out the video here if you haven't seen it.
• I don't know that there's anything that Jose Canseco wouldn't do for money, but him being scheduled to fight Rodney King is definitely surprising. Or odd. Or both.
• Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson went off on the subject of players faking injury to stop play when the opposition is in attack. Good for you, SAF. That kind of thing should never, ever enter a game.
• SAF will also be going off on his decimated defence, if a Barcelona bid for Nemanja Vidic is successful. Man U is also minus Rio Ferdinand at the moment as he's hurt. Again.
• Tiger Woods did the unthinkable and choked away a final round lead at the PGA Championship, opening the door for South Korean Y.E. Yang who went on to win the years final major by three strokes.
• here are the 20 sexiest rock star spawn. Some good stuff there, but Nicole Richie at #8? Umm, no.
• the Boston Red Sox are in an epic free fall. 7.5 out in the AL East, and they now trail the Texas Rangers for the Wild Card. Guessing they'd like to have the decision not to deal some young arms for Roy Halladay back, huh?
• Former Toronto Blue Jay Greg Zaun hit a grand slam in the eighth inning yesterday against his old team as the Tampa Bay Rays won 5-2. And as it is Zaun, he had tonnes to say.
  
• Surprise, surprise, the New York Jets are happy that former coach Eric Mangini is gone, along with his drill sargeant ways. Am sure that they won't miss He Who Shall Not Be Named as well.

That's it for Monday, have a great day.

Gunners Go Wild

• Tom Brady guested on Entourage last week. This week is Phoenix Sun Steve Nash's turn. But really, as long as they're working in Emannuelle Chriqui (Sloan) into the mix, does anybody else matter?
• The men's 100m final at the World Track and Field Championships goes today in Berlin. American Tyson Gay and Jamaican Usain Bolt are lined up for a hell of a showdown. Gay has run a 9.77 this year, beating Bolt's best time this year of 9.79.
  
• 94% of the top 50 female tennis players, or 47 of the 50, are European born. The Williams sisters and Aussie Samantha Stosur are the exceptions. That figure assumes, of course, that you're counting Russia as part of Europe. The ladies tour stops in Toronto this week.
• Arsenal were the big winners on the opening day of the EPL, 6-1 winners at Everton. Saturday's action was dominated by road teams, as the home sides prevailed in only 2 of 8 games. Manchester United opened their title defense this morning with a 1-0 win over Birmingham.
  
• Toronto FC were comfortable 2-0 winners over DC United and moved into third place in the East. Home boys Dwayne De Rosario and O'Brian White scored for the Reds at smoking hot BMO Field.
• This New York Yankee team is starting to get that look about them that they'll stay on this roll right through October. The Yanks now lead the East by 7.5 and can essentially cruise through the last 5 weeks and get players healthy and rested. The Yanks have won 12 of 13 after yesterday's 5-2 win at Seattle.
• the Washington Nationals offered top draft pick Stephen Strasburg a record contract for a rookie, but it remains unsigned just a day ahead of the deadline. Not enough for the Scott Boras client. Baseball badly needs to alter its draft system and tie your pick to a certain pay scale.

That's all for today. Have a great one.

• Toronto FC host DC United at BMO Field, nicely rested after a week off since they hosted Real Madrid. TFC badly need to win, and they'll get the points. Get a wager down at Pinnacle.
• Judging by yesterday's press conference, Michael Vick is a new man. His speech was impressive, and by all appearances, without the aid of notes. If he's that smooth on the field, he'll be more than a smart pickup for the Eagles. And hey, living in Philly, he isn't even the most dangerous football player: that'd be Marvin Harrison.
• Chelsea and Hull City play the opening match of the English Premier League season this morning at 7:30 on Setanta Sports. Many eyes will be on Manchester City when they travel to Blackburn with a 10am kickoff. Only Real Madrid splashed more cash around than City this off season, and it should pay off with a top four finish. I've got Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal as the top five, in that order. That said, it wouldn't shock me if Chelsea edged out United in what should be a tight race.
• comic Jay Mohr's Twitter feed: NFL logic. Dead dog, two years in jail. Dead human, 24 days in jail. (He then edited to say that was U.S. logic, but the point remains)
• never have I seen a game of human hot potato before, but Quentin Richardson of the NBA - and there's no clearer way to say it than to just say "NBA" - is it. This summer, Q has gone from the New York Knicks to the Memphis Grizzlies to the Minnesota T-Wolves and now to the Miami Heat. Where is the United Nations to investigate human trafficking at a time like this?
• going back a few days to the story of AJ Burnett and the children's charity, here's ESPN's Rick Reilly on that charity, called Camp Sundown. Didn't know there was a condition that had people incredibly allergic to the sun to the point it would kill you. Crazy. Pretty cool story to say the least.
• El Tigre Woods is flattening the field at the PGA Championship, now with a four stroke lead which may as well be a million the way he closes. Surprised the "golf is not a sport" blast yesterday didn't draw a response.
• Chicago Cub Derek Lee (aka "Cakes") had a mere 7 RBI last night. And what was with the huge blowouts last night? Four teams won by 9 or more, including the Cubs who beat Pittsburgh 17-2.
• apologies for the late entry today, was icing my neck after running into Todd Bertuzzi last night

