Today, I'm saying goodbye to this blog space, which has been my daily home for almost two years now.

I started this blog more for me than you.  I needed an outlet for all my frustrations with the lack of original thinking in the mainstream media coverage of the sports and athletes we follow so closely.

Despite the blindfold of fanaticism, the sports fan can be very smart.

Just this week, we saw the World Cup Final draw ratings worthy of an NBA Finals or World Series Game 7.  And then two days later, the All-Star Game reached a record low on the eyeballs meter. 

The sports fan knows when it counts.  We invented baseball and hold it dear as our national pastime, but you cannot fool us into thinking an exhibition will stir our souls quite like the biggest soccer match on the globe.

Sports are live drama.  They may not always be scripted as well as Mad Men or Breaking Bad, but they strike at the emotional cord of anyone who dares to get invested. 

I've had some of the greatest highs and lows of my life simply watching young men run through, by and around each other.  While my chosen career covering sports has changed my perspective, I'll get out of the industry before I lose the childlike passion that drew me into this world.

I thank iBNSports.com for providing me the platform to express my cynical, sarcastic, sometimes hopeful, but always original pontifications on the ever changing sports landscape. 

I never found out how many people read the blog.  I don't really care.  If there were 5, 50 or 500 of you checking it on a regular basis, I appreciate the support and interaction.  I hope I delivered what was promised, "a fresh perspective on the world of sports."

I asked Jim Gray to help me with this announcement, but he's emceeing a Bar Mitzvah this weekend, so I'll tell you I'm taking my talents to USC.

I'll be blogging for USCTrojans.com as well as contributing on-air in a variety of capacities.  While I know I'm narrowing the scope a bit, I hope anyone interested in the Trojans will follow me there.  You can always keep tabs on me on Twitter (MooreSports).

My favorite quote was said by the quotemaster himself Winston Churchill, "History will be kind to me for I intend to write it."

I might have taken his advice too literally. 

I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading.  Thank you for your support and interest.  We'll talk again soon.

Enter Sandman...  Who better to close it out?

Where we are, where we thought we would be and where we think we're going...

NL East

Leader - Atlanta Braves

Prediction - Philadelphia Phillies (4.5 games back)

Projection - Atlanta Braves

The Phillies had a bizarre first half, but they could rally back to win the division if they make a trade for another starting pitcher and they get healthy.  I picked the Braves as the sleeper of the NL, so I'm hardly surprised by their Spring surge, although it did not look to good when they were getting no-hit every other night in April.  If they can keep getting production from their infield (Martin Prado, Troy Glaus and Chipper Jones), they have enough pitching to close the deal.

NL Central

Leader - Cincinnati Reds

Prediction - St. Louis Cardinals (1.0 game back)

Projection - St. Louis Cardinals

I thought the Reds were a year away with Edinson Volquez on the shelf and Aroldis Chapman in the minors, but they have the best offense in the National League led by Joey Votto and the resurgent Scott Rolen.  However, St. Louis is just a game back.  Once Tony LaRussa sorts out his bullpen, the Cards star power will overpower the division.

NL West

Leader - San Diego Padres

Prediction - Colorado Rockies (2.0 games back)

Projection - Colorado Rockies

Like most "experts", I had the Padres buried in last with their two stars (Adrian Gonzalez and Heath Bell) donning new uniforms by next month.  Instead, they've used a no-name pitching staff and a giant ballpark to stifle offenses in the year of the pitcher.  Nevertheless, the Rockies and even the Dodgers and Giants have so much more talent on paper that someone will chase down the Pads in September. 

NL Wild Card

Leader - Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies

Prediction - Atlanta Braves

Projection - Philadelphia Phillies

The Braves were considered a sleeper when I tabbed them to take the wild card, but now they are a division leader.  While I like the Rockies to take the NL West, I'll settle on the two-time defending NL champs to grab the final playoff berth.

AL West

Leader - Texas Rangers

Prediction - LA Angels of Anaheim (4.5 games back)

Projection - Texas Rangers

Typically, I'd ignore the Rangers strong start because they tend to fade as the Texas heat wears them down late into the Summer.  However, I'm encouraged by Josh Hamilton, who is back to his '08 dominance, and the trade for Cliff Lee.  In the long run, they'll likely regret giving up Justin Smoak for a rental, but Lee should secure their first division title in over a decade.

AL Central

Leader - Chicago White Sox

Prediction - Chicago White Sox

Projection - Chicago White Sox

I was not looking so smart after an ugly start, but they've rebounded behind consistent pitching and a top 5 MVP half from Alex Rios.  With Jake Peavy on the sidelines, the Twins and Tigers are ready to pounce, but GM Kenny Williams is always active at the trade deadline.  He'll bring in a starting pitcher to fill the hole.

AL East

Leader - New York Yankees

Prediction - New York Yankees

Projection - New York Yankees

They are not nearly as exciting as last year's team, but they are better.  They've won a major league leading 56 games to this point behind pitching, power and defense.  Their starting rotation has accounted for a ridiculous 48 wins, which means they are getting deep into games and holding leads. 

AL Wild Card

Leader - Tampa Bay Rays

Prediction - Boston Red Sox (3.0 games back)

Projection - Boston Red Sox

With all the injuries, maybe it's not the Red Sox year.  On the other hand, they can only get healthier in the second half.  The Rays are better on paper than practice.  They have too many all-or-nothing bats plus suspect team chemistry.  Whoever does better at the trade deadline will emerge from this two-horse race.

Playoffs

In the preseason, I went Yankees over Red Sox and Rockies over Phillies.  I'll stick with my two World Series combatants, but now I like Yankees over Rangers and Rockies over Braves.

In the end, the Yankees should win one more for George.

Midseason Awards

AL MVP - Miguel Cabrera

Cabrera is putting up triple crown numbers, while Alex Rodriguez (preseason pick) looks old.

NL MVP - Joey Votto

He won't hold out, but he's holding up better than Chase Utley (my pick).  Pujols should win another one with a strong finishing kick.

AL Cy Young - David Price

The young lefty could wear down as he reaches new innings heights, while Jon Lester (preseason pick) will be in the thick of it.  CC Sabathia is known as a dominant second half pitcher, which is a scary thought considering he already has 12 wins.

NL Cy Young - Ubaldo Jimenez

I know wins are an overrated stat, but 15 at the break is absurd.  Jimenez has shown signs of cracking, so look for Josh Johnson to steal the award away.  I picked Roy Halladay in my preview.

AL Rookie - Brennan Boesch

The Tigers call-up has slugged his away into the middle of their lineup and the top of the rookie standings.  I'll stick with my preseason choice, Neftali Feliz, to maintain dominance throughout the season.

