Who's Hot Who's Not

Who's Hot

Spain
Like countryman Pablo Picasso, Rafael Nadal (left) has an affinity for clay. Nadal's record 53rd straight win on the surface was over No. 1 Roger Federer. Later Fernando Alonso, racing before King Juan Carlos, became the first Spaniard to win the Spanish Grand Prix.

George Steinbrenner
Classic Boss barb--he grumbled about "the third baseman"--may have sparked A-Rod to homer in three Yankees wins. More sparks when George and wife Joan celebrated 50th anniversary last Friday, and maybe more Saturday: His Hemingway's Key runs in Preakness.

Baylors
In his 20th season with now highly competent Clippers (page 46), G.M. Elgin Baylor will reportedly be named NBA executive of the year. Baylor baseball (33--19) beat No. 5 Nebraska three straight, including 12--2 on Sunday, the Huskers' first run-rule loss since '98.

Clay Hensley, Pitcher
Nine innings and lots of zeroes for his first career shutout, a two-hitter over the Cubs. Said the Padres righty of the day on which he retired the last 13 batters, "That was a lot of fun."

Who's Not

Chicago
The Cubs are schlubs, battered by injury ( Kerry Wood, Derrek Lee and Mark Prior, right), punchless on the field (NL-low 139 runs scored). The Chisox (minus injured starter Jose Contreras) struggled by Chisox standards (losing three of four), and ex--Bears CB Jerry Azumah sez he wuz robbed--of $250,000 by a housekeeper.

Rick Sutcliffe
Not a classic outing for former Cy Young winner turned ESPN broadcaster. In a guest spot on Padres TV (his old haunt), Sutcliffe rambled and slurred until his mike was cut off. He later apologized, saying he was "not in optimum condition to go on live television."

Former Finalists
The Devils, who've been in three of NHL's last five finals, and the Avs, who beat them there in 2001, were knocked out of second round. Fallout in Denver: G.M. Pierre Lacroix (right) stepped down.

Clay Hensley, Batter
Five at bats and nothing but whiffs as Hensley tied a major league record for strikeouts in a game. Said Hensley, an .071 hitter this season, "I couldn't get a ball out of the cage in batting practice."