Have a great Saturday, GO TFC!!

Ron Mexico to Philly

• Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagle? Well, it isn't like Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid can't prepare him for any verbal abuse he'll take from the notoriously tough Philly fans. Hell of an insurance policy, and a guy who can add some nice wrinkles to the Eagles attack for a team that is already one of the NFC favs. In related news, comic Chris Rock noted how he finds it funny the NFL is getting all sensitive about dog fighting when its games are played with pig skin.
  
• Golf is in the Olympics. Why? Isn't the Olympics for sports, not games? Why not let in darts and bowling, too? Really looking forward to seeing caddies try to crowd the podium. Also in are rugby and women's boxing.
• Joe Posnanski at SI.com says that when it comes to ill advised contracts, Toronto Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi is tough to beat. He also notes Ricciardi's spectacular ability to say stupid things.
  
• Speaking of golf, Tiger Woods is the leader after round one at the PGA Championship, a shot ahead of Paddy Harrington. You get the feeling he's going to blow the field away like I do? Tiger has won 22 of his last 40 tournaments. Not bad.
• The Toronto Argos host the BC Lions tonight and will attempt to score. It has been over a game since they were last able to find a mammoth endzone, or kick a punt through it or have a team kneel the ball in the endzone to give them a proverbial crooked number. In other words, the Argos suck.
• Formula 1 will return to Montreal next year, says Montreal's mayor. Pretty huge deal for Montreal for what has always been a cash cow for that city.
• Toronto FC finally released the excuse for a defender Marco Velez. That alone ought to aid their playoff chances.
• Seattle Mariners third bagger Adrian Beltre is one tough dude who is now on the disabled list thanks to - wait for it - a bleeding testicle. He managed to play five innings after suffering the injury. Adrian Beltre = Man.
• the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers will tangle in Arlington this weekend, separated only by half a game in the Wild Card standings.
• the English Premier League is back tomorrow. Needless to say, totally jacked for tomorrow morning.

Have a great Saturday.

Does it feel like summer or what?

• Tom Verducci at SI.com handicaps the AL Wild Card race, and seems to have already conceded the divisions to the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and LA Angels of A. Not included in his rankings? The Chicago White Sox or even the Minnesota Twins. Odd.
• We're a couple weeks into NFL camps. I'm figuring the annual season ending injury to a star player can't be more than a couple days away. Why haven't we heard more about shortening the pre-season of late?
• You may recall that the Yankees have been giving out a replica WWE Championship Belt this season to each game's MVP. Now, after getting a real one sent from Jerry "The King" Lawler, AJ Burnett had the replica autographed by the entire team and given to a children's charity to be auctioned off. Seems AJ is making a lot of friends in The Bronx.
• The PGA Championship gets under way today and the Tiger Woods coverage is in overdrive. In case you didn't know.
• Brian May and Roger Taylor are contemplating working under the banner of Queen with some American Idol contestant? Pathetic and insulting to the music business.
• Boston Red Sock Kevin Youkilis gets hit by Detroit Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello, charges the mound and is on the wrong end of a belly-to-belly suplex (which you can see here, if you haven't already), and then gets suspended for five games for his trouble. Love it. He Youk, you wanna prove you're tough? How about charging Joba Chamberlain after one of the handful of times he dotted you, and not the rake that is Porcello?
• ESPN's Buster Olney figures if Alex Rios was a free agent today, the best he could expect to sign for is half of what he is owed today
• Jim Balsillie's camp is now publicly voicing what we all knew when it comes to the Coyote Ugliness, that the Toronto Maple Leafs are opposing his bid.
• Stat you wouldn't figure, especially earlier this year: the New York Yankees bullpen leads the AL with 26 wins and 37 saves. Of course, with the Yanks winning piles of games late, that tends to aid both those numbers.
  

