Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers. Yuck.

WOW! Ladies and gentleman, I was dead wrong. I didn't think there was any chance whatsoever of Manny being traded away from the Red Sox, even amidst all the rumors. However, much to my surprise, Manny Ramirez has been shipped to the Dodgers, as part of a three-team deal that sends Pirates outfielder Jason Bay to Boston. And I am not happy.

I'm admittedly upset that Manny landed on my least favorite team in all of sports. As painful as it is for me to say, this trade makes the Dodgers the NL West favorites. I sincerely hope that I am wrong about this, because the sight of Dodger blue and the thought of them celebrating any kind of success is sickening to me. As far as the Red Sox are concerned, they are now in serious danger of missing the postseason, a year after their second World Series title in four years. Those of you who read my live blog of the trade happenings this morning know that I am very high on Jason Bay. He will continue to put up nice numbers. However, the absence of Manny's bat is a monstrous blow to Terry Francona's team. Teams will be more apt to pitch around Big Papi now that there is no Manny behind him. I could be completely wrong, because Terry Francona is the best manager in the game and the Red Sox remain a very good team. However, I don't see Boston making the playoffs. Fans in Tampa and fans in the Bronx have to be thrilled that Theo Epstein pulled the trigger on the Manny Ramirez deal.

I get it, I get it, I get it: Manny Ramirez was being a pain in the you-know-where. That does not change the fact that he is one of the most intimidating offensive sluggers baseball has ever seen. And wouldn't you rather have a guy like Manny than a guy that has no personality whatsoever and hides all of his feelings? Anyway, I hate the Dodgers, so I am no longer a Manny Ramirez fan. Call me a biased homer, that's fine by me. But I'd be lying if I said this was not a good trade for Los Angeles. Unless the Diamondbacks start playing with an urgent sense of passion, Joe Torre's club will win the NL West. Boy, do I hope I'm wrong.

Live Blogging the MLB Trade Deadline

Hello, baseball fans. For the next two hours I will be live blogging the ESPNNEWS Trade Deadline Special. I'm joining the program a little late, so here is a summary of what has occurred up to this point:

---The Reds trade Ken Griffey, Jr. to the White Sox. Could baseball in Chicago get any hotter? Griffey's defense could be an issue, but he is the big bat that the White Sox need. Junior will join Carlos Quentin as a major offensive force in Ozzie Guillen's lineup. And kudos to the Reds for sending Ken Griffey, Jr. to a contender. A win-win deal for both sides.

---It looks like the Manny Ramirez trade is dead. Am I the only one who is not surprised?

---And yesterday, the Tigers traded Pudge Rodriguez to the Yankees for reliever Kyle Farnsworth. Good move for the Yankees. Bad move for the Tigers.

Okay, now it's time to start live-blogging! (All times are in the pacific time zone).

10:49: The Marlins trade for Arthur Rhodes. You can't help but admire this young team. They may not reach the playoffs, but they are able to contend with an extremely small payroll, little fan support, and without any big-name players. The Rays aren't the only lovable underdog in Florida.

10:51: Nobody covers baseball better than ESPN. Tim Kurkjian, Steve Phillips, Peter Gammons, John Kruk, Buster Olney, Joe Morgan. The list goes on and on.

10:55: Apparently the Mets are not in a position to make a move. Too bad, because a guy like Seattle's Raul Ibanez would be a great pickup for New York. Nonetheless, the Mets remain the favorites in the NL East.

11:03: The Phillies are looking for another arm. Makes sense. With Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins, Philly already is loaded with offense. By picking up a reliever, they instantly become a more well-rounded team. As Steve Phillips said, outside of Joe Blanton and Cole Hamels, their pitching is not that impressive.

11:06: The biggest name most likely to be traded is Pirates outfielder Jason Bay. Bay is one of the game's most underrated talents, and if I were the Rays, D'Backs, or Twins, I'd jump at the chance to acquire Bay.

11:09: Sure enough, Jayson Stark reports that the Jason Bay to Tampa Bay deal is back on.

11:10: According to Jayson Stark, Brian Fuentes is not going anywhere. Smart move by the Rockies. The NL West is wide open, but the Rockies have no chance without their best reliever.

11:13: Cincinnati should be thanking Ken Griffey, Jr. for all the great memories.

11:15: You never know how a prospect will pan out. For every Tim Lincecum, there is a Justin Wayne. And you're thinking, "Who is Justin Wayne?". My point exactly.

11:19: I wouldn't worry about Ken Griffey, Jr. in center field. He'll be reinvigorated playing in the Windy City.

11:21: Every team would love to have a General Manager like Ken Williams.

11:23: Nationals pitcher Jon Lannan could be headed to the White Sox. With all due respect to Minnesota, Chicago looks to be in great position in the AL Central. Still, it should be a tight race for the rest of the year.

11:25: The Twins are expected to call up Francisco Liriano. It's about time.

11:26: They say the Tigers are contenders, but I'm not buying it. GM Dave Dombrowski missed the boat in yesterday's deal by giving up Ivan Rodriguez. I know Jim Leyland's team was in desperate need of an arm due to the loss of Joel Zumaya, but Kyle Farnsworth is no Joel Zumaya.

11:29: Please don't let Greg Maddux go to the Dodgers!!!!

11:31: Many teams are interested in Indians pitcher Paul Byrd. I don't know. At this stage of Byrd's career, there really is no more upside.

