Should Larry Retire?

You have to give Chipper all of the props in the world. He's been amazing for the Bravos and for baseball in general. One of the last players from the era of loyalty in baseball, he's a man who has publicly admitted he would retire before becoming an embarrassment to his team. Granted, he has been injury plagued over the last couple of seasons, but this guy goes out everyday, plays as hard as he can, demonstrates leadership in the clubhouse, demonstrates generosity in his community, and has been embraced as the face of the Braves for over a decade.

The former overall number 1 draft pick (as a shortstop believe it or not) has put together a 1st ballot Hall of Fame career. Personally, I feel he's too valuable in the clubhouse to retire, for nothing more than providing the veteran leadership that he's seemingly provided since his rookie season, he's vital to our team and our city, but at some point and some point soon the role that he will play has to be evaluated.


The Braves have an uber prospect in Freddie Freeman who was a consensus top 25 overall prospect in the minor leagues last year and who is on a tear in AAA right now, not to mention the kid is currently 20 years. Wren can also presumably resign the 4 time All Star and former World Series MVP 3rd baseman Troy Glaus for much cheaper than getting a "big name" (no offense Troy) free agent and actually have him play his natural position. Just an interesting fact, like Chipper, Troy was drafted as a SS, look it up, a 6'6 shortstop at UCLA.

As I've said before, I have to give Wren kudos right now, he's made some risky deals and has proven to be smarter than I am, but considering this is my post, it's my opinion. Personally, I think Chipper should stay on throughout his contract, if nothing more than to be a mentor to Heyward, Freeman, Prado, and some of the other younger Braves. He's more valuable here than in retirement. The guy still has baseball in him. When he's healthy, he's still a monster, and when he's not, his clubhouse presence is truly invaluable on a team that is already (supposedly) losing Bobby Cox and the newly acquired, but still amazing Billy Wagner to retirement. Let's face it, the Brave's need Chipper and Chipper loves the Braves. My prediction, Chipper stays, Freeman gets called up this year and Glaus starts playing some 3rd base as Chipper needs the rest. Freeman has less pressure to perform, Chipper plays when healthy, and Glaus is still the man for the Braves. I don't know about you guys, but I do live in a perfect world so this is going to happen! What are your thoughts?

USC DOESN'T WANT REGGIE BUSH'S HEISMAN TROPHY, SENDS IT BACK

From the USAToday comes the memo from USC president-elect Max Nikias to the "USC Trojan Family" in regards to Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy...

The Trojan family honors and respects the USC sporting careers of those persons whose actions did not compromise their athletic program or the opportunities of future USC student-athletes. Accordingly, I have instructed the senior vice president for administration to remove athletic jerseys and murals displayed in recognition of O.J. Mayo and Reggie Bush by mid-August -- before the incoming class of students moves on campus -- from Heritage Hall, the Galen Center and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The university also will return Mr. Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy to the Heisman Trophy Trust in August.

Damn, even O.J. killed some people and yet he still got to hold onto his Heisman. The point is don't take money from agents while in school. Now after school you can go ahead and kill whomever you like. Even your ex-wife if you so choose. Just don't take money.

Lesson learned.

So I guess now Vince Young gets the Heisman? Someone contact Vince pronto. Just go to some night club and look for a sweaty tall black dude with no shirt on. Chances are good it's VY.

NBC ANNOUNCER PAT HADEN REPLACING MIKE GARRETT AS USC ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

No wonder USC has dominated Notre Dame for the past decade. The whole time they had a fucking Trojan lackey in the booth covering the Fighting Irish for NBC. Bill Dwyre of the LA Times is reporting that former NBC announcer and former USC quarterback Pat Haden will replace the controversial Mike Garrett as athletic director starting August 3rd. A formal announcement is expected later from new president Max Nikias.

Well it's about fucking time. Garrett has been running a loose ship and if anybody can bring some respectability back to USC then it's none other than Mr. Combover himself. Listen, I don't have a problem with Haden as a person. I've met him on the Notre Dame campus a few times. Nice guy and very personable and talkative. The guy is a Rhodes Scholar. He has brains. But I have no idea why he was ever hired to do commentary for Notre Dame football games. He has been on USC's board of trustees for years and he helped lead the Trojans to a come from behind 55-24 victory over Notre Dame in 1974 (despite ND having a 24-0 lead at one point).