NL Rookie - Jaime Garcia

The Cardinals pitcher has been greatly overshadowed by the NL's star-studded rookie class.  He'll lose out in the end to Jason Heyward (my preseason pick) or more likely Stephen Strasburg.

AL Manager - Terry Francona

Considering the injuries and the horrific start, he has the Red Sox in a prime position to catch the Rays and/or the Yankees.  Ozzie Guillen (preseason pick) will get his fair share of votes.

NL Manager - Bobby Cox

Some national writers suggested that a lesser known manager would have been fired based on the Braves April.  There is a reason that Cox is not a lesser known manager.  My preseason pick will take the award in his final year. 

Ubaldo Jimenez (one of four no-hitters) has paced the field in the year of the pitcher.

George M. Steinbrenner is a myth.

He bought the Yankees in 1973 for a measly $8.7 million and at the time of his passing, the franchise is worth more than $1 billion.  

He presided over seven World Series winners, created the YES Network and built the new Yankees Stadium.  As a sports owner, he is the model.

As a man, he became a caricature.  He was portrayed as a tyrannical bully, which was certainly true at times, especially in the early years.  As he gained in age and mellowed in behavior, the bully became legend. 

George M. Steinbrenner was the emperor of the Empire State.  

So, in memory of the myth more than the man, here are a list of quotes and stories, fiction and stranger than fiction about and by "The Boss":

"He fires people like it's a bodily function!" said George Costanza during his time as the Yankees assistant to the traveling secretary.

"Who's Billy Martin?" "Oh, just someone Steinbrenner kept hiring and firing until he died." - The Scout.  In Steinbrenner's first 23 seasons of ownership, he changed managers 20 times, including firing Martin on five separate occasions.

"The phone would ring in the middle of the night," said Harvey Greene, former Yankees Director of Media Relations, "and you knew it was either Mr. Steinbrenner or a death in the family.  After a while, you started to root for a death in the family."

"Where is Reggie Jackson? We need a Mr. October or a Mr. September. Winfield is Mr. May. My big guys are not coming through. The guys who are supposed to carry the team are not carrying the team. They aren't producing. If I don't get big performances out of Winfield, Griffey and Baylor, we can't win." - Steinbrenner's fight with Winfield would lead to his 1990 ban from baseball.

"The two were meant for each other.  One's a born liar and the other's convicted." - Billy Martin on Steinbrenner and Jackson

"Steinbrenner: Nice to meet you.

George Costanza: Well, I wish I could say the same, but I must say, with all due respect, I find it very hard to see the logic behind some of the moves you have made with this fine organization. In the past twenty years, you have caused myself, and the city of New York, a good deal of distress as we have watched you take our beloved Yankees and reduced them to a laughing stock, all for the glorification of your massive ego.

Steinbrenner: Hire this man!"

“Who else could be a memorable character on a television show without actually appearing on the show?" Jerry Seinfeld said. "You felt George even though he wasn't there. That's how huge a force of personality he was."

"I clocked them. There are two guys in town looking for their teeth." - Steinbrenner said after an elevator fight with two Dodgers fans during the 1981 World Series.  The story was confirmed to be true by recent Steinbrenner biographer Bill Madden.

"Well, people have heard that Rickey [Henderson] didn't get back for the two games tonight because he didn't know the strike was over. Well, I tell ya gang, you know, they're not all mental giants." - Steinbrenner on Henderson, two quote machines.

"Bob Lemon will manage the entire season, win or lose." - Steinbrenner fired Lemon after 14 games.

Like Joey Chestnut to Kobayashi, I upped the ante on Pulpo Paul with my correct score, winner and goal scorer of yesterday's final.  I like my octopus grilled, thank you.

• The World Cup Final was not a beautiful game, but beauty won the game.  The Dutch lured Howard Webb, who did not want to give a red card in a Final, and Spain into a street fight.  Nigel De Jong's judo kick to the chest was a straight red anytime, anywhere.  Once Webb let it go with a cautionary yellow, he had chaos on his hands.
• In the end, Spain were deserved winners.  While Iker Casillas was not always sure handed in South Africa, he came up with the telling stops on two Arjen Robben breakaways.  With all the missed chances, the loser was always going to be full of regret.  Thankfully, Spain's classy passing style will be studied over the next four years not the Netherlands bully tactics. 
• Speaking of passing ability, Xavi completed 599 passes in the tournament, which is the most by one player in a Cup since 1966.
• While most of the media I followed leaned toward Xavi, Diego Forlan was a rightful Golden Ball winner.  As you all know by now, putting the ball in the back of the net is the hardest thing to do in soccer.  To go along with five goals, Forlan came back deep to receive the ball and help create for strike partner Luis Suarez.  While Uruguay has a talented side, he carried far more responsibility that any one Spanish player.
• While it's always easy to crticize ESPN, they did a phenomenal job covering this World Cup.  They responded to the criticism of four years ago by replacing elementary American broadcasters with the best Great Britain has to offer.  They brought in analysts from every major country, which helped raise the level of soccer dialogue instead of dumbing it down for us Yanks.  All games live, all games in HD, thank you for a great month.
• The Phoenix Suns stumbled upon a new formula last year.  They found strength in numbers.  While the Lakers starting five was significantly better than Steve Nash's crew, Phoenix's bench kept them in the series.  So, instead of replacing Amar'e Stoudemire with a like-for-like power forward (David Lee), they are adding to their numbers and mobility with Josh Childress and Hedo Turkoglu.  Hedo was a disaster in Toronto last year, but he seems like a great fit to run and shoot alongside Nash. 
• Derek Fisher is just negotiating.  The Lakers won't budge on a severe salary decrease after a great stretch run, so he's flirting with Miami to get some movement.  Kobe's clutch caddy will be signed by the end of the week.
• Jordan Farmar should be better than he is.  Maybe Avery Johnson can do something about that.
• The Knicks are talking about bringing Isiah Thomas back into the organization in a full-time capacity as the GM.  At this point, what else can I say?  As Ian Darke or Martin Tyler would put it, they are shambolic.
• The basketball summer is in a weird spot now.  We have too many chairs and not enough contestants.  The Clippers, Knicks and Nets have plenty of cap space, but no desirable free agents to sign.  The Cavs, Suns and Raptors have huge trade exceptions that they must use before the season.  The trade market should continue to be active until tip-off.
• The U.S. beat the World 9-1 in the Futures game yesterday, which means the World has no future.
• Ok Paul, who ya got in the Homerun Derby?  I'll take Miguel Cabrera.  Did you say David Ortiz???  Now you're just antagonizing me.
• Bob Sheppard was a piece of Yankees Stadium.  He was a signature part of the experience.  As we said goodbye to the old girl in 2008, we say goodbye to Sheppard now.  God has his voice back.

Sports journalism rock bottom...