A couple weeks back, your faithful blogger had video of UFC lightweight Champion BJ Penn jumping out of the shallow end of a pool and sticking the landing. Now comes vid of Washington Redskin receiver Keith Eloi performing the same feat. Backwards.

We Can Work It Out

• The lawyer for the cab driver in Sunday morning's Patrick Kane incident thinks things were blown out of proportion and figures that the two sides can work it out. Anybody smelling a payoff in the offing?
• Dwayne Wade bought a house in Chicago. Make of this what you will as he heads into the final year of his contract with the Miami Heat.
• Before the Toronto Blue Jays season started, you'd have likely said Roy Halladay, Vernon Wells, Alex Rios, BJ Ryan and Scott Rolen were their most promoted stars. 3 are gone, a fourth is about to leave, and the fifth - Wells - likely can't even be given away. Jeff Blair at The Globe & Mail likens it to the days when Interbrew owned the Jays and let them fall into a lesser concern for the owners.
• Here's a great piece from SI.com on 25 things they miss from baseball. What, no emery boards or sandpaper in the glove?
  
• remember the insane hype when Bruno, Sacha Baron Cohen's new flick, was coming out? Man did that thing disappear quick.
• I'm not sure if these are the 100 Funniest Sports Photos of all time, but some surely are
• some might argue The T.O. Show hasn't given the world much, but it did introduce us all to Kari Klinkenborg, his sometimes girlfriend. Wow. Check her out here.
  
• Over the last 42 games, there has been an 11 game swing between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
  

• Crazy Stat Dept.: 78% of NFL players are bankrupt, jobless or divorced two years after retirement. In related news, He Who Shall Not Be Named is now looking for a lifetime contract to play.

Adi-Rios

A quick BlackBerry edition today, peeps:

In news that ought to surprise nobody, Major League Baseball is investigating Ozzie Guillen's comments a couple days back about hitting teams to retaliate for ChiSox dotted. Not sure what there is to investigate as there isn't a whole lot of gray area to his comments.

Pedro Martinez will make his first start for the Philadelphia Phillies tomorrow when they face the Chicago Cubs. His call-up sends Jamie Moyer to the bullpen. Seems most likely that Moyer will be long relieving for Pedro as he seems unlikely to be much more than a five inning guy.

Alex Rios is now a Chicago White Sock, dealt for power hitter Salary Relief. To think the Jays almost dealt him for Tim Lincecum once. If you're thinking the freed room means Roy Halladay stays, Jays Fan, you're dreaming. I wonder if in response to Rios leaving, Jays fans are going to YouTube and saying "who gives a fuck?" to random kids on the street?

Less than a week until the MLB signing deadline for draftees. Top pick Stephen Strasburg is expected to sign for an incredible $18-$20 million, but he does have the Washington Nationals over a barrel.
For the record, I tipped a London cabbie last night a couple bucks. He said Patrick Kane never did such a thing while he was in town.

Start sweepin' the brooms...

• Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is awesome for how willing he is to speak his mind. That said, calling your shot and saying you're going to drill opposing batters because yours have been hit of late is never a good idea. One gets away and hurts somebody bad enough and you're in a world of trouble.
• As if adding Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema weren't enough for Real Madrid, along comes word they've got terms agreed upon with Franck Ribery for 2010.
• speaking of Ronaldo, his ex-girlfriend Neireda Gallardo tore him up in the press about the size of his pecker. Methinks a reconciliation is unlikely. Some NSFW pics of Gallardo here.
  
• if you're an NFL Fantasy nut, here's SI.com's Top 200 ranking's.
• everybody's favorite feelgood story of 2008 Josh Hamilton fell off the wagon earlier this year, and pics of his boozy night out at the blue collar ballet have surfaced
• the Washington Nationals have won eight straight. Seriously.
• the Florida Marlins swept the Philadelphia Phillies to move to within four games of the NL East lead. Atlanta is sitting 4.5 out. Could the NL East race end up being a lot more interesting than thought even just a week ago?
  