11:32: Brian Cashman is a smart guy, but he can't honestly believe the Mariners would give up Jarrod Washburn without getting prospects in return.

11:33: I understand why there is some hesitation regarding Adam Dunn. Sure, he is a great power hitter. He also strikes out way, way, way too much.

11:41: If Maddux wants to stay West, why aren't the Diamondbacks making a move for him? They are a young team, and Maddux would provide veteran leadership for the stretch run.

11:43: Go out and get Tim Kurkjian's book. It's a quick, very entertaining read. Nobody loves baseball more than Kurkjian.

11:44: Where is Brian Sabean? As a diehard Giants fan, I think I speak for Giants nation when I say it is time to start unloading some of our veterans. We want to win next year, so I understand why we're holding on to Bengie Molina and Aaron Rowand. But it is time to part ways with Rich Aurilia and Jose Castillo and get some promising youngsters in return.

11:50: Where are you, St. Louis? You'd think the Cardinals would have to make a deal if they want to keep up with the Cubs and Brewers.

11:54: I know the D'Backs have as good a shot as anybody in the NL West, but the lack of activity by GM Josh Byrnes doesn't send the best message to the fans and players in Phoenix.

11:55: Still, with this being said, I really hope they outlast the Dodgers. Beat LA!

11:56: Tim Kurkjian just brought up another criminally underrated player in Jack Wilson. He gets no buzz, but Wilson is one of the most talented shortstops in the league.

11:58: Scott Reiss just mentioned the possibility of another trade for the Angels. Aren't they good enough already?

12:01: The Cubs are in position to complete a four game sweep at Milwaukee. Not exactly what Brewers fans had in mind.

12:03: I applaud Brian Cashman for picking up Ivan Rodriguez, but I'm not sure Xavier Nady and Richie Sexson will have that big of an impact.

12:04: Could the AL West wind up as the most lopsided division in baseball history?

12:05: With all due respect to Steve Phillips, the Angels absolutely made a great move by acquiring Mark Teixeira.

12:06: Bay Area GM's Brian Sabean and Billy Beane used to earn their money through their many moves at the trade deadline. Today, both have been silent.

12:08: Steve Phillips says the Angels can take over Los Angeles. However, much to my chagrin, the Lakers and Dodgers will always outshine the Angels and Clippers.

12:12: Blue Jays GM J.P. Riccairdi does this every year. He always thinks they're in the race. He is always mistaken. They are 9 1/2 games out. They are not going to surpass the Rays, Red Sox, and Yankees. No shot.

12:17: Let me make this clear: I do not condone his recent behavior. His comments this past week were disrespectful, arrogant, and just plain inaccurate . However, I also think Manny is good for baseball, and good for the Red Sox. I seem to be in the minority on this, but I still think Manny will continue to be productive, and his moody behavior will stop for the stretch run.

12:25: I wonder how Jose Molina feels about the Yankees trading for Pudge Rodriguez. He has to be disappointed, especially considering the fact that Molina was doing a fantastic job in the absence of Jorge Posada.

12:30: Tick tock, tick tock. Only 30 minutes to go before the deadline.

12:31: Jason Bay has to be hoping for a trade. Any takers? The Rays need another bat. I would be surprised if Tampa stays silent and fails to trade for Bay.

12:33: I have never understood why trades are allowed even after the trade deadline, and despite Steve Phillips' best effort at an explanation, I still don't get it. A deadline should be a deadline.

12:39: No teams are showing interest in Braves lefty reliever Will Ohman. Extremely surprising. You can never have a shortage of good arms in the bullpen, especially if they are left-handed.

12:40: An Omar Vizquel mention. I love Vizquel, but I'd be fine with a trade. Emmanuel Burriss is the shortstop of the future for the Giants.

12:43: The Raul Ibanez deal is dead. It looks like he will stay in Seattle.

12:45: Not many major trades today, other than the Griffey deal. But July has been a very eventful month as far as trades are concerned. CC Sabathia, Rich Harden, Pudge Rodriguez, Casey Blake, Xavier Nady, Richie Sexson, Mark Teixeira, and Damaso Marte have all found new homes.

12:48: Was there ever any doubt that Manny would be back in left field at Fenway?

12:49: The winners today are the Marlins and White Sox. Then again, they've had no competition.

12:50: Manny would not have been a good fit for the Marlins. They fair just fine their superb roster of unknowns.

12:56: A possible last minute Manny blockbuster? No way.

12:57: Excellent point by Peter Gammons. The Mariners have fallen way behind the pack.

12:58: The overall winners during this trade season are easily the Cubs, Brewers, and Angels.

12:59: One minute to go! Jason Bay looks to be staying in Pittsburgh.

1:00: There you have it. It's now time to get ready for some truly exciting pennant races.

The Donaghy situation will be forgotten----if it's an isolated incident.

Disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy will spend the next fifteen months in the slammer. His sentencing yesterday was not as harsh as some may have expected, but one year and three months in prison will force Donaghy to think long and hard about his actions. I don't think he will want to engage in any more gambling once he is released. But that's enough talk about Donaghy. The more pressing issue is whether or not this gambling scandal will leave the NBA with a permanently scarred image. Knowing what we know now, my answer is no. When play resumes in late October and early November, Tim Donaghy will hardly be a figment of our imagination. The NBA will be back and better than ever, ready to build off one of the most exciting seasons in the league's history. David Stern won't be bombarded with tough questions regarding the league's image. However, this will only be true if the Donaghy scandal is an isolated incident.