• Pat Riley was the only winner on the basketball front last night.  At 65, he is the most powerful man in the NBA. 
• LeBron James should regret "The Decision" one day, but he probably won't.  He masturbated on TV for an hour only to make a decision that spurned his loyal fanbase.  He was egomaniacal and cold-blooded, but...
• He made the right choice.  If he had stayed in Cleveland with that dog's breakfast of a roster, he would've been killed by this same media six years from now for not winning a ring.  With Riles in charge, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh as running mates, James can play the best basketball of his career and win championships.  James is right.  No one ever did it alone.  Kobe needed Shaq and Gasol.  Jordan needed Pippen.  Magic needed Jabbar.  Bird needed McHale.  And James needs Wade.  Admitting that was a rare sign of humility for the self-titled "King."
• He's not a coward.  If you gave me the choice to be successful with my friends or without my friends, I would not hesitate to bring my boys along with me.  Wade, Bosh and James are not coincidentally free agents at the same time.  They planned it this way.  They'll have the most fun of their careers playing together for the next five years.  People should read Into the Wild, "Happiness only real when shared."
• James does not owe Cleveland, Dan Gilbert or the media anything.  Why does everyone think they own a piece of this kid?  He played his ass off for seven seasons as a Cav.  He missed a total of 19 games in that time, while averaging 27.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 7.0 apg.  In the series that he "quit" on, James put up better numbers than Kobe Bryant against the same opponent, but he did not have the teammates to help him out.  If you're sad that you lost your favorite player, let the tears fall.  But burning his jersey in effigy?  Disgusting behavior.
• While LeBron was all set to be the MVP of classlessness last night, Dan Gilbert stole the show.  Do PR guys still exist?  How about wives?  How can he have no one in his life to say, "Why don't you sleep on this and if you still feel the same way in the morning, you can send the letter with the crazy kid font and jilted lover petulance."  Why would any NBA player ever play for this clown again?  I could break down all the wrongful accusations, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you can see for yourself how insane the letter is.
• Jim Gray.  Good times...
• Take heart Knicks fans, you got Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike and Ronny Turiaf.  What else did you want from this summer?
• Brian Cashman and I are off the page.  We have been for a while now.  I love Cliff Lee.  Who doesn't?  But, the best decision Cashman made in the last five years was passing on a trade for Johan Santana and waiting for CC Sabathia to be a free agent.  Now, he is set to give up one of the best hitting prospects in baseball in a package for Lee when he has no imminent need for starting pitching.  Why not wait for Lee to be a free agent this winter and just give up money for his services?  This is an old school Steinbrenner type Yankee move.
• Now, they'll have to trade one of their current starters or move Phil Hughes to the bullpen.  If they move Hughes, they are even dumber than I thought.  They'd love to trade A.J. Burnett, but they'll likely move Javier Vazquez, who has been dealing for two months now.  He is on the last year of his contract, so he fits perfectly with the "let it play out" plan.  Never mind, resistance is futile.  I should just be happy that the Yankees are getting another ace.
• Spain have hit their best form at just the right time.  While the novice fan may not realize how dominant they were against Germany, the Spanish played that game exactly to plan.  They controlled possession, tired out Germany's back four and stepped up with the winning goal.  They'll look to do it one more time against the Netherlands.
• The Dutch need to find a first half goal.  If they can get on the board, Spain will have to get more aggressive in the final third, which will leave them open to a counterattack.  On the counter, Holland are poised to do some real damage through Arjen Robben.  32-year-old left back Joan Capdevila was the only non-Real Madrid/Barcelona starter in the semis.  He could be exposed by Robben's dribbling ability.  While Spain's defenders are technically strong, they lack for pace with the exception of Sergio Ramos.  Robben and maybe Elijero Elia as a sub can make them move their feet if they ever get the ball.
• Spain 1, Netherlands 0.  Andres Iniesta is the scorer.

How can I pick against Pulpo Paul?

With The Decision just hours away, we break down how Jim Gray has managed to stay relevant with a negative Q-rating.  No, not really.  We'll take one last look at the contenders.

1. Miami Heat

Buzz: According to Newsday reporter Alan Hahn, James has decided to join Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade on South Beach.  According to others, he is leaning in that direction. 

LeBrand's New Tagline: "It's not about the money Jim, it's about winning."  James will have to take less money to make this three-headed monster work, so he's hoping the move will be seen as selfless. 

Media Response: He's diminishing his brand by sharing the spotlight with two other big names.  He could not hack it on his own, so he had to recruit a dream team to get on the ring board.  Also, Kobe Bryant, we ♥ U.

King 5: Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem.  I'm not a capologist, but they should be able to re-sign Haslem and go over the cap.  They'll need to find a shooter and a bench on minimum salary.

Kingless: Chalmers, Wade, Mike Miller, Bosh and Haslem.  Miller fills the shooter's role.  If he goes somewhere else, they'll make a play for a similar type talent.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

Buzz: Sourceless analysts are sticking to their gut feeling that James is loyal to his home state and he would not dare create an hour-long show about sticking a knife in Cleveland's back.

LeBrand's New Tagline: "Cleveland's my home Jim.  I'm an Ohio boy through and through."  In my limited experience with James, he is Akron, Ohio.  He has the money to move Akron to Miami, but does he have the guts to risk not being welcome in his hometown?

Media Response: What an egomaniac?  He went through this whole process for the adoration and attention just to re-sign with his old team.  He made a good decision though.

King 5: Johnny Flynn, Mo Williams, LeBron James, J.J. Hickson and Anderson Varejao.  I cannot imagine why he'd want to leave that five behind.  Byron Scott wants to run more, so they're looking for a real point guard and mobile bigs.

Kingless: Williams, Delonte West, Anthony Parker, Hickson and Varejao.  Hello lottery!

3. New York Knicks

Buzz: The financial world is convinced that James is headed to MSG.  And as we've learned the last few years, Wall Street is never wrong.

LeBrand's New Tagline: "C'mon Jim, New York is the greatest city in the world.  If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere."  He probably thinks Jay-Z made that last line up.

Media Response: He obviously cares more about money and his status as a global icon than he does about winning.

King 5: Luke Ridnour, Wilson Chandler, LeBron James, Danilo Gallinari, Amar'e Stoudemire.  They'll win 50 games, but you cannot win in the playoffs without a post defender.

Kingless: Ridnour, Chandler, Gallinari, Anthony Randolph and Stoudemire.  Walsh will use David Lee in a sign-and-trade to cheaply plug some holes until Carmelo Anthony is a free agent next summer.

4. Chicago Bulls

Buzz: They are the perfect fit, but they have been unable to generate any momentum since being dubbed the early favorites.

LeBrand's New Tagline: "They've got a hole in their straight flush and the King of Clubs is here to fill it."  If there is anything we learned from Gilbert Arenas, NBA players take cards very seriously.

