7/31/2008: Quick hits on MLB, the NFL and the NBA

Ain't nothing like random thoughts by a faceless dude on the internets, so here goes:

Today was the MLB Trade Deadline, and this might have been the most active trade deadline in terms of star power ever. Three first ballot hall of famers (Pudge, Junior, and Manny) were traded in the last 24 hours, along with one borderline hall of famer (Kyle Farnsworth). The Manny Being Manny deal is pretty easy to understand from every team's perspective, so I'll just give quick thoughts on the other two deals.

I understand why the Yankees acquired Ivan Rodriguez, but what on earth do the Tigers think they'll get from Kyle Farnsworth? He blew ten years ago, he blew five years ago, he blows now. I can understand dealing Pudge to cut some costs and start looking towards 2009. But to get a 30-year-old head case middle reliever is mind-boggling.
I have similar reaction to the White Sox' acquisition of Ken Griffey, Jr. The dude's a statue in the outfield, he's a fraction of his former self at the plate, and he frankly doesn't seem to care anymore. (Five years in Cincy will do that to you.) That said, he's a slight upgrade over the massively slumping Paul Konerko at the plate. So I guess it makes a sort of sense if Paulie ends up on the bench with Griffey in Center and Swisher at first. But the problem is I've seen Junior up close and personal this year, and he can NOT play Center. He can barely play Right. He looks like an older version of Barry Bonds in the outfield. If he hit like Steroid Era Barry, you'd put up with it. But he's hitting .235. This can't end well.

The Cubs completed their sweep of the Brewers today, and they outscored the Brew Crew 31-11 (with 3 of those Brewer runs in a meaningless 9th when the score was 11-1). After the recent stretch of losses, I wasn't very optimistic about this series. In fact, on Monday morning, I'd have happily taken a 2-2 split. But to sweep them in their home park, after them being en fuego for a month? Just a punch in the mouth to the people up north. And I love it.
The Favre saga drags on and is getting more and more bizarre by the day. I can't believe the Packers offered Favre $20 million to stay retired. That's "I spit on your grave" insulting. Can you imagine Jerry Reinsdorf offering such a deal to Michael Jordan? While Jordan may have been eased into the general direction of the door, the Packers have decided to take a dump on Favre's scrapbook. This is the ultimate no-win situation for the Aaron Rodgers and the Packers now. It's so bad, they're considering trading Favre to the NFC North. I don't blame them there. At this point, you have to a) end it, and b) maximize your value because you're screwed either way. If the Vikings have made the best offer, it's the best offer and you have to take it. There's no sense worrying about the 2-4 times you might face him in the next 1-2 years, and it's a good way to stick it to your enemies in the long run. You deal with him. This whole thing could have been avoided, though, and both sides are to blame:

The Packers shouldn't have been so pushy to get his decision in the first place. Immediately after last season ended, they should have gone to Favre and said, "You're a big part of our future and we absolutely want you back. Take your time" Even if they didn't mean it, that's how you take the high road. Favre comes back -- everything's fine. Favre retires, you're fine with Rodgers. Favre flip-flops, you appear eager to take him back and none of this stuff happens.
Favre has made it all infinitely worse. Supposedly he told the Packers that he was considering coming back in March. The GM and President went down to Mississippi, offered him a deal, and tried to get him to officially commit to coming back. He changed his mind again. Then whining to every Jay, Chris, and Peter makes no sense in the slightest,

All I know is, I'm glad it's happening to the Packers. It couldn't happen to a finer nemesis. What would really be awesome now would be for Aaron Rodgers to demand a trade. "Screw you guys, I'm outta here. You can have your Favre and stick him up your you know what." Oh man, would that not be a perfect ending to this whole debacle.
Everyone's happy in Bears camp. Hester signed a big contract, and Bourbonnais is now completely free of "off-the-field" controversy for probably the first time since Lovie Smith took over. No holdouts, no Tank Johnsons, no DUIs, no nothing. All that's left is football, and that's all there should be.

The Bears cut Nick Hill before the first preseason game, letting Perry know exactly what they think of his talent evaluation. Could they be making room for another Quarterback? Hmmm....
Ricky Manning Jr's days are numbered. I didn't think he was that bad, but he's like 80th string on Lovie's depth chart. (I think Scott Eyre is even higher). Expect a trade for a 6th rounder (Chris Harris style) before the season starts.

Is Luol Deng really worth $71 million dollars? Not even close. Really, after last season, he's just a tick better than Jud Buechler on the Bulls list of all-time great forwards. All kidding aside, I just don't see Deng ever making an All-Star team, let alone being the best player on a championship team. He's good, but not great. A role player. A second or even third banana. But he's no star worthy of such a large bag o' cash.

Final Thoughts on Chicago Sports