• Alex Rios, claimed on waivers last week, is expected to find out his status no later than tomorrow. If they Toronto Blue Jays are playing hardball on this one to hold out for a big return, they're insane. Getting that bad contract off the books is the best they could hope for.
• here are the Top 10 ragdoll physics moments in MMA, with videos
• Michael Vick has yet to land with an NFL team and it isn't looking good for him at this point. Right on cue, Reverend Jesse Jackson is implying his lack of an offer is racially motivated.
• Alex Rodriguez is putting up some very clutch numbers this year. 12 of his 21 homers have come in the 7th inning or later, and 34 of his 63 RBI have either tied the game or given the Yanks the lead. Impressive. And speaking of the Yankees, they downed the Red Sox 5-2 to sweep the four game set and take a 6.5 game lead in the AL East.
  

Finally today, an interesting interview with Alexander Ovechkin, and by "interesting", I mean "weird".

BoSox Shutout...Again

• Chelsea and Manchester United locked horns at Wembley Stadium in London for the Community Shield, a friendly ahead of the English Premier League curtain raiser next weekend. Chelsea were winners on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
  
• UFC 101 saw Anderson Silva score an easy win over Forrest Griffin and BJ Penn tap out Kenny Florian in the fourth round of their championship fight.
  
• the New York Yankees shut out the Boston Red Sox again yesterday, stretching their AL East lead to 5.5 games, and stretched their shutout innings streak to 24 on Boston.
  
• Chicago Black Hawk Patrick Kane was arrested in a dispute over twenty cents change with a cab driver. You can't make this stuff up.
  
• Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price was rocking a Washington Nationals hat around Montreal. That guy could really use a publicist to spare him boneheaded moves like that.
• A survey of 5,500 teens in Canada looked at the popularity of various sports in the six NHL cities. In Toronto, and only in Toronto, did the NHL not rank first. It was actually third choice after the NBA and soccer.
• MLS Commissioner Don Garber says Montreal is almost certain to be the next expansion site for the league in 2011, giving the league three Canadian franchises including Toronto and Vancouver, the latter joining next year.
• Here's a very large part of why the New York Yankees are having such a great year. Check out their hitting numbers from inning seven onward. Across the board, incredible
• Surprise, surprise - David Ortiz maintains he never bought or used steroids. Funny, a certain test seems to indicate otherwise. What a douchebag.
• Sounds like it may have been the Chicago White Sox that put in a claim for Toronto Blue Jay Alex Rios. After taking on Jake Peavy, seems owner Jerry Reinsdorf has some money to spend. Maybe he decided Rios was a better investment than a hockey team in Arizona?

Have a great Sunday.

Real Deal Beatdown

• Seems that Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Alex Rios was put on waivers and claimed, allegedly by the San Francisco Giants, according to Buster Olney at ESPN. Hell of a chance for the Jays to shed some payroll for a guy with $60 million left on his pact.
• A day after getting smoked by the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox designated John Smoltz for assignment. Surely he's done, no? Also released with a .193 average: Jason Giambi by the Oakland A's.
• Speaking of the Yanks and Sox, they went a mere 15 innings before the Yankees won 2-0 thanks to an A-Rod bomb his first in 73AB's. Is he a "true Yankee" now? AJ Burnett only gave up a single hit over 7 2/3 innings. That's more like the AJ the Bombers signed. The Sox managed four hits on the night. The Yanks are now 4.5 up on the BoSox.
  
• Toronto FC were on the wrong end of a 5-1 beatdown by Real Madrid at a flash bulb popping BMO Field. Despite the scoreline, TFC actually acquitted themselves quite well in not looking to just kill the game to keep it close. In related news, Cristiano Ronaldo's legs are insured for $162 million Cathal Kelly of the Toronto Star blasts Ronaldo's detachment here. Hilites here. Love that the guy in the picture is rocking an Al Bundy "Polk High" shirt.
  
• New Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler was asked which fans were better: those of Da Bears or those of his previous team, the Denver Broncos. Guess who he picked? Yep, Da Bears. What a stunner!
• the Toronto Argos were shutout last night. Yes, a CFL game in which a team was shutout. 25-0 at the hands of the Montreal Al's. Well, at least you can say there is a lot of "o's" in "Toronto Argos".
• Bukkake's selections for tonight notwithstanding, looking forward to tonight's UFC 101 card. Some of the main fights, with my picks in included: BJ Penn vs. Kenny Florian (Penn is a killer at 155, and won't lose two straight); Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin (Forrest brings Anderson's best out of him, and gets beat as a result); Amir Sadollah vs Johnny Hendricks (Sadollah, only on personal preference as the UFC needs a guy with Amir's character), and loads more coming from Philly tonight.

