Random Thoughts

Random Thoughts for July 12, 2008:

-Cleveland is two wins away from a championship...in Arena Football. While this won't be embraced on any comparable level as a Cavs, Browns or Indians title, it would still be nice to see the team win it all in it's first year in Cleveland. They've played well so far in the playoffs and go up against the best team in the league (Philadelphia) Saturday at 1 p.m. They defeated Philly at home while dropping a one point game in Philly. The game is an essential toss-up as Cleveland comes in after an impressive upset over Georgia while Philadelphia needed a last play TD to avoid an upset to New York.

-The Indians season is over....even though they just beat the Rays twice in a row. Sorry Indians fans. This team might have a few good streaks of play in it but there's no way this team finishes higher than fourth this year.

-I'm liking the Cubs deal to get Rich Harden....except for the fact that the few tradeable commodities that they had were all dealt in this deal. Harden has injury troubles (to say the least) but he brings dominant stuff to the NL. This should work out in the short term for them while the Brewers will continue to reap the benefits of CC Sabathia (while giving up much more, even for essentially a rental).

-Elton Brand spurned the Clippers for the Sixers. No big deal to me. I don't think anyone would choose the Clips over the Sixers if their really interesting in winning. Sorry Baron, while Golden State wasn't really an option, enjoy the money in LA.

-Other big moves in NBA Free Agency seem to be imminent...except there aren't really big FA's still out there. Josh Smith is quality but someone will overpay for his limited skill set. Same goes for James Posey....who everyone thinks is an invaluable piece to a championship team. What is the next Robert Horry? Success follows him? I don't get it...but hey again, someone will overpay for him (I've heard the Cavs are in the discussion....great). Wouldn't be shocked to see Emeka Okafor and Josh Childress signed away from their respective teams (their both restricted FA's). They both have value and a team looking for depth could sign them for reasonable prices. Some teams may want to consider saving money for the next two summers though. The amount of stars on each list in unreal...now some of these guys will certainly resign with their current team before they hit the market. But, here's a short list of who will be available during the next two offseasons....

-2009-
Kobe Bryant, Rasheed Wallace, Carlos Boozer, Allen Iverson, Shawn Marion, Ron Artest, Richard Hamilton, Jason Kidd, Andre Miller, Lamar Odom.

-2010-
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Tracy McGrady, Ray Allen, Tyson Chandler, Manu Ginobili, Joe Johnson, Richard Jefferson, Yao Ming, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Redd