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.