Time to Call It Quits

As I am sure you all have heard, Brett Farve is trying to make a comeback to the NFL. Farve retired back in March but since has had a "change of heart" and want another shot at the Limbardi Trophy. For his sake I hope the Packers do not allow it. As great as Brett Farve has been to the NFL and game of football for so many years, the game does not need him anymore. No body wants the last image of a legendary quarterback to be one of him being carried off in a stretcher.

The Packers had a great year last year, far better than anyone would have expected. Yes, they have a lot of talent, but I for one do not foresee a repeat performance of last year’s miracle run in the cards again for this season. They are not a Superbowl team; not in the same league as the New York Giants and definitely not in the same league as the Dallas Cowboys. It would be foolish for Brett to come back to a team that will struggle to make the playoffs.

On top of all of this we have Aaron Rodgers, a first round draft pick in 2004 and deemed successor to the great Farve. The plan from the beginning was for Rodgers to back up Farve for a year or two and get a feel of what it takes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. That was four years ago. He has learned from the best, but you can only learn so much from watching game. He has franchise quarterback potential, but that potential will never he reached if he continues to rot on the bench. It would be a wasted investment to watch Rodgers walk at the end of the year without knowing what might have been.

I can only imagine how hard it must be for star athletes to walk away from a sport that has been their life for the past 20+ years. With that said, there comes a time when everyone must step away. Brett had a great run. He is one of the top five greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, but the time for him to sail off into the sunset has come; time to walk away now when everyone thinks of him as a winner; not a year down the road when everyone may say “great player, but he never knew when to hang 'em up.”

Red Sox First Half Report Card

With the All-Star Break now here, let's take a look at the report card for the Sox starters

Jacoby Ellsbury-B. His 35 steals are impressive, but we've seen better last fall from the soon to be star. Splitting time with Coco Crisp hasn't helped his numbers though.

Dustin Pedroia-A-. Last year's AL rookie of the year hasn't hit a sophomore slump with a .314 average and a recent hitting streak which is over 15 games. He also sports a .989 fielding percentage.

Manny Ramirez-B. He started his contract year off with a bang, but cooled down a bit. He recently has been heating up and leads the team with 18 home runs. What will we expect in the second half of the season with 20 million dollars on the line?

David Ortiz- INC. A May 31st injury has held the DH to the DL.

J.D. Drew-A. He's come through huge with Ortiz on the disabled list. A .413 OBP is worth noting as well. He could very well be the first half MVP of the team. This is making his 13 million dollar a year contract look a little better.

Kevin Youkilis-A-. Nothing new from Youk, with his stellar defense leading the way (.997 fielding %) and 15 long balls to go along with a .314 average. We've seen a second half slowdown from Youkilis in the past, will it happen again?

Julio Lugo-C. He recently headed to the DL which gives prospect Jed Lowire to prove his worth. Lugo's errors were to be expected when he came to Boston, but his offensive numbers (.268 with 22 RBI and 1 Homer) don't cover up for his defensive woes (16 errors in 82 games).

Jason Varitek-C-. It's hard to see 'Tek like this. Somehow an All-Star with .218 average, he's helped the younger pitchers along, but has been a black hole in the hitting department. Hears to 'Tek turning it around in the second half

Mike Lowell-B+. He had an early season injury, but has bounced back well. He's living up to the new contract for now.

Agree? Disagree? Waybackemail@gmail.com

-Mac

A Happy Holiday Awaits

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Rockies are willing to listen to offers for all-star outfielder Matt Holiday. Holiday .338/14/51 is having another solid season for a very mediocre Colorado team. This would make Holiday the top offensive prize at this years deadline. Rosenthal says teams who have expressed interest so far include the Red Sox, Dodgers, and Nationals. The most intriguing thing about a potential deal for Holiday is that he is still under contract for the 2009 season making this more than just a few month rental. With that said, the asking price for Holiday is expected to be significant. Likely at least two or three top tier prospects.