Why Notre Dame and NBC ever let him do the commentary will always puzzle me. It would be like Steve Spurrier doing commentary for all the Georgia Bulldogs games. It would be fucking bizarre right?

Anyways good luck to Haden and dealing with the brat Lane Kiffin. I give Kiffin 3-4 years max in Los Angeles. The NCAA is coming down hard on renegade players and the programs who let them run wild. Now that Haden is gone maybe NBC can hire O.J. Simpson to do commentary. Oh wait. Never mind.

Actually they should go ahead and fire Tom Hammond while they are at it. Get somebody with some excitement in there. I'm thinking Gus Johnson would be perfect. Check it out...


Picture via LA Times

SKATEBOARD SAFETY VIDEO

Helmets and pads work great until you have a 250 pound bear of a reporter barreling down on you in the half pipe. I feel for the kid. It's not often you get Roethlisbergered while skate boarding. Years of therapy should help.

Video HT: Extra Mustard

My bad...

I owe a huge apology to anyone I have ever bragged about Yunel Escobar to and everyone I have tried to defend Escobar's skills as a player, adamantly saying that trading the young shortstop would be an awful idea. Admittedly, Yunel's last (half) year with the Bravos has been hard to swallow, but I strongly disagreed with getting rid of him, repeatedly saying his offense is just in a slump. All I can say now is thank you Frank Wren for yet another brilliant deal that no one expected and everyone is reaping the rewards.

Who would've thought that Escobar was really Hanley Ramirez's disciple? Considering Escy's one of the most talented young shortstops, scratch that, players in the game and has been steadily improving every year, who would've thought the Brave's would've pulled a Jeff Francouer and abandoned another one of our young "future face's of the Braves". Then again, who could've predicted just how selfish Escobar would play and how much of a cancer he could seemingly be inside an otherwise unbelievable club house. Bobby didn't deserve that sort of behavior during his (possible, yes, only possible) last year. Kudos to Frank Wren for doing what was necessary to not lose anything on a trade that sent someone who proved they weren't happy with being in the Brave's clubhouse away, and for once, GAINED talent in a trade.

Nothing against JoJo Reyes, the guy is uber talented and has several plus pitches, but his major league stats are almost as bad as Charlie Morton. There was no foreseeable place for Reyes within the pitching staff, especially with the likes of Tim Hudson, Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens, Kris Medlen, and Derek Lowe. The future is looking bright with three very young pitchers who are dominating A and AA, not to mention the "controversial" draft pick in Mike Minor who in 3 games started at Gwinnett this year is 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA and 20 ks in 18 innings. The kid who came over in the Escobar deal, Tim Collins, already has a save in 3 games and 5 ks with 1 BB and 0 hits.

Back to Escobar, the "slump" that I was so adamant about seems a bit self imposed. Way to hit two bombs, one of them a grand slam, and actually play baseball again. It's amazing how Escy came out to talk about how he's given his all for the Braves, including this year, and he's going to "continue" to be the player that he has been his entire career now that he's with the Blue Jays... yeah... I hope the door did hit him on his way out of the clubhouse. Maybe it hit him in the head and he remembered he's Yunel Escobar and not Alex Rodriguez or Albert Pujols. Way to give it your all buddy... I hope Heyward learns a lesson from the trades of Francouer and Escobar. Wren isn't putting up with half hearted play and childish temper tantrums any longer. It's about time the "baby Braves" grew up and played in their big boy pants and Frank Wren is becoming the daddy these children needed.

On a much better note, welcome to the Bravos Alex Gonzalez and kudos Frank Wren. Now it's time for another championship for Bobby! GO BRAVOS!!!

FLORIDA GATOR MAURKICE POUNCEY GOT PAID $100K WHILE PLAYING

Former Florida Gator not only embarrassed himself on draft day by making out with his twin brother on national television but was already taking money from an agent before the Gators played in the Sugar Bowl.

Florida and NCAA officials are investigating a potential rules violation that allegedly occurred last December involving former Gators football standout Maurkice Pouncey, sources said.