There is growing suspicion in some quarters regarding Tim Donaghy's several phone calls to fellow official Scott Foster, calls which occurred in the same time frame in which Donaghy was knee-deep in gambling operations. Nothing has been proven, so the old adage "innocent until proven guilty" still applies. Tim Donaghy is even less credible than Roger Clemens at this point; therefore, the strong likelihood remains that Tim Donaghy was a lone felon in a profession filled with honest men. But if certain revelations in the future prove Foster's association with betting on NBA games, then David Stern will have a whole lot of trouble on his hands. The NBA has already survived image problems in the past, most notably the Pistons-Pacers brawl four years ago. It is hard to imagine the league overcoming another major crisis.

But this is all speculation. Being a huge NBA fan who has watched games on a nightly basis throughout my entire life, I cannot recall a single time where I thought the refs were fixing the outcome of the games. I'm a passionate Warriors fan, so sure, there have been many occasions in which I was infuriated and flabbergasted by a call that went against my team. But that is just part of being a sports fan, and it happens in every league. I think every true fan has had moments where they have been incensed over a close call at home plate, a questionable penalty call in the red zone, or a terrible foul call in the paint. In no way, shape, or form does this mean we think the game is fixed. Tim Donaghy may want to bring the NBA down with him, but his efforts will fail, assuming he was the only one in the fix. David Stern better be praying that he is the only crooked ref. After all, the National Basketball Association is thriving. The games are compelling, there is no shortage of premier talent, and the majority of the players are high on character. The last thing the league needs is another blow to its reputation.

The Angels are the team to beat, but there are other teams still very much in the championship hunt.

I hope Mark Teixeira likes scorching hot weather, because scorching hot weather sure likes him. After playing the first four and a half years of his career in Texas, he was traded last season to Atlanta. He is now on the move again. Mr. Teixeira, meet the heat of Southern California.

The best team in baseball just got better. Mark Teixeira, the All Star first baseman most recently of the Atlanta Braves, is now a member of the Los Angeles Angels, as part of a trade that sent first baseman Casey Kotchman to Atlanta. Prior to this trade, the Angels already looked like the team to beat, especially after an impressive 7-4 victory at Fenway last night. They are running away with the American League West, and with Teixeira the Angels have picked up an intimidating offensive force, and an excellent first baseman. For the second consecutive July, Teixeira has been traded to a team with realistic championship aspirations. However, while Halo nation has their eyes set on being crowned World Series champs, Mike Scioscia's club still has a tough road ahead of them.

Fans in Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee have similar hopes. The bottom line is that it is still very much a toss up, with so many fantastic teams in the hunt. Just look at the 2001 Mariners for evidence of why it is too early to anoint a champion in July. I fully expect the Angels to cruise into the postseason, and Mark Teixeira will perform in All-Star fashion. But in a short series, anything can happen. For example, the 2006 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals won the title despite winning only 83 games in the regular season. Once you make the postseason, you have as good a shot as anybody. Heck, even the Diamondbacks could be hoisting that trophy in late October.

Right now, as of this moment, on July 29, 2008, at 3:46 in the afternoon, the Angels have the upper hand. They are the favorites. There is no doubt about that. But in sports, fortune can change hands faster than a Dustin Pedroia swing. Unforeseen factors, such as injuries, can cause more damage than a Muhammad Ali right hook. The Angels have reason to be wildly optimistic. An all-out celebration, on the other hand? Well, that's a little premature.

Random observations on the wonderful world of sports.

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

--- There is no way the Red Sox will trade Manny Ramirez. He stirs up controversy every year, and every year the situation is resolved. Sure, his comments to ESPNdeportes.com don't exactly come at the best time for Boston, but this too shall pass. Manny is one of the game's most prolific hitters, and trading him would leave one huge hole in the Sox lineup.

--- Brett Favre, just shut up. Nowadays, every time you talk, a little piece of your previously unblemished legacy dies.

--- What a great year for baseball pennant races, and what a great week this will be. The Cubs-Brewers series, the White Sox-Twins series, and the Angels-Red Sox series should all be revealing and dramatic. If I were a betting man, I'd put money on the Cubs, White Sox, and Red Sox.

--- Apparently, Reds broadcaster Jeff Brantley is not loved in Cincinnati. Earlier this year, Edwin Encarnacion expressed his disgust with some negative comments Brantley made about him, and the feud between Brantley and the Reds players continued on Saturday night when Ken Griffey, Jr. made a slashing throat gesture toward Brantley after hitting a home run. Whoa! Something tells me Jeff Brantley will be in search of a job in the offseason.

--- I hope the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts is short-lived. MMA is not a sport, it's just an excuse to show gratuitous violence. Unlike boxing, there really is no art to MMA. Just try and pummel the other guy, no matter the cost.

--- I don't know who Kevin Youkilis invites to his house for special occasions, but I can assure you Joba Chamberlain is not one of the invitees.

--- Alright Niner fans, this is the year Alex Smith blossoms into an elite quarterback. At least, I really, really, really hope this is the case. If not, then Shaun Hill should be prepared to take over.

--- Sorry Barry, but I don't think any team will be calling anytime soon.

--- Congratulations Goose! Yesterday's Hall of Fame ceremony in Cooperstown was once again classy and very well-done, if not a little too lengthy.

--- Even though his opinions are often insane, is there a more entertaining sports broadcaster outside of Charles Barkley than Skip Bayless? Keep up the good work, Skip.

