Random Thoughts (July 15, 2008)

On Friday I wrote that Terry Francona should choose Yankee closer, and future resident of Cooperstown, Mariano Rivera as his starting pitcher for the All-Star Game, to be played tonight at Yankee Stadium. Well, that is not going to happen. Cleveland's Cliff Lee will take the bump for the American League. However, there is still some issue over who should close this game, if the AL takes a lead into the ninth inning. Who will it be, Tito? Mariano Rivera? Or your boy, Jonathan Papelbon? Francona will most likely turn to Rivera. Papelbon himself said that the "Sandman" should get the call in his own house with the game on the line. I have no problem with that decision. It should really be a non-issue, especially in Boston. However, this could be an issue for Boston come October. The league that wins the All-Star Game receives home field advantage in the World Series. Let's say, for arguments sake, that Francona gives Rivera the ball in the ninth and he blows the save. How will Francona's own team react if they are forced to travel to, say, Wrigley Field or Shea Stadium for Games 1 and 2 of the World Series instead of playing in Fenway Park? I bet that more than a few would be displeased that their manager turned to the enemy in a clutch situation and it backfired. The only reason this is an argument is because MLB turned the greatest of exhibitions into a contest that has real meaning. For all of us in New England, we know the benefit of having the World Series open in Fenway, 2004 and 2007 prove that home field is important. If Rivera takes the ball and closes out the National League, then all will be great. If not... Brett Favre needs to call it a career unless he will accept a trade from the Packers that will be beneficial to both the Packers (in terms of compensation) and Favre (a chance to win). Favre should not go back to Green Bay. He retired. The Packers have started the process of replacing the second greatest quarterback in franchise history (Bart Starr won five NFL championships, including two Super Bowls) by handing the ball over to Aaron Rodgers. It is a process that will be hard for the Packers to navigate, even if Favre was quietly mowing his lawn back in Mississippi. With Favre putting pressure on Green Bay to take him back or release him to play elsewhere, Rodgers situation goes from difficult to impossible. Rodgers is a "rebound" quarterback, just like a "rebound" girlfriend. Favre was the object of Green Bay's affection for well over a decade. Rodgers is the beginning of a new era in Wisconsin. Very few "rebound" girls or quarterbacks succeed. It's even harder when the old love is still hanging around, reminding you of what you are missing. Rodgers chances of success are already slim. Other than Steve Young replacing Joe Montana in San Francisco, no legendary quarterback has been successfully replaced. Rodgers is a former first round pick who is talented but the pressure to step in behind center at Lambeau Field in place of Favre is probably going to be too much to handle. With Favre sitting on the sidelines waiting for him to fail or playing in another city while he struggles will all but guarantee failure. Even if Favre doesn't care about the long term future of the Packers, he should care about his legacy. The three-time MVP, Super Bowl champion and, if he does decide to call it quits right now, 2013 Hall of Fame inductee should walk away now. The legacy of QB's who stuck around too long -- Unitas with San Diego, Namath with Los Angeles, Montana with Kansas City -- should be evidence that it's better to leave at the top of your game, with the franchise you are associated as a winner, than to limp through a bad season or three in a town that will never love you like your old home. Favre's reputation has already taken a hit, both in Wisconsin and nationally, because of this "I'm retired, wait, no I'm not" episode. Brett, you are great. Walk away while you are still remembered as being great. And don't ruin the long term success of the franchise and city which made you a champion, wealthy, and famous... He didn't even win but Josh Hamilton continued his long road back from a career almost wasted last night at Yankee Stadium during the Home Run Derby. Hamilton crushed 28 homers in the first round, breaking Bobby Abreu's record of 24 set in 2005, including some deep blasts into the upper deck. Hamilton lost in the final to Justin Morneau but without a doubt, it was Hamilton's night. And what a night it was... There was a great article in Sports Illustrated two weeks ago about the San Francisco Giants young ace, Tim Lincecum. Without boring you with the details, I would like to share a quote from Lincecum when he was asked why he doesn't ice his arm after pitching, unlike 99.9% of the rest of pitchers. Lincecum responded: "Like my dad says, 'Ice is made for two things: injuries and my drinks.'" I might throw one back for the future health of that special right arm... Enjoy the All-Star Game tonight...