Have a great Saturday!

Real Madrid invades T.O.

• Check out Baltimore Ravens Terrell Suggs t-shirt he wears under his gear every day. That's good stuff.
  
• The Cleveland Indians are poised to lose $16 million this year. That might explain their recent purge of big contracts, though they did manage to keep Grady Sizemore in the fold, at least for the time being. No doubt if they could ditch Kerry Wood and Travis Hafner, they'd do that in a heartbeat. Seems like a long time since the sold out "Jake" was rocking every night, no?
• Jeff Blair at The Globe & Mail wants to see the Toronto Blue Jays do something, anything, different. Hard to disagree, though you can't exactly say they haven't worked some young arms in this year, but his point about Kevin Millar is valid. Why play that guy when you've got younger options you can get some innings and AB's for the future?
• seems FC Shalke 04 of the German Bundesliga's fan base has upset some Muslims, who object to the usage of Muhammed in a song, even though they're merely saying he was just a fan of Shalke. Maybe Muslims prefer Bayern Munich?
• word is David Ortiz will speak about his failed drug test before Saturday's game in New York. Whenever you're ready, Papi, no sense rushing into these things.
• speaking of New York, the Yankees raked the BoSox for 18 hits last night in lighting up the pitcher once known as John Smoltz, and won 13-6, their first "W" against Boston in 9 tries . Check out this great piece on how the rivalry is hot again, and how just maybe the Sox and Yankees have changed roles of recent years. AJ Burnett has much to make up for tonight after two brutal starts against the Sox earlier this year. Josh Beckett is on the bump for the Beantowners.
• if you're a fan at all of an athlete that speaks his mind, whether you agree or disagree, and brings a bit of colour to a drab, cliche riddled world and is a hall of fame talent, then like myself, you'll miss Jeremy Roenick, who is retiring after 20 years.
• 18,000 showed up to watch Real Madrid practice at BMO Field last night. That's pretty impressive, though it is one of the best teams in the world. Can't imagine TFC does anything but get hammered by Real tonight. Coverage on GolTV and ESPN.
• the Washington Nationals have 10 days left to sign Stephen Strasburg, who some have called the greatest pitching prospect in the history of the game
• remember BJ Ryan? He's the one time Blue Jays closer who the Jays ditched because he was completely inneffective, especially at a salary north of $10 million. Ryan went to the Chicago Cubs and was working his way back with their AAA team, or at least he was until yesterday when he asked for and received his release. End of the road? Sure seems that way.
  
  

Toronto Rocks for Yankees

• The visit by Real Madrid to Toronto is expected to rake in $3-4 million profit for MLSE. Not a bad return for a million and change invested.
• There is life in Jim Balsillie's bid after all, after word came out that the judge ruling on the case will include Balsillie in the September auction of the team. I'd hate to be around Gary Bettman when that word came out. Love it.
• Seems odd that Eli Manning is making more than Peyton Manning now after signing an extension for 6 years and $97.5 million, if he sees out the entire deal through 2015. Of course, Peyton more than makes up for it with his seemingly endless endorsements.
• ESPN Insider says that the possibilities for Michael Vick this year are down to three: Baltimore, New England and Green Bay.
  
• The Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators are working on a three way deal with the Habs getting Patrick Marleau, the Sharks Dany Heatley and the Sens Tomas Plekanec and Jaroslav Halak or Roman Hamrlik. Interesting stuff in a relatively silent time of the off-season.
• The San Diego Padres released pitcher Mark Prior? You know you're done when...
• Vince Young is parroting his former college coach Mack Brown and saying he'll end up in the Hall of Fame, as well as winning a Super Bowl. Call me crazy, but he should set his sights on starting, for starters
• for a mere $800k, you can have a private box in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, called Cowboys Stadium. But wait - there's more! You'll need to still buy your tickets. And a pizza, free of toppings, will set you and your crew back $90. A six pack of beer for your buddies runs a mere $66. Who comes up with this stuff in any economic environment and thinks it is a good idea to let that pricing get out? Can't imagine those packages sell, but then again, it is the Cowboys and it is Texas.
• the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are set for a four game slate that means a whole lot to the Yankees, 0-8 vs. Boston this year. The Yanks could really take over the division if they win 3 of 4 or more, as they're coming in up 2.5. With John Smoltz on the mound tonight, it is lining up well for the Bombers. Jason Bay being out for what appears to be a pair of games doesn't hurt either.