Media Response: He's no Michael Jordan.

King 5: Derrick Rose, LeBron James, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah.  I'd trade Deng for a shooter, but that's a championship starting five.

Kingless: Rose, J.J. Redick, Deng, Boozer and Noah.  They need a two-guard, so I'll slot in Redick as the best available shooter, although Orlando will probably match the offer. 

The Decision: Miami Heat

The secret was always going to be leaked.  With an army of reporters looking for one quiet word from a bunch of hangers-on that love to feel important, there's no way that this does not end anticlimactically. 

The Heat will fall short next season without any depth, so Pat Riley will fire Erik Spoelstra and win a championship with James, Wade and Bosh in 2012.

Meanwhile, Jim Gray, Keith Richards and cockroaches will outlive us all.

If LeBron James chooses the Knicks tomorrow, I take back everything bad I said about James, Donnie Walsh and all parties involved.  Let me just put that out there straight away.

• With that said, I do not believe the Knicks will get the rose tomorrow.  In terms of winning championships, Miami and Chicago make so much more sense than New York.  However, he'll settle for Cleveland. 
• I will say the momentum seems to be in the Knicks favor.  The Bulls have been silent and the Heat made their big moves with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.  In a Cleveland vs. New York match-up without sentiment, the Knicks are a better situation.  Walsh can offer Amar'e Stoudemire, a young roster and cap space, while the Cavs are locked into Antawn Jamison and veteran garbage.  If loyalty is not a factor, he could be a Knick tomorrow.
• David Lee makes so much sense for the Phoenix Suns, but Robert Sarver is the cheapest owner in the league.  He makes Donald Sterling look like George Steinbrenner. 
• Speaking of Sterling, the Clippers hired Vinny Del Negro???  They have no imagination.  The Clips have lowered the bar so far that my overweight shitzu could jump over it. 
• Wade, Bosh, Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers are not a championship core.  They should be rooting for James to re-sign with Cleveland, so Pat Riley can assemble a veteran supporting cast on the cheap.  If James signs with New York, Walsh will have to fight off veteran role guys with a stick.
• Germany are nothing if not predictable, which is amazing considering I predicted every single one of their games wrong in the knockout stage.  Anyway, they always book a spot in the final four, but they rarely come home with the hardware.  They have not won a major crown since Euro '96, yet they've gone semis, semis and finals in the last three World Cups.
• My brother's text: "Are all Spaniards allergic to shooting?"  Yes, they kind of are.  For the first time in this tournament, we saw the real Spain.  Like Chinese water torture, they hardly give you a touch of the ball until they score the first goal.  Once they have a lead, they don't give you a touch at all.  Germany had to score first to open up Spain, but Carlos Puyol's header was a deserving winner.
• Fernando Torres should not start the Final.  If Cesc Fabregas is healthy enough, he should get the nod.  If not, David Silva should get a return from exile over Pedro.
• Early prediction: Germany will win Euro '12.  
• Martin Tyler was ESPN's big play-by-play get leading up to the World Cup and he's been excellent, but Ian Darke has stolen the show.  On the whole, it has to be said that the worldwide leader's coverage has been spectacular.  They made mostly great hires/assignments and they did not ask their analysts to dumb it down for an American audience (Roberto Martinez is my favorite).  
• Robinson Cano pulled out of the Home Run Derby today with a "back injury".  I would've thrown a viewing party to root against him if he had stayed in.  He seems like the perfect candidate to ruin his swing trying to impress the fans.
• Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez is the next Cano.  He has the sweetest lefty swing in the National League.
• Great tweet by someone named Alexander Cole: "Great eating champions of our time arrested on back-to-back days: Kobayashi and Jamarcus Russell."

Jamarcus Russell is a walking cautionary tale.

One in, one to go...

• Predicting soccer is a futile exercise.  The Dutch were the better team on paper and it played out in a 3-2 win.  However, I did not foresee Gio Van Bronckhorst, a 35-year-old left back, hitting a screamer to open the scoring.  Then, Holland capitalized on the gray area of the offsides rule to move in front 2-1.  They capped their scoring with a header goal from Arjen Robben, who never nets with his noggin.
• Uruguay were not exactly George Mason, but it's best to have the best in the Final.  However, Diego Forlan deserves all-tournament honors for his leading man performance.
• Germany has been so much more impressive than Spain in this tournament, but how will they match up?  The Germans can be exposed defensively, but they've used early leads against England and Argentina to cover up that weakness.  When they get in front and suck their opponent in, they are devastating on the counter attack.  I'll pick Germany over Spain (2-1), but I really predict whoever scores first will win.
• If I had to rank the greatest tennis players of all-time, Roger Federer would be first and Rafael Nadal would struggle to scratch the top five.  One minor problem: Nadal is better than Federer.  How do we rationalize that Federer is the greatest of all-time, but not his own era?  Some say they belong to different generations, but they are both still in their primes.  Federer will always have the better resume, but when healthy, I'll take Nadal over Fed on any surface.
• Amar'e Stoudemire and David Lee are virtually the same player.  They are both 20/10 guys who play no defense.  Lee is a better passer and teammate.  Donnie Walsh's big mistake came months before he signed Stoudemire and his bad knees to a 5-year $100 million deal.  He was forced into this panic move when he basically traded his first round picks for the next two seasons to Houston to unload Jared Jeffries contract.  Without picks, the Knicks don't benefit from sucking, so they have to win immediately.  Hence, Walsh overpays for "Stat" and now he'll try to sign-and-trade Lee for Monta Ellis.  If Walsh had removed his head from the LeBron clouds, he would've kept his draft picks and built around Carmelo Anthony.
• Sounds like LeBron is staying in Cleveland.  For a self-proclaimed businessman, James has manipulated the situation more like a basketball player than a CEO.  He could not wrap his head around taking less money in Miami, so Chicago became the next most desirable spot.  The Raptors won't provide a sign-and-trade lifeline since the Bulls can only offer a Luol Deng package, so no Chris Bosh in the windy city.  Now, James seems destined to head home, but Bosh is not interested in Cleveland.  Kings don't often covet, but James will be sick if he has to watch Dwyane Wade and Bosh dominate the Eastern Conference for the next five years.
• Joey Votto has had a better first half than Ryan Howard.  You don't need me to tell you that.  The All-Star Game's issue is not a lack of Votto appreciation.  The Midsummer Classic has an identity crisis.  Is it supposed to matter this time?  If so, the managers should pick the squad like the USA Olympic basketball team with winning the game as their sole motivation.  Is it for the fans?  In that case, Stephen Strasburg is baseball's number one attraction.  Is it a reward for the two World Series participants from the previous season?  That explains the inclusion of Howard, Phil Hughes, CC Sabathia and Alex Rodriguez over Votto, Clay Buchholz, Jered Weaver and Michael Young. 
• Is it a celebration of utility players?  Maybe that explains Omar Infante. 
• Cliff Lee is good enough to change the balance of power in the American League.  The Yankees and Red Sox will wait for the offseason to bid for his services and the Rays don't need starting pitching, so Lee could be the savior for the Twins or Rangers or anyone else.  While the AL East is the beast of the league, Lee is a Game 1 winner, which could be the difference maker, especially for Minnesota.
• For two years, I've had Carl Crawford as the left fielder of the 2011 New York Yankees.  Unless something changes, Cashman has no place to put him.  Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher are all solid players and great value contracts.  The Yanks will splash their cash on Lee, so the Red Sox could be perfectly positioned to lock down a gaping hole in their outfield and move Jacoby Ellsbury back to center. 
• Check out this cool explanation of Mariano Rivera's cutter and resulting dominance.