--- Phil Mickelson's game is sinking faster than a gulp of beer down John Daly's throat.

--- I wonder what goes through Lovie Smith's mind every time he gamely states that Rex Grossman is his quarterback. It might be something like, "Good Lord, another year with this guy taking the snaps?".

--- Somewhere, Steve Nash is frowning. Team USA put a whoopin' on Canada on Friday night.

--- If there was one thing that could make Yankee-haters hate the Yankees even more, it would be Jason Giambi's mustache. I can't think of why Mr. Giambi would sport that thing on his face. Maybe he's preparing to portray Ron Jeremy in an upcoming biopic. I mean, there has to be a sufficient reason to have such an egregious mustache.

--- Thanks to Carson Palmer's recent comments regarding the USC-Ohio State game, the state of Ohio is now faced with a dilemma: What do you do if you are a diehard Ohio State Buckeye fan whose favorite NFL team is the Bengals? Can you still root for Palmer knowing that he bleeds USC Trojan red. Ah, the mysteries of life.

--- And, finally, according to those who voted on espn.com, Valdosta, Georgia is Titletown USA. And outside of Georgia, sports fans across the nation are wondering, "Where in the heck is Valdosta?".

Leadership is the key for Coach K's Redeem Team.

Greece is a lovely place, but I don't expect to see Dwayne Wade or LeBron James vacationing in Athens anytime soon. The memories of a far from satisfying bronze medal finish at the 2004 Athens Olympics would just be way too nauseating. That Team USA, headed by Larry Brown, was grossly outplayed in most of their games. They played hoops with an evident lack of passion, and the result was a team lacking in chemistry and, worst of all, leadership. Now, four years later, it is time to suit up and try again at the Beijing games.

The returning players (LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Carlos Boozer) have all greatly matured since their last Olympic hurrah, and they now know the importance of leadership. USA Basketball has a new national director in Jerry Colangelo, and Colangelo has built a team that is high on talent and character. This year's roster has the right mix of youthful exuberance (Deron Williams, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul) and veteran experience (Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant). And Colangelo hired the perfect man to steer the ship, Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, with an assistant staff that is more than adequate (Nate McMillan, Jim Boeheim, Mike D'Antoni). Krzyzewski and company take pride in representing their country, and America's basketball dominance must be restored in Beijing.

This isn't to say it will be easy. International basketball, which has never been better, will make for a mighty challenge. The international game has been flexing its muscles for a long time, and Team USA has no margin for error if they want to stand atop the podium with a gold medal draped around their necks. All twelve men, plus the coaching staff, must be in this together. Everyone must repeatedly preach leadership, leadership, leadership, and teamwork, teamwork, teamwork. This sounds cliche, but it's what must be done to avoid another humiliating summer on the hardwood.

If all goes as planned, I see a gold medal in Team USA's future. Everyone seems to be seriously determined and excited about the opportunity for redemption. When I hear D-Wade or King James commenting about their desire to win the gold, it does not sound like just another meaningless sound bite. These guys really do care. They understand that it is time to bring the gold medal back to the land of basketball's creation.

It's not the bullpen, it's the offense. Why are managers so protective of their 'pen?

Things were looking pretty for the Mets and Cardinals last night. Until the bullpen came in. Both New York and St. Louis were playing immensely important home games last night against division foes Philadelphia and Milwaukee in two series that have major ramifications for both teams. Heading into last night's showdowns, the Mets and Phillies were tied for first place in the NL East, while the Cards and Brewers were trying to catch the division-leading Cubs.

At Shea Stadium, Johan Santana was dealing, throwing eight spectacular innings and leaving with a comfortable three run lead, only to see three relievers collectively give up six runs in the ninth. This gave Philly the best win of their season, while the Mets were left wondering what in the world went wrong. Sure, closer Billy Wagner was not available, but that's no excuse for that type of embarrassing implosion. After the game, skipper Jerry Manuel brushed off the loss in a nonchalant manner, falling back on that Billy Wagner excuse.

At Busch Stadium, the Cardinals carried a three-zilch advantage into the seventh. Their bullpen went on to surrender four runs in the final three frames. The bullpen lost the game for St. Louis for the second night in a row. So when Tony LaRussa addressed the press following this crushing defeat, you'd think he would be a little disappointed in his bullpen's performance. But this was not the case. LaRussa went all Mike Gundy on the media, angrily denying the idea that the bullpen deserves any blame. LaRussa claimed that the offense should have scored more runs. Granted, six runs in two games isn't staggering offensive production, but it is not awful either. The bottom line is this: When you hand the ball over to the 'pen with a three run lead late in the ballgame, it is their job to get it done. And when the bullpen blows a three run lead, it is their fault.

So why are so many managers afraid to publicly criticize their bullpen, while lashing out at the offense is a common practice? LaRussa and Manuel aren't the only ones to display this type of behavior. I can't tell you how many times I have heard a manager say something along the lines of, "Well, we did have a four run lead, but, you know, we just did not score enough runs". Huh??? Now I'm not saying that LaRussa or Manuel should have thrown the 'pen under the bus; this would lead to tension in the clubhouse. But they should not shy away from speaking frankly about the bullpen. It would be extremely refreshing to see a manager step up to the podium after their team let a late lead slip away and say, "My bullpen was very disappointing. Their a talented bunch of guys, but they did not get the job done tonight". But such speak seems to be forbidden. Everyone seems to follow the same motto: Whenever in doubt, just blame the hitters.

