Sports

A couple days ago, I tried to dispell rumors that the Braves were looking to shop Yunel Escobar. Turns out I was wrong, the shortstop (and JoJo Reyes) were sent to Toronto for Alex Gonzalez and a handful of minor leaguers.

This was a stupid trade.

Toronto gets one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball for three years of club control without giving up all that much. Sure, Yunel is known as a head case, but he’s also known for having an incredibly high ceiling and boatloads of talent. His power numbers haven’t been there this year (0 home runs), but he’s shown the ability to put the ball into the seats and he’s got the ability to hit for a decent average.

The trade no doubt signals Escobar as one of the biggest busts in Atlanta sports history. He was once regarded as one of the best prospects in baseball, but his style of play clashed with Bobby Cox and many of those in the Braves front office.

On the other hand, people are already praising Gonzalez as an experienced player with a professional demeanor. From a clubhouse angle, the Braves have to feel good about his presence. I’m not totally sure how he’ll function in this lineup, but he’s an improvement over what the Braves were currently getting out of Escobar.

I’m concerned about Gonzalez’ ability to get on base. First base is a foreign concept to Gonzalez. He’s got an abysmal .261 BB/K ratio. But he’s hitting a .259 which is an improvement over Yunel’s .238. His 17 home runs are a nice addition as well. Still, this offense has been predicated on seeing a lot of pitches, wearing guys down, and getting on base… three things Gonzalez hasn’t really been adept at doing. Say what you will about Yunel’s lack of power, his 37 walks indicate he saw a lot of pitches and worked a lot of counts.

The other concern for me: the future. This was very much a “right now”  move by Frank Wren and the front office. Gonzalez will help them in the short term and will be under team control for next season as well. However, with an aging Chipper Jones at third and a guy at short stop that isn’t a spring chicken, the Braves may need to replace that entire half of the infield within the next two years and there aren’t a lot of internal candidates to do it.

By now, most of you know the story of Da’Rick Rogers. The mega-talented wide reciever out of Calhoun spurned his Georgia commitment at the 11th hour in order to sign with Tennessee. The decision caused an uproar from Bulldog faithful, incensed that an 18 year-old kid dare change his mind.

Back when the initial story was taking place, I was upset, but I wasn’t about to go out and start bashing a kid for making a personal decision. Some of my fellow Bulldog fans weren’t so level headed. Call in shows, message boards, and Bulldog Club meetings were awash in an anti-Da’Rick vitriol. Quite frankly, I was embarrassed to be associated with such low-lifes.

After the Damon Evans situation, you’d think Georgia fans would have learned their lesson about kicking another program while its down.

Wrong.

News surfaced this morning that Da’Rick Rogers and another Tennessee football player had been arrested for their alleged role in a bar brawl that left an off-duty Knoxville police officer unconscious on the side-walk. According to reports, the officer was knocked to the ground by one individual and then a group of Tennessee football players allegedly proceded to kick him in the body and head until the officer lost consciousness.

If guilty, Mr. Rogers deserves to be punished to the fullest extent of the law for what reads as an especially heinous crime. For now, I’m willing to withold judgement. My fellow Bulldog fans aren’t.

One look at the AJC’s comments on the article directs you to some of the most assinine and childish remarks I’ve ever come a cross. A few border on ignorance and racism.

Georgia fans… you have no room to talk. A trip through the Red and Black’s archives will turn up a whole hosts of indescretions committed by UGA student athletes. Heck, when the current offensive coordinator was a young QB at Georgia, he had two offensive linemen hold a guy back so he could beat him to a pulp inside an Athens bar.

I’m aware that the proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (a worthy cause), but LeBron’s one-hour ESPN special hits new heights of jackassery.

Its important to note that Kevin Durant just signed a five year extension with the Thunder. The only word of it was through his Twitter account. Kevin Durant is not a self-absorbed individual.

Joe Johnson, who was eliminated in the same round of the NBA playoffs as LeBron James, didn’t need an hour-long press conference (preceeded by a three-hour SportsCenter) to announce his decision to return to the Hawks. The same can also be said for Chris Bosh and he’s decision to head to play for the Miami Heat.

