"Manny Baying Manny"

After two world series titles, multiple spats with team mates and management, numerous trade rumors and trying to give him away for nothing. The Boston Red Sox have finally ended their tumultuous relationship with Manny Ramirez. I am glad they made the deal. He was a cancer to the team. In return they got a quality player in Jason Bay. I would have liked to see them get another reliever by today also. Maybe a shortstop like christian Guzman from the Nationals. To bad they had to lose Branden Moss but he really didn't have a place on the team. I'm glad to see him get a chance to play like David Murphy. Craig Hanson may become a decent reliever in the national league. But he may never live to his potential so his loss isn't a terrible thing. I'm glad Michael Bowden and Kris Johnson are still in the system. Two excellent prospects. It was a fun ride Manny but you got your twisted wish of being traded. Have fun in LA LA land where you have been living all along anyway.

Patriots Training Camp

I went to Patriots training camp this morning. They were in full pads and was full contact but no tackling. The O-Line looked good blocking for the running game. The addition of Lamont Jordan was key. Adding depth with a veteran, who has had success in the NFL. Dave Thomas was all over the field catching passes and blocking. If he can stay healthy Thomas could be a major contributor to the team this year. The play of the day went to Gary Guyton. An undrafted rookie linebacker out of Georgia Tech. His one handed interception off Kevin O'Connell was a crowd pleaser. Chad Jackson was handling the kickoff return duties. Hopefully he can stay healthy and contribute this year. He did drop a couple of passes thrown his way but looked sharp returning the ball.

MLB Mid-Season Predictions

Home field advantage has been decided as the American League defeated the National League. Meaning the season is half over. Here are my predictions for the playoffs.

American League

East - Boston Red Sox - Good starting rotation and alot of pop with the bats. If the Red Sox can get some help in middle relief they will surely be contending in October.

Central - Detroit Tigers - Very talented team with an excellent coach. If the starting rotation can settle down they will be tough to beat. Currently 7 games out of first and Magglio Ordonez is coming off the DL soon.

West - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - They will absolutely run away with the division in the second half.

Wild Card - Minnesota Twins - Solid pitching and defense have helped this team be what it is. Two great young stars in the middle of the line up and a star closer in Joe Nathan. Solid starting pitching has been a pleasent suprise.

National League

East - New York Mets - A hot team coming into the break. They have it all and it seems to be coming together. If starter John Maine can have a better second half they will be tough to beat.

Central - Chicago Cubs - Best record in baseball currently. Getting Rich Harden in a trade with Oakland could prove to the move that's sends them to the world series if he stays healthy. Great pitching and hitting.

West - Arizona Diamondbacks - A young team with two top starters. If the Young bats can come alive they definitely have a shot at the world series. Very athletic outfield.

Wild Card - Philadelphia Phillies - Rollins, Utley and Howard is the top 1, 3, 4 in the league. Good relief pitching. If the starters can come up big, They will give the Mets a run for the east.


WORLD SERIES

BOSTON RED SOX def. CHICAGO CUBS

Barry Bonds

I've heard rumors of Barry Bonds being sought out by the Red Sox. First I don't believe the rumors. Why would they want to bring a guy like him in here? David Ortiz is a few weeks away from coming off the DL. They could always trade for someone at the deadline in a couple of weeks if need be. Not to mention, Barry Bonds is the biggest jerk in baseball. He isolates himself from his teamates and expects to be treated like a king. He's not the juiced up slugger who set the single season home run record. He's an aging, injury ridden club house cancer waiting to happen. I say, he would be a great fit for the Yankees or the California state penal league.

Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson is an elite talent in the NFL. He is definitely worth a pick in the third round. The only things against him is his past of injuries and lack of other talented wide receivers. Kevin Walter had a solid season and Jacoby Jones is entering his second season. Having those two may help him out if they can take the next step. I was really surprised to see them not address wide receiver in the draft. I thought James Hardy, Earl Bennett or Jordy Nelson would have been a great compliment to Johnson. Matt Schaub is a decent quarterback. Last season was his first year in the Texans offense. So he should improve this year. They have been building there offensive line through the draft the past few years. Steve Slaton could emerge in the running game to take pressure off the passing game. I think Andre Johnson is one of the most talented wide outs in the game. As far as injuries, it can happen to anyone at anytime in the NFL. He is worth the pick.

As far as Burleson vs. Culpepper. I think the dolphins were trying to bring in a veteran QB for their offense. To bad for them his ship had sailed. Nate Burleson only had one career year with 60+ catches and over 1,000 yards. I guess the Seahawks were looking to get a great weapon for Hasselbeck, Funny thing is they still are. Needless to say I was puzzled by the Burleson deal.