Thoughts... 7-9-2008

There have been some huge stories the last few days, and lately I have wanted to write so many columns about the happenings of the day and didn't have the time to write so much, so I have come up with a new idea I'm going to try out for a while and see how it goes.  I'm going to try and write a daily "Thoughts" column on what I think about the day's top sports headlines. As this is a new venture for me, please leave any feedback on how I can make it better, from things such as a column title, style, or whatever else you can think of. Here goes. 

Elton Brand spurning the Clippers for the Sixers

Wow. Didn't see this one coming. When the Clips signed Baron Davis, it looked like this team was finally headed to greener pastures. That move was supposed to entice Brand to come back, even being quoted as saying " My intention is to stay". I Guess not. First the Warriors, who I could only imagine were trying to get back at LA for getting Davis, offered Brand 5 years at around 82 million. Now Philadelphia made one of the worst looking trades ever, giving up Rodney Carney, Calvin Booth and a future 1st rounder to the Timberwolves for a 2nd round pick. I guess they really needed to clear up cap space. What a ride the Clippers fans are on. 

The Cubs trade for Rich Harden

I love this trade for the Cubs. First off, if they have not evened out the Sabathia-Milwaukee trade to keep control of the Central, they got really close. They now have a one-two punch that rivals any other in the league, including Milwaukee's. A lot of analysts are saying this is a "high-risk, high reward scenario." I'm not so sure. For one thing he comes at an enormously cheap price tag. If he doesn't work out, they are not going to lose huge financially. On the field, It looks like Harden has already had his yearly DL stint and is primed to have a great second half. If he doesn't work out on the field, the Cubs have enough pitching left and a good enough offense to still win the division and do well in the playoffs. Right now this is more of a luxury for them. Plus they didn't give up any big-time MLB contributors, and if I'm correct no huge prospects either. The second thing I like about this is Chad Gaudin. This is a guy who is only 25 but has 5 years of major league experience and a guy who Lou Piniella had in Tampa Bay and loved. They also have Harden at least through 2009, not the rent-a-player Sabathia is destined to be. The Cubs better hope Harden stays healthy, and if he does they just might coast to the NL pennant. 

The Brett Favre Saga

I don't know what to say. In the 50th year of his annual, "Will I, or won't I" retirement extravaganza, he took it to another level this year, actually retiring. Now he wants back in. And the Packers don't want him back. I repeat, the Packers DO NOT want the greatest player in the history of their franchise back. I'm sure this story will only get juicier and have more twists and turns in coming days and weeks, so all I'll say for now is buckle your seats and stay tuned. 

Rich Rod agrees to pay WVU 4 million in a buyout

Finally, it's over. Now everyone can move on from this and Rodriguez can devote his time fully to turning Michigan into a national power under his vision of the spread-option. This will be a fun time for Wolverine fans if his plans work out. I hope to God it will.