Crawford, Brady, Wilbon, and 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:

---The American League has a new team to beat. Just days after signing slugger Adrian Gonzalez, the Boston Red Sox inked versatile outfielder Carl Crawford to a 7-year, $142 million deal. Crawford, who had been an integral part of the Tampa Bay Rays' success the last few seasons, is one of the best, most well-rounded players in the game. Say what you want about the absurdity of awarding a player a cool $142 million, but there is no denying the fact that the Crawford and Gonzalez signings make Terry Francona's team the favorites not only in the American League East, but in the American League.

---In addition to dealing a major blow to the Rays, who with the departure of Crawford have lost one of their most vital players, the Crawford acquisition for Boston also serves as a forceful taunt to the rival Yankees. The Yankees, fresh off an embarrassingly public spat with Derek Jeter, better sign Cliff Lee, or they risk entering the 2011 campaign at a notable disadvantage to the Red Sox.

---However, one thing Red Sox fans no longer have a right to do is complain about the big-spending ways of the archrival Yankees. As evidenced by the enormous contract awarded to Carl Crawford, Theo Epstein and the Sox are now just as likely as the Yankees to succumb to excessive contracts.

---The Crawford signing comes days after the Washington Nationals signed Jayson Werth to a 7-year, $126 million dollar megadeal. While Werth is a terrific player who makes the Nats an infinitely better team, the spending in baseball this offseason is getting a little out of hand. What's next, 8 years and $150 million for Johnny Damon?

---On to the NFL now, where the New York Jets are still nursing their wounds after an astonishing 45-3 loss to the New England Patriots. I love the bravura of Rex Ryan and the Jets, but that was an old-fashioned ass-kicking on Monday night.

---In addition to asserting their place as the best team in the AFC right now, the Patriots' dominating performance against the Jets also proved that there is still a gaping discrepancy between Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez. Even after his nightmarish outing in Foxboro, I remain a big fan of Mark Sanchez. However, Tom Brady is the best quarterback in football, and Sanchez still has a ways to go before joining Brady's elite realm. Brady was in full command on Monday night, picking apart the Jets' D with effortless ease.

---The Brady-Peyton Manning debate isn't so much of a debate right now. Peyton Manning, like Brady, is one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, but he is enduring one of the worst slumps I have ever seen an elite player go through. Manning's woes continued this past Sunday against the Cowboys. I have complete faith that Manning will turn things around, but he is throwing so many interceptions right now that even Jake Delhomme is saying: "Now that is too many picks, Peyton."

---The Albert Haynesworth-Mike Shanahan saga continues in D.C., and it is impossible to take a side in this feud. On the one hand, you have an incessantly lazy and petulant player who is never shy to put his glaring immaturity on full display. On the other hand, you have a once-great coach who has looked inexplicably incompetent this season at the helm of the Redskins, a coach who has seemingly lost the trust of his players.

---On to the best sports league now, the National Basketball Association, where the Miami Heat are starting to hit their stride, much to my chagrin. Miami delivered its' best performance of the season last night in Salt Lake City, where they convincingly beat a terrific Jazz team in front of the tremendous Jazz fans. The Heat successfully combated a hostile environment, thanks in large part to the efforts of Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. When Wade or James has an off night, Erik Spoelstra's team is hard-pressed to find a victory. But when Wade and LeBron work in tandem, the results are frightening for Miami's opponents. Bummer!

---On the bright side, the Heat are still only the third-best team in the East, behind the Celtics and Magic. Boston and Orlando continue to play brilliant basketball, and what stands them apart from the Heat is their remarkable depth. If Rondo, Pierce, Allen, or Garnett are struggling, the Celtics can turn to Nate Robinson, Marquis Daniels, Glen Davis, and Shaq to buoy them to victory. If Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson, or Rashard Lewis are struggling, the Magic can turn to J.J. Redick, Marcin Gortat, and Brandon Bass. So while the Heat are starting to play better basketball, they are still unable to match the depth of Boston and Orlando, and that will prevent them from making a deep run in the playoffs.

---The Denver Nuggets need to settle the Carmelo Anthony situation, A.S.A.P. In terms of motivation and energy, something is amiss for 'Melo right now, and the weight of the trade rumors has caused immense dysfunction and frustration for George Karl's team. The Nuggets are a tremendously talented team that has what it takes to challenge for a top-tier playoff seed, but they will be unable to reach their full potential as long as the 'Melo rumors persist.

---Everyone knows about John Wall, the phenomenal rookie for the Washington Wizards. But while watching Tuesday's Wizards-Lakers game, I was struck by another superb young player for Washington: Nick Young. Young is an explosively athletic player with star potential, a true joy to watch. With Wall and Young, as well as fellow youngster JaVale McGee, the future is bright for Flip Saunders' team.

---The Mavs are playing outstanding basketball. Amar'e Stoudamire, Raymond Felton, and the New York Knicks are on a roll. But no team is playing better than the San Antonio Spurs. Aside from the slight disappointment of Tiago Spliatter, who has yet to fulfill his potential, there is nothing to complain about in San Antonio. Sorry Lakers fans, the Spurs are my pick to win the West.

---The college football coaching carousel has returned, as Urban Meyer shocked the sports world yesterday by announcing his resignation as coach of the University of Florida. Meyer's announcement comes just one year after he took a brief leave of absence due to health issues. Meyer cites his desire to spend more time with his family as the primary reason for his resignation, and I have no reason to doubt his sincerity. However, Meyer should have given the Gators more notice, as his sudden departure jeopardizes Florida's future recruits and future success as a program. Why do so many coaches find it acceptable to announce their departures in shocking, untimely fashion?

---In college basketball, what has happened to the North Carolina Tar Heels? Rumor has it that Carolina loves listening to Tom Petty in the locker room before games. What is there favorite song, again? Oh yeah: "Free Fallin'".

---I will end with an appreciation of the great Michael Wilbon. Wilbon, one of the very best sportswriters in the nation and the co-host of "Pardon the Interruption" on ESPN as well as an NBA analyst for the network, has left the Washington Post to take on a wider role at ESPN. In addition to his "PTI" and NBA analyst duties, Wilbon will be a columnist for ESPN.com and ESPNChicago.com. I urge sports fans to seek out every one of Wilbon's columns, and to watch him on "PTI" and on ESPN's NBA coverage. There are very few people in sports journalism as knowledgeable or as entertaining as Wilbon.