It was nice to see someone actually earn the right to clutch their face in excruciating pain.

Do not blame Luis Suarez.

You can blame FIFA for not having an automatic goal rule.  You can blame Asamoah Gyan for choking the penalty.  You can blame the cruel sporting fates for punishing Ghana of all countries.

Suarez acted under the same moral code as a basketball player who hacks down the winning dunk attempt in favor of two heart-pounding free throws.  He justified his actions the same way a burned cornerback does when he tackles an open receiver instead of watching him sail in for the go-ahead touchdown.

Were his actions Machiavellian?  Yes, but the end does justify the means in this case.

In the 120th minute, Ghana had two golden goals rejected off the goal line.  The first was headed out legally.  The second was batted out cynically.

In a moment's thought, Suarez chose country over honor.  He was well within his rights to do so.

The actions that followed were all correct.  The referee managed not to miss it, which is an accomplishment for this World Cup.  He doled out a straight red card and ordered Suarez off the pitch.

As the striker turned goalie took the walk of shame down the tunnel, he saw the fruits of his mischief on the big screen.  Asamoah Gyan, who had converted two penalty kicks in this tournament plus an overtime winner against the United States, struck his spot kick boldly off the bar. 

Uruguay were still alive thanks to the handiwork of Luis Suarez.  A few minutes later, they would complete their improbable escape with a clinical penalty display.

The young forward will get his punishment.  He'll sit in the stands and watch his teammates play in a World Cup semifinal. 

We do need to make one critical distinction.  While Suarez's actions can be excused as instinctive, Diego Maradona and Thierry Henry are calculated cheaters. 

You may know Maradona as that crazy Argentine coach, who thought exuberant celebrations would cover up his limited tactical knowledge, but he's also the second greatest player in this game's rich history.  In the 1986 World Cup, he single-handedly defeated England when he punched in "The Hand of God." 

Maradona was not acting instinctively.  He had gone up for challenged headers millions of times in his life, so he had to make the decision that "I cannot get there and I'm willing to sell my soul to score this goal."  He did not need to do it.  He had plenty of time to score handfuls of legal goals in that game (he would score another magnificent goal), but he chose deceit over glory and his career will be forever marked by it.

Thierry Henry was in a slightly more desperate spot.  Late in a tie game between France and Ireland, Henry chopped down a wayward pass, so he could steal Les Bleus passage into the 2010 World Cup.  He knew better.  France's disgraceful exit was fitting.

Suarez was in an unfamiliar spot.  Standing on the goal line in the dying seconds of a World Cup quarterfinal, he only had one thing on his mind, "I cannot let the ball get past me."  With the shot out of head's reach, he reacted with his hands. 

He kept the ball out of the net.  He made the right decision for his team and his country.

Sportsmanship...honor...dignity.  They are lost words in this World Cup.  In a sport that seems to condone deceiving the referee to draw red cards and catapulting headfirst into the grass to draw penalties, Suarez's actions are easily justified.

He knew the stakes and he made a split second decision.  He'll be a hero in Uruguay and a villain on the African continent. 

Everything went as it should.  Suarez handled the ball.  The ref pulled red.  Suarez cried his way off.  Gyan placed the ball on the spot.  Africa held their breath.

Everything went as it should until the blast of vuvuzelas was muted by the thud of the crossbar.

Cruel, but fair.

Fabio Capello is petitioning FIFA to let Suarez play goal for England in the next World Cup.

After two depressing days without soccer, the sweet hum of vuvuzelas brought me back to life.

• You don't need me to tell you that diving and rolling around on the ground is terrible sportsmanship and pathetic to watch.  So, allow me to paint the other side of the picture.  Arjen Robben was too good for Michel Bastos.  He dribbled circles around him every time they were locked up one-on-one.  Bastos fouled him four times in the first 35 minutes of the game clearing sending a message as instructed by his coach that we'll hack you down before we let you play exciting football.  That is equally despicable.  Robben, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and the like are the magicians of this sport.  They should be protected by the referee.  We don't watch to see cynical tackles.  Bastos should've been booked for a second yellow and the resulting red and Felipe Melo obviously earned his straight red for taking out his frustrations on Robben, who was just too good for Brazil.
• Can you imagine if the Yankees decided to build their team around small ball talent and not homerun hitters?  What if the Lakers played four corners offense?  That's 2010 Brazil.  I picked Dunga and his men knowing that they were not playing the flashy brand of soccer for which they are famous, but I'm glad it bit them.  We NEED Brazil to be Brazil.  We want imagination not two holding midfielders.  We want creativity not route one football.  This squad didn't have an attacking dribbler like Robben or a creative passer like Wesley Sneijder.  Hopefully, they'll put on a show for us as the 2014 hosts.
• If the Netherlands win the World Cup, Wesley Sneijder should win the FIFA Player of the Year award.  He was the maestro for Inter Milan during their Champions League winning campaign and now he's lifted the Dutch to rarified air.  While they were certainly lucky on the first goal, it was nice to see a player that can hit a dangerous cross with his off foot.  What a concept!
• Dirk Kuyt was the "Man of the Match" though.  He deserved a goal at the end after putting in another energetic and understated shift.  He beat Fabiano to the near post to flick on the game-winning assist.  And, he kept Maicon pinned back in his own end until Brazil was behind and desperate. 
• Kaka, Wayne Rooney, Fernando Torres and Lionel Messi have combined to score zero goals in this tournament.  Landon Donovan netted three.  As he said, "I wish I had their paychecks."  Honestly, the World Cup is a small sample size with often mismatched talent, which is another reason why you should also watch club football.
• The national team landscape has changed though.  Brazil and Holland used to be known for "total football" and their neighbors Argentina and Germany were characterized by toughness.  In this tournament, they have been complete opposites.
• I hammer Serena Williams whenever I get the chance, but I will give her credit for righting her career when it looked like she was over it a few years ago.  She was distracted by modeling, acting and fashion and let her game and body fall apart.  While she only cares about major tournaments, she is about to win her 13th and she's outlasted the rest of her golden generation (Martina Hingis, Anna Kournikova, Venus, etc.).
• NBA GMs have lost their collective minds.  A max contract for Rudy Gay?!?  He's a 20 point, 5 rebound guy, who cannot create offense for anyone but himself.  $32 million for Drew Gooden?!?  He is about to play for his 9th team in eight years.  I would say that qualifies as a journeyman.  Darko Milicic gets a four-year, $20 million deal from David Kahn and the T'Wolves.  Was Chris Mihm not available?  Somebody take Kahn's keys away from him, he's clearly drunk.
• The Knicks are going to get blanked.  They might be able to re-sign David Lee and keep together last year's championship team.  Maybe Donnie Walsh will re-acquire Nate Robinson.  I've honestly hit the point where I'd be thrilled if they got Joe Johnson for a max contract.  I call that rock bottom.
• Phil Jackson could not resist the symmetry of completing four trilogies.  I can't blame him.  He's never missed out on a three-peat bid.
• Richard Jefferson must've HATED playing in San Antonio.  He'll never sniff $15 million per year again.
• I would've paid good money to be in the board room for Mikhail Prokhorov's pitch to LeBron James.  Between the accent, the outlandish promises (which he can deliver on) and the subtle Russian mafia undertones, it had to be better than Godfather III.
• The Red Sox are giving the '09 Mets a run for the money.  Last weekend, they lost Dustin Pedroia, Clay Buchholz and Victor Martinez in consecutive games.  Yesterday, Jason Varitek went down.  This list of names is actually on the Red Sox active roster: Scott Atchison, Dustin Richardson, Gustavo Molina, Eric Patterson, Darnell McDonald and Daniel Nava.  Have I mentioned that they are also the hottest team in baseball?  They were terrible in April when they were healthy.  Bizarre.
• Party Down was cancelled, which proves Americans continue to hate comedy and originality, but they f***in' love vampires.