Awards that should have been handed out at the ESPY's.

The ESPY Awards are always fun, but I have some awards of my own I'd like to hand out.

The "Athlete who talks trash even when he underperforms" award goes to..............Damon Jones

The "Oh My, you'll put an eye out with your golf swing!" award goes to.........Charles Barkley

The "You'll never make soccer relevant in this country" award goes to............David Beckham

The "Stop Breaking Chairs!" award goes to...............Bobby Knight

The "Golfer whose clothes speak louder than his game" award goes to.........Ian Poulter

The "Please don't throw a tantrum" award goes to..............................Milton Bradley

The "Wash your mouth out with soap" award goes to...........................Ozzie Guillen

The "We know you are going to choke that 3-stroke lead away" award goes to..............Phil Mickelson

The "Most stagnant fan base" award goes to................................The Florida Marlins

The "I'm retiring, No, I want to play again, No, I'm retiring, but I want to come back" award goes to..........Goes without saying, doesn't it?

The "What did we do wrong to lose our team award?" goes to..................................Seattle Sonics fans

The "Most criminally overlooked conference" award goes to........................The Pac-10

The "What the hell is he talking about?" award goes to.....................John Madden

The "Athlete whose two favorite songs are "Like a Virgin" and "Material Girl" award goes to.............Goes without saying, doesn't it?

The "Most camera-friendly coach" award goes to...................Bill Bellichick

The "Cleveland is okay, but New York is awesome!!!!!!" award goes to...........LeBron James

The "My hair never moves" award goes to.............Pat Riley

The "That was a fun way to rush my way through a sports column" award goes to..........Yours Truly

The story of The Shark momentarily keeps the PGA afloat in the absence of Tiger.

No Tiger, no problem. Well, at least for one weekend at Royal Birkdale, this was the case. Greg Norman's highly improbable rise to the top of the leader board entering Sunday's final round at the British Open provided the kind of captivating story that the PGA needs in the absence of the most dominant athlete in the world, Eldrick Tiger Woods. Sure, Norman may have struggled yesterday. In fact, he stumbled badly, seeing Padraig Harrington capture his second consecutive win at the Open Championship in impressive fashion. But Norman's strong play over the weekend proved that The Shark still has some bite. Make no mistake about it, Tiger Woods is sorely missed. A PGA major without Mr. Woods is like Las Vegas without the casinos. However, thanks to Greg Norman, the golf world is still breathing.

Greg Norman was not supposed to contend. Prior to the commencement of first round play on Thursday, the 53-year old Australian was past his prime, forever known as golf's most famous choke artist. Norman was supposed to be playing golf just for pleasure while enjoying his honeymoon with tennis icon Chris Evert. Little did we know that The Shark actually meant business. Greg Norman came to win, and while he fell short of that goal, he still put on a spectacular show, taking over the role of the lovable underdog, a role most recently held by Rocco Mediate. In doing so, Norman allowed the PGA to take a deep breath and relax. This year's Open Championship probably saw a ratings dip with no Tiger in the field. The PGA's wish, though, was granted. Even without Tiger Woods, people are still discussing golf the day after a major tournament. Padraig Harrington's repeat championship is a remarkable feat, but I do not think the 2008 British Open would be such a hot issue if it weren't for Greg Norman.

In order to maintain the nation's interest for the rest of the season, there needs to be more Norman-like moments. If not, golf will reside in obscurity until Tiger's return. Don't fret too much, golf aficionados, because there is reason to be optimistic. Maybe John Daly will take a break from boozing it up and contend at the PGA Championship. Maybe an unknown amateur will step up to the plate, just like Chris Wood at the British Open. Maybe a guy like Davis Love III or Fred Couples will follow in the footsteps of Greg Norman, and perform above and beyond expectations. Don't laugh; these things could really happen. After witnessing Greg Norman's performance, in the words of Kevin Garnett, anything is possible.

The All Star Break is a thing of the past. Now it's time to focus on baseball's second half.

Josh Hamilton was marvelous. I was one of the 55,000 fans chanting HA-MIL-TON in Yankee Stadium on Monday night, as the Rangers slugger had us all gasping in disbelief with his 28 home runs in a single round. The next night featured a surprisingly compelling and dramatic All-Star game, a marathon affair that lasted well into Wednesday morning. New York put on a tremendous show, but now it is time for baseball's second half, and what a second half it will be. The pennant races are heating up faster than a Tim Lincecum fastball, and here are five storylines that have me intrigued.

1. Here Come the Mets: The New York Mets won their tenth straight last night in thrilling fashion, coming to life in the ninth to score four runs en route to a 10-8 victory at Cincinnati. They are now in a first-place deadlock with the Philadelphia Phillies. As recently as a couple of weeks ago, many people were writing the Mets off. They seemed to be in a state of disarray. Their firing of Willie Randolph was viewed as classless. However, new manager Jerry Manuel has inspired this team. The big bats of David Wright, Carlos Beltran, and Carlos Delgado are finally coming to life, not to mention the superb play of Fernando Tatis. But lets not forget last season, when the Mets experienced one of the most colossal September collapses in baseball history. The Phillies are still a major threat, picking up Joe Blanton yesterday to bolster their pitching staff. And the Florida Marlins are still alive and kicking. With all this being said, I still think there will be postseason baseball at Shea Stadium. The Mets will win the NL East.