Durant, Johnson, and Bosh are not as talented as LeBron James. But, they’ve been just as successful as he has. None of them have an NBA championship… a fact that gnaws at Prince James on a daily basis.

See what I did there? LeBron calls himself a king. But how can one be king without any rings? If anyone is king of the NBA, it has to be Kobe Bryant, whose Laker squad just celebrated another NBA title.

LeBron will decide tonight sometime after 9 p.m. Where he chooses to play will have a big impact on his legacy as a player in this league.

If LeBron decides to stay in Cleveland, he’ll retain his status as a beloved icon in Northeastern Ohio. He’ll be viewed alongside Michael, Magic, and Bird as guys that were incredibly loyal to a team and two a city. If he wins a title, or more in Cleveland, he’ll be able to claim the credit.

But, LeBron has already tried in Cleveland. While the Cavs have been proactive in attempting to surround him with talent, its hard to win titles relying on guys like Delonte West, Mo Williams, and Anderson Varejao.

Despite the speculation, I don’t think he’ll wind up in Miami. Yes, the supporting cast is better than the one he’ll find in Cleveland. Yes, LeBron isn’t so selfish that he’s unwilling to share the basketball. Yes, this team would be essentially destined to run roughshod over the rest of the league.

BUT… winning a title in Miami would be a hollow victory. People said Kobe couldn’t win a title without Shaq. They’ll certainly be saying that LeBron couldn’t win a title without Dwayne Wade. This isn’t a Jordan/Pippen situation. Scottie Pippen was never closed to being regarded as one of the game’s best players. No matter how many titles LeBron wins in Miami, people will forever say “he couldn’t have done it without D-Wade.”

I don’t think LeBron wants that kind of kink in his legacy. Lord knows Kobe didn’t, thats why he ran Shaq out of town. If LeBron wants a chance at a title, right away, untainted by the visage of Dwayne Wade, he’ll go to Chicago.

It’s all there. A promising point guard (Derrick Rose), a stellar front-line (Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah), and the money that Miami won’t have to go out and get additional help if necessary. That Bulls line-up would be the best in the league, and there’d be no doubt that it was LeBron’s team.

This ESPN thing has shown us that Bron Bron is a selfish guy. He’ll go to Chicago so he can win and not have to share the spotlight.

I’m officially an alumnus, so its high time that this old man moved out. Like a late-night booty call, I’ll still drop by and post a column or two.

Until then, feel free to check out my new blog over here.

(Also feel free not to check it out – James)

AJC and WSB-TV are reporting that Damon Evans has resigned as the athletic director for the University of Georgia.

More updates and analysis as this story develops.

Since there’s no point in watching the World Cup any more, here are today’s brief predictions.

Germany v. England (10am)
Miroslav Klose returns for the German squad. Expect a return to the form they showed in their 4-0 opening defeat of Australia.

Prediction: Germany wins

Argentina v. Mexico (2:30pm)
Argentine coach Diego Maradona’s declared that he’d streak through the streets of Buenos Aires if they won the World Cup. He’ll likely shed a layer of clothing for every win from here on out.

Prediction: Off comes the jacket, Argentina wins

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the knockout stages. No more draws or goal differentials, from here on out its win or go home.

Uruguay v. South Korea (10am)
This has been South America’s cup so far. Every squad from the continent has advanced to the next stage. Uruguay have looked brilliant behind the work of Diego Forlan. I don’t see that changing today.

Prediction: Uruguay win

United States v. Ghana (2:3opm)
It’s a grudge match of sorts. The Black Stars bounced the US from the tournament back in 2006. The United States will need to match the physicality of Ghana if they expect to win.

Prediction: Ghana wins

Today is the last day of group play. We’ve been treated to an amazing opening round here in South Africa. The finalists from 2006 have both been sent packing. Powers England and Germany had to work for their spots in the knockout stages. South Africa have been valiant as hosts, almost making their way into the second round. Despite three draws, New Zealand go home feeling like world beaters. Meanwhile, the tiny United States has captured the hearts of their countrymen and moved into the second round.