Wesley Sneijder and the Dutch crashed the "South American" World Cup.

Who's gonna win this thing?  Sizing up the contenders 1-8...

1.) Brazil (MooreSports chances: 40%)

Goals: 8

Goals Against: 2

MVP (so far) - Lucio

Case for...

They have the best back four plus goalie in the tournament.  Maicon sizzled in a shot (or cross) to open up North Korea, while Lucio and Juan have held down Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo and Humberto Suazo.  Up front, Luis Fabiano continues to be the most efficient national team striker in the world.  He is not overloaded with chances, but he makes them count.

And against...

They have shown only glimpses of the champagne football that we expect out of the "Samba Kings".  Where is the creativity in midfield?  Kaka and Robinho need to play to their reputations because they don't have any help on the bench.

Verdict

They are still my pick to win.  This team struggles unlocking defenses that sit back and soak up pressure since they don't have the magic of a Ronaldinho or the pace and power of a Ronaldo.  To that end, Holland are a great matchup.  The Dutch want to possess and attack, which is a game Brazil will happily play with anyone.  If they make the Final, they'll hope for a similarly aggressive side like Argentina or Germany. 

Two potential pitfalls: Uruguay and Spain.  Like Portugal, Uruguay can park the buses in front of their own goal and hope for a piece of genius on the counterattack from Diego Forlan or Luis Suarez.  Brazil have looked better than Spain, but the Spanish always win the possession battle, which will be an uncomfortable feeling for Dunga's side.

Pick: Winner

2.) Spain (MooreSports chances: 20%)

Goals: 5

Goals Against: 2

MVP (so far) - David Villa

Case for...

They have not hit peak form, but they are in a comfortable part of the draw.  Gerard Pique has led a solid back four that's only given up goals on a keeper mistake and a deflected shot.  Going forward, David Villa has been the best player in the tournament to this point.

And against...

Iker Casillas continues to be the most overrated goalie in the world.  In a tournament plagued by goalkeeping errors, he could be their undoing.  With the ball, they have no width.  Andres Iniesta looks uncomfortable playing out of position on the left, while Sergio Ramos has been the only consistent contributor on the right pushing up from his fullback position.  Fernando Torres should be a sub on this team.

Verdict

They should handle Paraguay, who will sit back like Portugal did.  Then, they'll play the Germany/Argentina winner.  If they fall behind in the semis, they could be in trouble because Villa is their only goal scoring threat right now.  However, they can frustrate either team by controlling the ball, which will expose Germany and Argentina's tendency to waste chances.  In a potential showdown Final, Brazil's efficiency will be the difference.

Pick: Runner-up

3.) Argentina (MooreSports Chances: 10%)

Goals: 10

Goals Against: 2

MVP (so far) - Lionel Messi

Case for...

They have been the most dynamic team in the tournament so far.  The three-headed attack of Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain are the most potent strike force in the tournament.  Yes, Messi has not scored, but he's put the ball on a tee for Higuain to net four times. 

And against...

They have not been in a fight yet.  They've stormed to early leads and celebrated easy victories, but that all ends with Germany.  Diego Maradona will have to organize his squad to avoid the counterattacking gaps that exposed England against the young Germans.  We will find out a lot more about their back five on Saturday.

Verdict

They can win this tournament.  If the midfield can continue supplying the ball to Messi, he will carve out scoring chances against any defense.  However, Argentina's lack of midfield talent will be exposed by Spain, who can cut off that supply line to Messi. 

Pick: Semifinals

4.) Germany (MooreSports chances: 10%)

Goals: 9

Goals Against: 2

MVP (so far) - Mesut Ozil

Case for...

They have a roster loaded with explosive, young talent.  When they get flying with Ozil, Thomas Mueller and Lucas Podolski, they look more Brazilian than Brazil.  On the surprising side, no-name goalie Manuel Neuer was impressive against England.

And against...

Young teams are inconsistent.  They've been outstanding in two games and average in two games.  The Germans were undone by a card happy ref against Serbia and went unpunished by a more inspired Ghanaian side. 

Verdict

Do they want this quarterfinal as much as Argentina?  Maradona will have his unit ready to battle.  While the Germans are usually described as ruthless, this squad is much prettier.  They'll get a taste of their own blood and come back as Europe's best in 2014.

Pick: Quarterfinals

5.) Holland (MooreSports chances: 8%)

Goals: 7

Goals Against: 2

MVP (so far) - Wesley Sneijder

Case for...

Arjen Robben is back and looks healthy.  He was the only missing ingredient from a workmanlike, but flare-less squad during the group stage.  Like Brazil, they have taken a much more pragmatic approach to this tournament, subjugating beauty in favor of results. 

And against...