2. Are the Rays for Real?: Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. Anyone who read my column last week knows that I am a believer in the Tampa Bay Rays. I stand by my prediction that the Rays will win the AL Wild Card. But I'd be lying if I said I did not have any doubts. Joe Maddon's squad went into the Midsummer Classic on a seven game slide, and for the first time in a long time the Rays are no longer atop the American League East. Don't sweat too much, Tampa, because you are still sitting pretty with a 2.5 game lead in the Wild Card over the pesky Twins. Minnesota will challenge the Rays down to the final week, but Tampa will play October ball for the first time in their existence.

3. Josh Hamilton and Chipper Jones. Can they keep it up?: Hamilton-yes. Chipper-no. I can't think of a better sports story than that of Josh Hamilton, rising from a desperate addict to one of the game's premier talents. Hamilton has 95 RBI's already, and I look for that production to continue. Chipper Jones' quest for .400 is less likely to be successful. The Braves third baseman is having one of the best years of his accomplished career, but finishing the season with a .400 average is nearly impossible, especially with the likes of Johan Santana, Cole Hamels, and Joe Blanton on rival teams in the NL East.

4. The NL Worst: As a diehard San Francisco Giants fan, I'm thrilled that my team can be fifteen games under .500 and still be only seven games back of the first-place Arizona Diamondbacks. When I look at the National League West from an impartial perspective, however, I realize that this isn't exactly the most dazzling division. There is a real chance that this division will be won by a sub-.500 club. If this is to occur, the NL West will go down in history, for all the wrong reasons. But some team has to step up to the plate, right? Anybody but the Dodgers. Now back to my hard-hitting and unbiased journalism.

5. No Playoffs in the Bronx?: You can't really call them the Bronx Bombers, as their offense has been something less than explosive. Their pitching has been less than awesome also, and their is real concern in New York that the Yankees will miss the postseason. Being in New York City earlier this week and listening to some local talk radio, it is evident that their is major panic, and rightfully so. It is hard to envision October without the Yankees, but it's also tricky to see how the Yankees will make the playoffs. After all, they are in third place behind the Red Sox and Rays. It is not easy to surpass two teams in the standings. Don't write off the Pinstripes just yet, but I expect them to be out of the postseason.

Listen Up, Brett. You have absolutely nothing to gain.

Brett Favre is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Brett Favre is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Brett Favre is a sports legend. Brett Favre is to Green Bay what rice is to roni. Brett Favre is making a huge mistake.

Every preceding sentence is true, including the last one. You'd have to be crazy to dispute Favre's elite status in the game, but it is also painfully evident that Favre's recent actions ooze selfishness. He has an itch to play again------I understand that------but the way in which he has handled this itch has only caused more swelling. Everything was set up beautifully for Favre to ride off into the sunset without a blemish in sight. Favre was superb in what was supposed to be his final season, leading the Packers to the NFC Championship Game, only to fall in defeat in overtime to the eventual Super Bowl champs, the New York Giants. Sure, they didn't go all the way, which prevented Favre from going out in Jerome Bettis-like fashion. Let's remember, however, that almost no one thought Green Bay stood a chance at success last season. Number 4 impressed and surprised everyone by coming so close to that illustrious Vince Lombardi trophy. When he announced his retirement back in early March, Favre came across as the ultimate sportsman: classy, genuinely emotional, and wonderfully gracious. Little did we know that it was all an act. Roughly four months later, Brett Favre is back to his old tricks, holding the Packers hostage once again.

He does this every year, always keeping the Packers waiting. This will he or won't he retire shtick is getting tired, Brett. You say that you are not wanted. This is hogwash. For the past couple of years it was GM Ted Thompson who begged you to return. Now you're saying nobody wants you?!?! That is simply absurd.

If Favre chooses to return with another team, as he seems to desire, he will be making one of the biggest athletic mistakes in recent memory. It may not damage his Hall of Fame legacy, but his reputation will surely take a hit. Should he suit up for, say, the Vikings, it will have the same stink of Emmitt Smith ending up in Arizona and Michael Jordan ending up in D.C.. Even if he comes back with Green Bay, he has nothing to gain. This should be the beginning of the Aaron Rodgers era. I do not blame the Cheeseheads for being pessimistic about Rodgers, but the time is right for a new era at Lambeau. Aaron Rodgers will likely have a rocky start; then again, so did Peyton Manning. Not to mention the fact that the clubhouse would be divided in the event of Favre's return. All the veterans will pledge allegiance to Number 4, while the younger players will strongly defend Aaron Rodgers. A team rarely has success when the locker room is jam packed with tension.

All will be forgiven if Favre changes his mind. As of this very moment, however, I have lost my patience with him. I know it's hard to walk away from the game that you loved after so many years, but the way in which Favre is behaving is unacceptable. Brett Favre needs to do the right thing and embrace the Aaron Rodgers era. His legacy hangs in the balance.

Five guys who might see a change of scenery, as jarring as that would be.

All signs pointed to Elton Brand finishing his career as a Clipper. Now, he is a Sixer. Nobody thought His Airness would wind up playing anywhere other than the Windy City. He ended his illustrious career in a Wizards uniform. And Jerry Rice never looked right in Raiders and Seahawks jerseys. Now there are grumblings regarding the chance Brett Favre returns to play for a team not named Packers, though we can dismiss that as strictly rumor amidst all the exhausting Favre hoopla. The following athletes are beloved by their respective cities and each are closely associated with their respective franchises. However, these players might see a change of scenery sometime soon, following in the footsteps of Brand, Jordan, and Rice. With no further ado, they are.........