Florida is internally investigating what sources described as an allegation that a representative of an agent paid Pouncey $100,000 between the Gators' loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game to Alabama and their season-ending Sugar Bowl victory over Cincinnati. Florida apprised the NCAA of the allegation after it became aware of it.

It sounds like the worst that could come from this is Florida vacating the Sugar Bowl win over Cincinnati if in fact he took the money after the SEC Championship. Urban Meyer will have a lot of questions to answer on this and I'm sure he will deflect all of it to Tim Tebow's outstanding character. Urban will now be upping his anti-anxiety medication.

This kind of shit happens all the time especially with a football factory like Florida. Agents are garbage and it wouldn't shock me to hear if another school somehow orchestrated it. Of course Pouncey is an idiot if he took the money but then again he was in a double wide for his NFL draft party so we all should have seen this guy wasn't exactly the smartest jock on the Gator's football team.

I would think not much is going to happen with this in the long run unless Florida pulls a Trojan and tries to deny, deny, and again deny anything improper happened with Pouncey and the agent. After seeing what has happened to USC it would be prudent for Florida to report everything they know to the NCAA.

THEY SHOULD PUT THIS ON "GLEE"

If this was on that horrible show on FOX then just maybe...big maybe...I would watch it. I hate musicals but I like funny. Pretty simple.

50 DAYS TILL COLLEGE FOOTBALL KICKOFF

Just get here already. Now!

STEVE CARELL AND PAUL RUDD MOCK LEBRON JAMES "DECISION"

With Brooklyn Decker and sketches like this maybe next year I will actually watch the ESPY's for the first time.

Nah.

Video HT: Gawker TV

GERMANS KNOW HOW TO DO BACK FLIP FACE PLANTS TOO

Via Deadspin via Dirty Tackle comes another video on the laws of physics. This one is from Germany. Apparently the law of physics states when celebrating a third place finish in the World Cup you can not do a sliding back flip on concrete off a BMW while waving a flag. I thought everybody knew that.

BROOKLYN DECKER AT THE ESPYS

Notice how her husband Andy Roddick was nowhere to be found? Even he knows he can't handle the heat Brooklyn Decker is bringing at the ESPY's. TheHuffingtonPost has more pictures of the future divorcee who is sure to go on a fucking rampage when she finds out Roddick is a professional tennis player and not a successful blogger/CEO like myself. Sometimes you have to follow your heart and right now mine is throbbing. Call me Brooklyn.

PHYSICS LESSON: BIG BREASTED WOMEN LIKE DANA CAN'T DO BACK FLIPS

By all means ladies you can keep trying the back flips but if ya are packing a couple of Hindenburgs up front like Dana here you might not want to try it on live television. She has a dead heat in the Zeppelin race along with a Fairchild beak and she is going to attempt a back flip? Come on girl. This had face plant written all over it. Granted I got to give her a hand for the effort. The law of physics states "big floppies can only go forward and NOT backwards to land a flip." I'm serious. Look it up if ya must.


Video HT: BarStoolSports

THE BEST COLLEGIATE TIGHT END: KYLE RUDOLPH

In case you were wondering who might the nation's best collegiate tight end be this year well I figured I would give you a little education on Notre Dame's Kyle Rudolph. Standing at 6'6 and weighing in at around 265 pounds he is not hard to miss. "Rudy" as his teammates call him completely dwarfs the stature and talent of the Notre Dame walk-on legend who became famous by being 5 foot nothing.

Last season Rudolph put in a workman-like sophomore campaign of 33 catches for 364 yards after a fine freshman season in which he earned 1st team freshman honors. This year Rudy should put up incredible numbers catching passes from QB Dayne Crist in the new spread offense. Chances are this will be his final season in South Bend with the NFL knocking at his door along with fellow junior wide receiver Michael Floyd. Floyd and Rudolph are the most deadly catching combo in the college game and defenses will be hard pressed to stop either one with former 5 star recruit Crist leading a potent quick strike offense.

New head coach Brian Kelly has plenty of talent to unleash hell fire this season with Rudolph leading the way. Expect a Mackey Award for Rudolph's trophy case along with a lot of zeroes on his paycheck from the NFL come draft time. And don't be surprised if you hear these chants this fall from the Notre Dame faithful:

RUDY!

RUDY!