Robin Van Persie is a weakness.  If you get chances to punish Brazil, you have to take them and Van Persie is too wasteful to lead the line for a World Cup winner.  In the back, they've been better than expected, but let's see how they handle Fabiano, Kaka and Robinho.

Verdict

They can beat Brazil.  Sneijder and Robben will be the two most creative players on the field plus Dirk Kuyt is an exceptional big game player who will pounce on any defensive mistakes.  They are one player away.  If they had Ruud Van Nistelrooy in his prime, the Dutch would be favorites to make the Final, but they're short one goal poacher.

Pick: Quarterfinals

6.) Uruguay (MooreSports chances: 7%)

Goals: 6

Goals Against: 1

MVP (so far) - Diego Lugano

Case for...

They have given up just one goal in four games against credible attacking sides.  When they want to sit back and soak up pressure, they can make the game pretty boring, but they always have the ability to punish opponents with Forlan and Suarez, who are both in peak form.

And against...

The road to the Final likely runs through Brazil.  Will they be in awe of the kings of their continent or will they attack them like they have every other opponent in this Cup?  They are a relentless, physical side, but they need to be the bully.

Verdict

They are a legitimate dark horse to win this thing.  If the Netherlands knock out Brazil, I'd take Uruguay to the Final, but they'll be too intimidated to play their game against the world's best.

Pick: Semifinals

7.) Ghana (MooreSports chances: 2.5%)

Goals: 4

Goals Against: 3

MVP (so far) - Asamoah Gyan

Case for...

They have the momentum of a continent behind them, which seemed to freshen their legs in extra time against the United States.  Athletically, they are probably the best team remaining.  While soccer is a skill and endurance game, Gyan's speed and power was the difference on the game-winner.

And against...

They were lucky to make it out of the group phase.  They have the skill to create chances, but only Gyan seems like a capable finisher.  They can beat Uruguay, but they'll be outclassed by the Brazil/Holland winner.

Verdict

No African team has ever made it to a World Cup semi, so it would be fitting if Ghana accomplished the feat on African soil.  While I could see the positive mojo carrying the day, I cannot pick an obviously weaker side.

Pick: Quarterfinals

8.) Paraguay (MooreSports chances: 2.5%)

Goals: 3

Goals Against: 1

MVP (so far) - Paulo Da Silva

Case for...

They have given up just one goal this tournament and frustrated talented teams like Italy, Slovakia and Japan.  While they've gotten nothing out of their strikers, Roque Santa Cruz and Lucas Barrios are capable players. 

And against...

They were given the easiest draw to get to this point.  They have not scored in two games and they cannot expect to blank Spain. 

Verdict

They'll lose a boring 1-0 game to Spain.

Pick: Quarterfinals

David Villa has been the star of the tournament, but will he get enough scoring help to beat the best?

On the eve of July 1 (NBA free agent D-Day), we take a look at how the NBA deck is about to be reshuffled.

Alpha Dogs

LeBron James, Cavs, SF

Stephen Colbert: "On July 1st, LeBron James becomes a free agent and I'm using free in the most expensive sense of the word." 

James has a choice between loyalty (Cavs), winning (Bulls or Heat) and glory (Knicks).  While he'll spend the week, weeks or month entertaining offers and pitches, he probably has his mind already made up.  Winning championships is the best thing that he could do for his career and legacy, so rule out the Cavs and the Knicks.  If he goes to Miami in the Dan Le Batard package with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, he'll guarantee passage to the NBA Finals plus he'll get a legitimate championship coach in Pat Riley (sorry Erik Spoelstra, your days are numbered), but he'll have to share his legacy and salary.

Instead, he'll choose Chicago.  He's comfortable in the Midwest.  He gets a max deal.  He'll get championship caliber teammates, but he won't have to share the spotlight.  From an ego standpoint, he's more comfortable being compared to Michael Jordan than a player from his own generation like Wade.

Prediction: Bulls

Dwyane Wade, Heat, SG

He's more of a recruiter than a free agent in this process as no one believes he'll change addresses.  He's the only who would consider sharing salary with Bosh and James to create a South Beach dream team.  More likely, he'll get his Pau Gasol in Chris Bosh with whom he shares an agent.  With Riles on the bench and a veteran supporting cast, they could beat Bron's Bulls.

Prediction: Heat

#2 Max Men

Chris Bosh, Raptors, PF

He would be voted least likely to return to his old team.  The Raptors are interested in a sign-and-trade, which means Bosh can get a max contract in Miami if they swap Michael Beasley.  He could potentially go to Chicago for Luol Deng or Cleveland for Antawn Jamison and J.J. Hickson, but Bryan Colangelo is not dumb enough to take on wasted salary. 

I don't see anyone taking less money to go anywhere in this convoluted dance.  Bosh has been seen as James's caddy in this whole process, but Miami, max money and Wade is better than anything Bron can offer.

Prediction: Heat

Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs, PF

He's only worth talking about because he should be a #2.  However, he's too loyal to Mark Cuban and Dallas, so he'll stay on as the reluctant alpha dog on a soulless team.

Prediction: Mavericks

Amar'e Stoudemire, Suns, PF

If Bosh goes with James somewhere besides Miami, Stoudemire will fill that Heat hole.  However, under my scenario, there's no room for him on South Beach.  Instead, he could take less money to be the scoring big man in Chicago next to Joakim Noah or take the money and run with New York.  Just a gut feeling, the Knicks don't want him.  He's a known quantity to Mike D'Antoni and he's not that interested.  So, James will have his choice between Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer in Chicago.  

Defensive-minded new coach Tom Thibodeau won't want Stoudemire, who will suddenly be left without a chair.  He'll return to the desert with his tail between his legs.

Prediction: Suns

Cheaper Deuce

Carlos Boozer, Jazz, PF

He is not wanted in Utah, where they've already paid his replacement Paul Millsap, so we know Booze is on the market.  He is not nearly as explosive as Stoudemire and he's a tad undersized for the four spot.  However, he seems like a much better teammate for the brightest star in the league. 

Boozer's defensive deficiencies will be covered by Thibodeau's system and Noah's activity.  Unlike Stoudemire, he's a volume rebounder.  James needs a complementary #2 man not a fake #1.  Without Bosh, Boozer is his best bet.

Prediction: Bulls

Joe Johnson, Hawks, SG

In the best case scenario, he is really a #3 guy, but I'll continue to act under the assumption that no one is leaving money on the table.  In that case, Johnson will be offered max deals by the Hawks and the Knicks. 

Donnie "The King of Wishful Thinking" Walsh completely overplayed his hand.  He wasted draft picks and potentially valuable expiring contracts to sell MSG on this free agent class.  He's about to settle for a haui of Joe Johnson and David Lee.  Sell that Donnie...

