The death of Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock is a tragic event and should be treated with sensitivity. And, I will attempt here to be sensitive while being honest. 

Although the toxicology report isn't back yet (those take a while I understand) according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, there is evidence that Hancock may have been drinking prior to his fatal collision with a tow truck on I-40 early Sunday morning.  There is further evidence linking Hancock to an incident on Wednesday which led him to oversleep Thursday and allegedly report to work hung over.

The Post Dispatch reported Monday that following Saturday's loss against the Cubs, Hancock and some teammates enjoyed dinner at Mike Shannon's restaurant.  Shannon's daughter Pat, who runs the restaurant for her father, a Cardinal broadcaster, said that at the end of the evening, Hancock was offered a cab and declined.  This would be my first indication that my worst fears were realized: the possibility that Josh Hancock may have been impaired at the time of the accident. 

There will be no doubt that the Cardinal organization, the players, the management and perhaps the St. Louis police will close ranks to keep the results of the tox screen as quiet as possible and preserve Hancock's memory and dignity.  But the bottom line is, evidence does exist that Hancock may have been driving under the influence.  And if that is the case, his death may not have been in vain.

If it is the case, let it serve as a warning to people (including the Cardinals manager who had a DUI in spring training) that drinking and driving are absolutely wrong.  That even the most skillful of athletes cannot avoid harm when they choose to consume alcohol and get behind the wheel of a car.   And, if you know someone, or have a co-worked that has a problem with alcohol, try to get them help before they get arrested or killed or worse, kill somebody else.

I am not against drinking.  I am against drinking and driving, a crime which puts every car on the road at risk.  It's hard enough to negotiate a vehicle around town and on the interstate at 100%.  Add to that mix a few bears or margaritas and you are asking for a lot of trouble.

It is not my intent to besmirch the memory of a young man, loved by his family, cherished by his teammates,  respected by his opponents.  However, if Josh Hancock's death was a result of alcohol, people need to know so that in his death, a tragic but important lesson can be learned.

Lightning Round

• BTW, on the field, the Brewers beat the Cardinals 7-1 in a game that had more to do with Kip Wells being on the mound than it did the loss of a teammate.  One of the insignificant byproducts of this tragedy is that this was supposed to be the Brewers coming out party on national TV.  Unfortunately, with everyone focused on emotions, the game was a moot point.
• The White Sox open a series with the Mariners tonight in Seattle.  While some optimists think that turning the page of a calendar has some significance, most people will tell you that it will get worse before it gets better, simply because of key injuries.  Hopefully, the Sox will be able to take advantage of a pretty down Seattle team before going to visit the red hot Disneyland Angels of Outer Los Angeles.
• "Belting Bo from Cicero" the oldest living Sox player has expired at 94.
  
• More over analysis on the 2007 NFL draft.  Specific to the Bears, this Greg Olsen has quite a history.  Not only di the Bears take a talented tight end, they may have drafted the next Eminem as well. 
  
• Tank Johnson has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor gun possession and not guilty of having common sense.  He's next big appearance will be before NFL commissioner Roger "Law & Order" Goodell, who most likely will park Tank for a year.
  
• The Bears add to their roster simply by taking a Leak.  Now the Bears can boast of having two crappy quarterbacks from the University of Florida.  And Chis, the only thing you will learn from Rex is how to throw into coverage and how to miss wide open receivers.
• George Steinbrenner must either be medicated or have mad cow.  He wouldn't have been this patient twenty years ago.  And BTW, I'd take out Cashman first since Torre doesn't acquire pitching.
  
• In the chase for Lord Stanley's cup, you gotta love the patient Ottawa Senators who just kept firing the puck on poor New Jersey goalie Marty Brodeur until they succeeded.  Memo to Devils coach Lou Lamerillio: Every once in a while, you need to take a shot.  In the other game last night, Detroit came out pumped up and aggressive until they started breathing hard in the third period and were overtaken by the Sharks 2-1.  Is it just me, or does Dominik Hassek look like a beached Beluga when there is action in front of the net?  Tonight, the Rangers meet Buffalo and Vancouver entertains Anaheim, both on Versus. 
  
• Versus has been running some of the CBC and TSN (Canadian networks) coverage of the games.  The Canadian hockey announcers and analysts are superior to anything we have on this side of the border.  Yes, I know that should be a given.
• Our friends at "Kissing Suzy Kolber" do it again, penning the thoughts of Brady Quinn as he sank like a boulder in water on Saturday.
• Here's a shout out to any American athlete who feels that they are "disrespected" by the fans: You have no clue how bad it can get.
  
• Tommy Newsome, the unflappable, deadpanned "Mr. Excitement" from the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson leaves us at 78.
• If you are involved in a high speed car chase with Johnny Law, don't expect Johnny to have any liability.  As it should be.
  
• There are some that believe that celebrities shouldn't capitalize on their fame and endorse as many things as they can before either they are no longer hot or do or say something which turns the public against them.  We've all been cracking on Peyton manning for his commercials.  Another such celebrity may be celebrity cook Rachel Ray.  To that end, here's a handy form to get Rachel to endorse your product.
• I can't understand this for the life of me: You are in our country ILLEGALLY.  Yet, you hold a large public protest the state of your existence.  What's wrong with this picture?  And, why do we continue to let it go on without penalty or consequence.  I'm sorry, but where I come from, if you have no green card or you are not a citizen, you are a guest.  And guests don't get to come into my house and bitch about how ugly my living room is.
  
• Internet radio operators are doing their damnedest to fight off their insidious enemy, the RIAA. 
  
• Bread may be great, but it can kill you.  Think I'll have a sandwich and a cigarette to make myself feel better.
  
• Paul McCartney says his newest album is a retrospective.  Let's hope it dates back to 1978 Sir Paul, because that's when you stopped making hit records.
• If you missed Kyle Bush's wreck at Talladega on Saturday, you want to see this.  Unreal that a driver can walk away from something like this.