LeBron James: LeBron and the Cavs were a match made in heaven. He was born and raised in Ohio, so it was only fitting that King James was drafted by Cleveland. But make no mistake about it, he wants to play in New York. After all, he has alienated Cavs fans by saying New York City is his favorite city and by donning a Yankees cap at a Cleveland Indians playoff game against the Yankees. Cleveland will never forgive him for leaving, but expect to find LeBron in the Big Apple by 2010.

Ken Griffey, Jr.: This one could happen as soon as this season. Griffey loves Cincinnati, and Cincinnati loves Griffey. However, Junior has a burning desire to play for a contender, and he craves a World Series title. If Griffey wants his dream to be realized, he has to leave the Reds, as they are nowhere near championship status. Cincy GM Walt Jocketty understands this, and do not be surprised to see Ken Griffey, Jr. shipped to a contender like the Rays or Mets.

Kobe Bryant: Dismiss this as far-fetched if you wish, but I just do not think Kobe "me first" Bryant is done whining. Sure, the Lakers are fresh off a Finals appearance, but Bryant is the most petulant athlete around. If the Lakers are not as good as advertised, Kobe will request another trade. If Andrew Bynum fails to live up to the hype, Kobe will request another trade. There is no team in Kobe (Sorry, I just had to let out my daily vent. Now I'll return to my genial self).

Jason Taylor: Forget Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. The real odd couple is Jason Taylor and Bill Parcells. The Big Tuna, who now calls the shots in the front office for the Fish, has publicly expressed his displeasure in Taylor's participation on "Dancing with the Stars". Taylor has said he's cool with the Dolphins, but it is not difficult to see what is really going through Taylor's mind. Deep down, he wants to take his sacks elsewhere. There is just too much tension for Taylor to thrive in South Beach.

Jason Varitek: Varitek has been tremendous for the Boston Red Sox, just not this year. While he still calls a good game behind the plate, his productivity at the plate has been dwindling. He now bats a measly .220, and even Varitek says he does not belong in the All Star game. There is still a good chance the Red Sox captain will get his act together. He better improve sooner or later, before Theo Epstein turns the reigns over to youngster Kevin Cash, forcing Varitek to find another home.

My apologies to Cleveland, Cincinnati, Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles. These cities do not want to see their guys depart. I'm not saying the five athletes I mentioned should start packing immediately. I just recommend they keep a suitcase handy, just in case.

Manny Being Manny: He may be crazy, but he's good for baseball.

BOSTON-----

As I walked through the streets of Boston this morning on a spectacular July day, it dawned on me that there is no area enjoying as much athletic prowess as Beantown. Not that I didn't already know this, but actually being in the city and seeing all the Red Sox and Celtics hats made me believe this more than ever. Something else dawned on me as I toured Boston while proudly wearing my Giants cap: No other city has anybody quite like Manny Ramirez. And I'm not talking exclusively about athletes. No other city has a person, regardless of their profession, as wacky and free-spirited as Boston's All-Star left fielder. Manny's oddities are never in short supply. Last year, when the Red Sox trailed the Indians three games to one in the ALCS, Manny told reporters that it wasn't the end of the world because it was just a game, causing many to accuse him of not caring. A couple of weeks ago, Manny got into a brouhaha with a team official and ended up shoving him to the ground. And yesterday, Mr. Ramirez decided to take a break between innings to chat on his cell phone in the Green Monster. Once again, there are those who are calling him careless. Careless? Possibly. Good for baseball? Absolutely.

I'm not saying I condone all of Manny's actions, but it is great to have a professional athlete who lets his hair down, literally and metaphorically. In an era when many pros seem to forget the fun part of sports, Manny is always having a blast. Can his comments be debatable and completely ridiculous? Sure. But even when he says it is just a game, even when he appears to be more invested in his cell phone conversation, Manny always cares. Make no mistake about it. Just because he is relaxed doesn't mean he isn't playing hard. Manny cares just as much as the next guy. He just chooses to have fun, even in the most serious of situations.

I disagree with many of Ramirez's actions, but even when I am shaking my head in disbelief as Manny is hiding in the Green Monster, part of me is also smiling. With a deadly dull commish in Bud Selig, baseball is better off with guys like Manny. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Embrace the sublime weirdness that is Manny Ramirez.

America, Meet the Rays. You'll be seeing more of them in October.

There are very few certainties in life, but here are some sure things we can always count on:

There will never be a shortage of reality television.
Stars will always receive preferential treatment.
Larry King will be wearing suspenders, whether we like it or not.
Hugh Hefner will always get the hottest girls, whether we like it or not.
You'll never see Paris Hilton reading Shakespeare.
You'll never see a Martin Scorcese film starring Pauly Shore.
Bill O'Reilly will always be labeling people with the term "pinhead".
Tampa Bay will always finish last in the American League East.

These are the facts of life. What? The Rays are in first place? Are you kidding me? What's next, the apocalypse?

You better believe it, America. Those Tampa Bay Rays, the team we subconsciously associate with athletic futility, the franchise so desperate they abbreviated their name from Devil Rays to Rays, simply because nothing else seemed to work. Yes, those very same Tampa Bay Rays are in first place halfway through the 2008 season, and they show no signs of slowing down. Sure, they may have just been swept in a two-game series in the Bronx, but Tampa still has the best record in baseball, and they will continue to thrive in the dog days of summer. In other words, Tampa will no longer have to watch the postseason from the comforts of their own home. Mark my words: The Rays will make the playoffs.