RUDY!

ESPN'S J.P. RICCIARDI REACTION TO THE YUNEL ESCOBAR TRADE

So not only did the Braves get rid of a clubhouse cancer in Yunel Escobar who has not hit all season and replaced him with a guy in Alex Gonzalez who has more home runs and extra base hits then anybody in the Braves lineup but also they pick up two good prospects who could be factors in the future. Seriously, what is not to like about this trade?

Frank Wren pulled a great trade today that could wind up like the Edgar Renteria trade to the Detroit Tigers for Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez (who was later flipped for Nate McLouth). Not only is Gonzalez an instant upgrade in the offensive production categories but it sounds like relief pitcher Tim Collins could be a future Billy Wagner and shortstop Tyler Pastornicky has a chance of eventually replacing Gonzalez in the future.

And before some of you Braves fans jump on me about how Yunel Escobar was too young to get rid of and could eventually right the ship please remember the Braves ran out of patience with Frenchy last season and it hasn't hurt them yet. The Braves signed Dominican shortstop Edward Salcedo this offseason and fully expect the 18 year old will eventually be replacing Gonzalez in 2-3 years. Gonzalez has an option for next year of around $2 million that can be picked up by the club and then depending on Salcedo's production in the minors could be the Braves starting shortstop in 2012.

The Braves won in this trade. They want desperately to send Bobby Cox into retirement with a World Series ring and didn't have to mortgage any of their future.

Great job Wren.

JUST ANOTHER REASON FOR ME NOT TO LIKE THE PHILLIES

Come on Charlie Manuel. You damn well know what the fuck his name is. You tell me you can pronounce Yadier Molina and Ubaldo Jimenez without any hesitation with a straight face but somehow butcher "Prado."

How about saying "FIRST PLACE BITCH!"?

Can you say it asshole?

I didn't think so.

Manuel has the fear. The fear of the first place Bravos.

HAPPY HUMP DAY...MIRANDA KERR VIDEO

Thanks go out to Egotastic for this Victoria Secret's commercial of Miranda Kerr which is sure to cause Jergens Lotion to triple in stock value.

GOOD RIDDANCE YUNEL ESCOBAR

I will have more information on the trade later when I get in front of the computer but here is some information from Dave O'brien's blog....

The Braves have traded shortstop Yunel Escobar and minor-league pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes to the Toronto Blue Jays in a five-player deal that nets shortstop Alex Gonzalez.

The Braves began a conference call at 12:30 p.m. to discuss the deal and we’ll provide updates as they occur.

Gonzalez, 33, is in the midst of one of his finest offensive seasons.

The Braves also got left-handed minor-league pitcher Tim Collins and minor-league shortstop Tyler Pastornicky.

Gonzalez entered the All-Star break with a .259 batting average, 17 home runs, 25 doubles and 50 RBIs. Gonzalez currently ranks tied for fifth in the American League with 43 extra-base hits.

“This trade improves our club for the second half of the season,” Executive Vice President and General Manager Frank Wren said. “We have been looking at ways to strengthen our club offensively and Alex Gonzalez is a proven veteran player who gives us added power. He is a winner and a solid offensive presence in the lineup as well as a quality defensive shortstop.”

Thank you Frank Wren. Escobar was a cancer in the clubhouse and his bat has been shit all season. I will miss his glove but I won't miss his attitude. Wren pulled off a miracle getting another shortstop in Gonzalez who has 17 bombs this year. He should fit in nicely with the Braves.

More on this trade later.

BRITISH OPEN STARTED TODAY

And clearly Tiger Woods is not a fan of albino gorillas who raid Rip Torn's closet. I have no idea who is going to win the British Open but I'm positive it won't be John Daly.

Image HT: ExtraMustard

DOUBLE RAINBOW GUY

I know this video is about 6 months old so in internet years it's ancient but I just had to post it. How the fuck did I never see this video till last night? Bin Laden has been hiding in a cave and still somehow saw it before we did. I feel like I have failed you SportsCrack nation. My bad. His reaction to the Double Rainbow across the sky was pretty much how I felt today when I heard the Braves traded Yunel Escobar. The amount of joy in my heart could not be contained. It was so intense!

So anyway here is the remix of the Double Rainbow Song...

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