The Week Ahead

Welcome to the first full week of Stories from Lil' Rodge. Those first few days were a nice little test run. I'm ironing out the kinks, trying to establish a style and hoping to have the other writers contribute a little more. I've even learned about something called "proof-reading".


Monday
The Blue Jays have a much needed day off today after being swept on the road by both the Indians and the Rangers. Luckily we have ace surgery patient Victor Zambrano on the mound to help get us out of the slump. It's really a medical miracle, he had Tommy John surgery and in less than twelve months he went from an average pitcher to a below average pitcher.

Canada takes on the US in the "Our teams didn't make the playoffs" tournament. That can be seen on TSN at noon. I would love to see the ratings for this tournament. Was it worth them pre-empting the Sabres/Rangers game? Luckily NBC, who's doing a great job with their coverage, started the game on time. HOWEVER, I was very much looking forward to NBC's telecast because I'd finally get a respite from the blow-hardary (new word!) of Pierre McGuire, but they hired him too! I never thought I'd miss having to watch Barry Melrose, Darren Pang, Mike Emmrick, Gary Thorne and John Buccigross on ESPN but TSN's sub-standard broadcasts makes me long for the days of being reminded three times a period what colour jersey the teams were wearing.

Also on TSN, Red Wings vs Sharks. I just want this series to be over so the NHL can announce the schedule for the Sabres/Senators series. Is it Thursday and Saturday or Friday and Sunday? I want to know! Regardless, the Ducks are going to pummel whoever they face. I would love to see Hasek injured though, that's all I can hope for.

Tuesday
The aforementioned Victor Zambrano (0-1) takes the mound against Josh Beckett (6-0!!!) as the Red Sox and Blue Jays kick off a three game series at Lil' Rodge. It'll be a crowded house the next two nights as it's a $2 Tuesday (a promotion they should keep all season) followed by...

Wednesday
...the return of Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-2). The pride of Tokyo faces-off against Tomo Ohka (2-3), the shame of Kyoto.

Thursday
If the Sabres/Sens series starts on Thursday, then I'll be in Buffalo. If not I'll be back at Lil' Rodge for the third day in a row watching Roy Halladay (4-1) take on knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (3-3).

Friday
The other potential start date for the Sabres/Sens series. I've got to keep my schedule open. This should really be an amazing series and if Buffalo ends up beating Ottawa then I'm sure I'll be saying "Oh yeah, we've always owned the Sens in the playoffs. The Sens are chokers. etc" But as of right now the Sens look like the better team and I'm terrified of them.
This picture will help ease my mind.