Call me crazy, but unlike many sports columnists and fans across the nation, I am a believer in this team. Much will be made about how the Rays are not legitimate contenders because they just lost two in a row to the Yankees. This, my friends, is ridiculous. Those two games meant far more to the Yankees than they did to Tampa. This was a make or break series for the Bronx Bombers. Had they lost their season would have been all but over. The Rays, on the other hand, have already proven themselves by sweeping both the Cubs and Red Sox. Tampa has a tremendous young team, led by Evan Longoria, Dioner Navarro, Cliff Floyd, Eric Hinske, B.J. Upton, and ace pitchers Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza, and James Shields. Skipper Joe Maddon, frontrunner for Manager of the Year, has this team believing. The Rays are determined to prove their skeptics wrong.

Will this team win the division? Doubtful. The Red Sox are still the team to beat in the AL East because of their championship experience. But Tampa will grab the Wild Card. Minnesota will give them a run for their money, but the Rays will put an end to their decade-long failure. World Series title? No. Playoff birth? You betcha.

The only question now is whether the fans will show.

Tennis hopes the Nadal-Federer rivalry will bring the sport back to relevance.

They're calling it the greatest match ever. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer put on a spectacular show, battling back-and-forth in a game of anything you can do I can do better. For one rainy afternoon at Wimbeldon, tennis was back in the nation's limelight. This classic match between the game's two most outstanding athletes conjured up memories of the historic duels between John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, and Jimmy Connors. At least for one day, everyone had tennis fever. But when our hearts stop racing and our minds clear, will we still crave tennis?

Ever since Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras bid farewell, tennis has been largely irrelevant in the United States, surpassed in popularity even by the pointless inanity that is NASCAR. What exactly happened to the sport America once held in such high regard? Prior to Sunday, I can't recall the last time SportsCenter led with a tennis highlight. I'm no Einstein, but here is my best guess as to what went wrong:

• Mostly every sport needs a rivalry to succeed. In baseball, you've got the Red Sox-Yankees and Giants-Dodgers. In basketball, you've got the Spurs and the Suns. In football, it's Peyton, Brady, the Colts, and the Patriots. The only sport capable of thriving without a major rivalry is golf, only because the sport features the most dominant athlete in the world in Tiger Woods. Take away Tiger, and golf would suffer too. That's why the PGA can't wait until Tiger recovers from knee surgery. But if your sport does not have a guy by the name of Eldrick Woods, it is necessary to have some kind of juicy intrigue, and rivalries provide just that. The two sports that have been hit hardest because of a lack of rivalries are boxing and tennis. Americans loved tennis in the 80's and 90's because of the great rivalries. And we loved boxing because of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. In recent years, however, names like Andy Roddick and Oscar De La Hoya have failed to spark any significant interest.
• Another reason tennis has suffered is because of the overwhelming power of the Big 3: baseball, football, and basketball. The National Football League, Major League Baseball, and National Basketball Association dominate the headlines so thoroughly that the offseasons have become a season of their own. The sports page in newspapers across the country is devoted to the Big 3, and it is difficult for the other sports to land a story that finds its way onto the front page.
• Perhaps the most telling sign of the tennis decline has been that most of the great champions of tennis in recent years have been foreigners. This is not true on the female side, as both Venus and Serena Williams have had and continue to have magnificent careers. The same cannot be said for the men. We all thought Andy Roddick would be the next Sampras. Roddick's good, but he's no Sampras. After eighth-ranked James Blake, the next American player ranked in the ATP Rankings is forty-first-ranked Mardy Fish. And I don't know about you, but I just can't get enough Mardy Fish.

So, as you can tell, tennis has been floundering. But if Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer continue to provide epic drama in Grand Slam tournaments, Americans might finally embrace the sport they once loved. But if Nadal-Federer fails to captivate, the sport may never relive its past glory. The time is now. After all, this is the rivalry tennis has been waiting for.

Sabathia is a great addition, but will it be enough for Milwaukee?

The first blockbuster deal of the 2008 Major League Baseball season took place yesterday, as ace hurler C.C. Sabathia was shipped from Cleveland to Milwaukee. This major trade makes the Brew Crew infinitely more dangerous, and Sabathia's arrival might allow sports fans throughout Wisconsin to momentarily forget about yet another summer of the Brett Favre guessing game.

C.C. Sabathia has proven himself to be one of the best pitchers in the game, and certainly one of the most physically imposing. But does this acquisition really make the Brewers World Series contenders? Sorry, Milwaukee, but the answer is no. The NL Central is still Chicago's division to lose. Milwaukee has great offensive prowess with the likes of Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, and J.J. Hardy, but the Cubs' bats are even more threatening, with Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fokudome, and Geovany Soto. Sabathia adds to an already impressive Brewers rotation, but, then again, the Cubs have a guy by the name of Carlos Zambrano. Yes, there are those who believe the Cubbies are forever cursed, but Lou Pinella's team is just too good to lose this division, no matter how hard Milwaukee tries. And lets not forget St. Louis, as the Cards are still very much in the race.

Even if the Sabathia pickup doesn't bring all the success the organization and its fans are thirsting for, you have to admire this all-or-nothing approach from GM Doug Melvin. However, there is a very strong likelihood that Ned Yost's ballclub will once again be on the outside looking in once October rolls around.

C.C. Sabathia puts Milwaukee in the postseason discussion. But I wouldn't start printing World Series tickets just yet.