Have a great Thursday!

• If Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge's ERA is 7.11, does that mean he never closes?
• Just days away from UFC 101 on Saturday night from Philadelphia. Shaping up to be a solid card, if not one that will suffer from the large shadow of UFC 100.
  
• Manny Ramirez RBI's last night were his first since July 22nd in a 17-4 LA Dodgers win over Milwaukee. His streak of no comments about the the 2003 failed test revelations remain intact. Post-game last night, the Brewers Prince Fielder tried to get into the Dodgers locker room after getting dotted in the ninth innning.
• Here's a interesting piece on the Toronto Raptors large international flavor. The Raptors have done much to overhaul their roster despite Bryan Colangelo once calling the 2008/9 roster the best he had assembled in Toronto. He best be revising that comment if a fickle fan base and Chris Bosh have much to say about it.
• Not sure about you but I like "Morency". I loved "Drive This".
• Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young's college coach at Texas, Mack Brown, told the Jim Rome Show he believes that VY will win the Super Bowl and go on to a Hall of Fame career. Make of this what you will.
• New York Yankee Johnny Damon is hitting a career .355 with four homers against Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay after last nights 2 for 4, including a homer. The Yanks won 5-3 including three round trippers. Halladay's numbers since coming off the DL are hardly overwhelming. The Jays are 1-7 in Halladay's last eight starts and the Yankees have scored 10 runs on 19 hits in their last two victories over Halladay.
• Toronto FC had a pile of chances - sound familiar? - but couldn't score and have bowed out of the CONCACAF Champions League after a scoreless draw at Puerto Rico.
  
• The Pittsburgh Pirates, as one example of what bad management can do, bring in $70 million in revenue before they sell a ticket or collect their revenue sharing cheque. They're spending $25 million on players, dead last in the league. Small wonder they've got a beautiful new park that nobody goes to. But hey, at least the city of Pittsburgh has the Steelers and Penguins.
  
• Terrell Owens show is charting at #797 in the latest Nielsen Rankings, something Jim Rome made sure he hilited. In response, T.O. has fired a few salvos back at Rome. Thank to TS for flipping that piece my way.
• speaking of Twitter, the San Diego Chargers Antonio Cromartie was fined by the team for tweeting that the nasty food at the Bolts camps the last couple years is why they haven't been a Super Bowl team.

That's all for today, have a great one.

Fedor flees to Strikeforce

• Has anyone heard a word from Roy Halladay since the trade deadline? Seems quite the cone of silence has descended upon the ace pitcher wanting out of Toronto. Former teammate and now New York Yankee AJ Burnett was regularly exchanging messages with Halladay leading up to the trade deadline, partly to urge Halladay to move to New York, and word from Michael Kay at ESPN Radio New York is that the messages stopped on Wednesday and Burnett told Kay that something wasn't right. Is Halladay super bent over how JP Ricciardi handled the situation? It'd be hard to believe otherwise, really.
• there could well be some hope yet for Jim Balsillie's bid to move the Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton, as the Phoenix judge presiding over the case has ruled that the auction of the team will now be September 10th and that he may allow outside bids. Gary Bettman did not have a good day yesterday as a result, but really, it isn't personal.
• Fedor Emelianenko has inked a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce where he'll no doubt feed on a steady diet of lesser competition. Eventually, you'd think he'd want to go to UFC, no? UFC President Dana White had some pointed comments, as you might expect, at the bottom of that same link.
  
• Count Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic among those who aren't a fan of Brock Lesnar. Cro Cop best be careful or he'll end up on the wrong end of a beating from Lesnar sometime down the road, assuming he can even work his way into the title picture.
• it may be a bit too much crystal ball, but RM reader Big Daddy sends this piece from the Bleacher Report that looks at the future of the NFL and CFL in upstate New York (read: Buffalo) and how the latter may replace the former.
• one Steven Thompson of Burnley in the English Premier League tumbled into the beer garden in Portland during an exhibition match on Sunday. Thompson took it upon himself to get up, grab a pint off a table, take a giant swig and jump back into play. Awesome. Wonder what NFL Commish Roger Goodell would do if one of his players ever did that?
  

Check out the Alessandro Del Piero's penalty kick in the finals of the 2009 Peace Cup. Not sure what is funnier, Del Piero's effort, or the call of the commentator, which could also double as the best call since "Boom goes the dynamite", if not ever. Enjoy.