Brazil v. Portugal (10am)
Brazil are in. Portugal, by virtue of their 7-0 victory against North Korea, are likely in. A draw would assure the Portuguese of their place in the second round. A loss doesn’t spell disaster, but they’ll have to keep it from being a blowout.

Prediction: Brazil wins

Ivory Coast v. North Korea (10am)
Portugal put the pressure on Drogba and Co. by rattling off 7 goals against the hapless North Koreans. The Elephants didn’t do themselves any favors in losing to Brazil by two goals. They’ll have to make up a 9 goal differential in order to move on to the second round. In short, Ivory Coast will be praying for a blowout, while they try to orchestrate one of their own.

Prediction: Ivory Coast wins, but not by enough

Spain v. Chile (2:30pm)
Spain need a win to get up and out of this group. Especially considering that Switzerland will be heavy favorites in their match against Honduras. Chile has looked good, but I like the Spaniards in the event they decide to show up.

Prediction: Spain win

Switzerland v. Honduras (2:30pm)
Every underdog has had its moment of glory here at the World Cup. Well, everyone except Honduras.

Prediction: Switzerland win

New Zealand can write some more history today with a win and advancement to the knockout stages. They’ll be facing the Paraguayans, one of the five South American squads that have been dominating this World Cup.

Meanwhile, Italy was expected to cruise their way through the group. Azzurri needs a win to to assure passage to the knockout stages. They’ll be taking on the Slovakians where were throttled by Paraguay last time out, but still have a chance to advance with a victory here.

In Group E, the Netherlands have already locked up a spot in the final stages, they’ll be playing a Cameroon squad that has already been eliminated. Denmark and Japan will be going head to head to determine just who makes it out of the group alongside the Dutch.

New Zealand v. Paraguay (10am)
I really don’t want to see this New Zealand story end. Paraguay have been solid throughout group play, earning a draw against Italy and dominating Slovakia. As much as I want the Kiwis in the knockout stages, good sense reigns supreme.

Prediction: Paraguay wins

Italy v. Slovakia (10am)
The Azzurri have to wake up at some point right? Italy have looked serviceable, but not great so far in this competition. Slovakia has the talent to make trouble here.

Prediction: Draw

Netherlands v. Cameroon
Cameroon are playing for pride, Netherlands are going to be resting up for the knockout stages.

Prediction: Cameroon win

Japan v. Denmark (2:30 pm)
The formula is simple. Win and you’re in. Denmark is the better side here.

Prediction: Denmark win

Teams are hoping it won’t be unlucky day 13 for them as Group C and Group D will be decided here at the World Cup.

England v. Slovenia (10am)
Slovenia have been pesky and they’ve been able to hang with teams along the lines of Algeria and the United States. The second half of the US game illustrated just what a more talented side can do to the Green Dragons. England is NOT the United States, they’ve got better players at every position and a wealth of international experience. Then again, the Three Lions have been very bad about playing down to the level of their competition. I wouldn’t be surprised if this won ended in a draw

Prediction: England wins

United States v. Algeria (10am)
If the United States cannot beat Algeria, they don’t belong in the World Cup. If they don’t win this game, the casual fan should no longer be “required” to cheer for the US team ever again.

Prediction: United States wins

Germany v. Ghana (2:30pm)
Horrendous officiating cost Germany a win in their second game. They’ll be without goal scoring machine Miroslav Klose and under pressure to advance with a win. Ghana welcomes back its two best defensive players John Mensah and Issac Vorsah, both of whom missed the match with Australia.

There’s also this whole thing about the Germans seeking revenge against Kevin-Prince Boateng, who injured German captain Michael Ballack back in their club seasons… make of that what you will.

Without Klose, I worry about the German firepower against a sturdy Ghanian back line. Lukas Podolski is one of the world’s best, but the magic of Podolski is his ability to link so well with Klose up top.

Prediction: Draw

Serbia v. Australia (2:30pm)
Australia came into the tournament with hopes that they could make it out of Group D. While Australia still has a chance, they’ll have to do it without Harry Kewell or Craig Moore, two of their best players. The Aussies haven’t looked good all tournament and benefited from an understaffed Ghana back line in their draw last Saturday.

Prediction: Serbia wins