Prediction: Knicks

Paul Pierce, Celtics, SF

He opted out, so he has to be on this list because he would be a huge addition to any team.  But honestly, he's not leaving Boston.  He's the greatest Celtic since Larry Bird.

Prediction: Celtics

#3 as #2

Rudy Gay, Grizzlies, SF

He's a restricted free agent, but the Memphis cheapies won't match any decent offer.  Gay is a scorer, but he was a disappointment in college and a complementary piece in Memphis.  He needs to go to a good fit.  If he's asked to do something outside of his comfort zone, he'll fail miserably. 

The Clippers are a small forward away from a young, but complete starting five.  Alongside, Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin and Chris Kaman, Gay could be a wing scorer who defers in crunch time.

Prediction: Clippers

David Lee, Knicks, PF

As a restricted free agent last year, he had no suitors.  He'll get attention this time around, but he has been branded as a system guy.  Plus, he's stated that he wants to go to a big city.  If the Suns lose Stoudemire, he'd be a solid pick-and-roll power forward in Phoenix.  He could also replace Bosh in Toronto.  Are those big cities?

The Knicks are swapping first round picks with Houston next season thanks to the idiotic Jared Jeffries trade, so Walsh has pressure to put out a competitive team immediately.  He cannot do that with Joe Johnson, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler alone.  If you add Lee to that mix, maybe they steal one of the last two playoff spots.

Prediction: Knicks

Role Players on a Championship Team

J.J. Redick, Magic, SG

While he's a restricted free agent, he should be coveted by whichever team gets LeBron and/or Wade.  He understands his shooter role and plays it to perfection.  He's much tougher than he looks, so he could be this generation's Steve Kerr or Derek Fisher.  Orlando knows this too, so they'll match any offer. 

Prediction: Magic

Ray Allen, Celtics, SG

If he's smart, he'll leave Boston.  They need him to do too much.  At 34 and counting, he no longer has the legs to hound Kobe Bryant and knock down clutch threes.  Instead, he should jump on board the James or Wade train to provide leadership and shooting. 

Prediction: Heat

Recap

A dozen free agents that represent the perfect summer storm for the NBA.  We've been talking about this seismic shift for two years.  Now, we get to see what motivates the greatest players in the world.

Priority #1: Money 

I would be shocked to see any player leave annual cash on the table.  The Cavs can offer James an extra year, so technically, he'd be passing on $30 million, but he'll make that on his next contract.  James, Wade and Bosh are not getting anything other than max deals.  If Johnson, Stoudemire and Boozer have the chance, they'll take max deals as well.  

Priority #2: Winning 

Do you know what comes with winning?  More money.  Bigger sponsorship deals.  Bigger playoff bonuses.  Bigger legacy, which means more money after you retire.  They want to win championships because they are competitors, but the spoils of winning are just as important.

Priority #3: Lifestyle

What cities are in play?  Miami, Chicago, New York, Phoenix, Los Angles and Dallas.  What franchises are getting left behind?  Toronto, Cleveland, Utah and Atlanta. 

Joe Johnson is the perfect example.  He's been a good player in Atlanta for years now and 95% of American sports fans could not pick him out of a lineup.  He can be a good player on a bad Knicks team and he'll triple his popularity and quadruple his visibility. 

The NBA is about stars not parity. 

We're potentially headed for five years of Eastern Conference Finals between the Bulls (LeBron James, Carlos Boozer, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah) against the Heat (Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Ray Allen and Pat Riley).

While that is a savory matchup, we could've had a third player if Donnie Walsh understood the terms foresight and patience.  If the Knicks had used their bloated contracts to help other teams get out from under the cap this offseason, they could have ended up with a Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Danilo Gallinari and Mike D'Antoni quartet that would've topped the Bulls and Heat.

Bygones...

I'm shocked Donnie Walsh knows how to use photoshop.

Like our presidential elections, World Cups happen every four years, so they are a good referendum on American soccer in the global context.

In 1990, they were just happy to be there.

In 1994, they were upstart hosts.

In 1998, they were outclassed.

In 2002, they arrived as world players.

In 2006, they were in transition.

In 2010, they moved up a tier and now sit in the group behind the elite six or seven.

On their best day, the Americans are capable of competing with the world's best like Spain, Italy and Brazil.  But in terms of consistency, they are better compared with Ghana, South Korea and England (yes, the Brits have fallen that far).

While Bob Bradley never stumbled on his best XI until it was too late, the USA looked dangerous and creative with Michael Bradley (22) and Benny Feilhaber (25) bossing the midfield and Maurice Edu (24) protecting their back.  If healthy, they'll have that midfield core around in 2014.

Up front, Bradley's strikers went goalless in South Africa, but Jozy Altidore (20) continues to show loads of promise and potential that should be tapped into by Brazil '14.  If he can recover from his terrible car accident, Charlie Davies (24) is the perfect foil for Altidore.  Davies combination of pace and skill was the missing ingredient in a U.S. attack that scored two goals against Spain and two more against Brazil in South Africa this time last year.

The big improvements and development need to come in the other six spots on the field.  The 2006 team struggled because they were too reliant on older players (Brian McBride, Claudio Reyna and Pablo Mastroeni) who had starred in '02, but had waved goodbye to their prime during the four year gap. 

Landon Donovan has officially become the first American soccer star (Mia Hamm was the biggest before him).  While he may not be LeBron James, Donovan has carved out niche superstardom like Andy Roddick or Floyd Mayweather. 

Sports fans remember moments.  Escobar's own goal and the tragic aftermath in Colombia was the lasting memory of the '94 team.  The '02 team provided their 3-2 shocker over Portugal in the first game, so they were missing the hype and momentum that had been generated by the time Donovan slotted home the easy rebound.  For the first time, U.S. soccer has some nostalgic currency with their reluctant fans.

Donovan (28) and Clint Dempsey (27) will likely feature on the '14 team, but if they are still the main attractions, progress has stalled.  Donovan and Dempsey's role is to continue earning credibility overseas by contributing at the highest level of the sport (assuming the MLS will let Donovan go).

The biggest improvement needs to come in defense.  Oguchi Onyewu (28) battled back admirably to make this team, but his knee would not let him be the rock that the Yanks needed (a healthy Gooch would've outmuscled Asamoah Gyan on Ghana's extra time goal).  The Americans are years away from having the technical skill to dominate possession against an elite side, so as long as the game plan is defend like hell and counterattack, they need stout defenders.

In the next few years, you'll hear names like Omar Gonzalez (21), Tim Ream (22), Marvell Wynne (24) and others who are just starting their professional careers.  They have zero national team experience, so the next coach will have to get them battle tested in a hurry.

In goal, the Americans continue to be at the top of the heap in terms of quality and depth.  Tim Howard (31) could provide a veteran voice in four years or he'll pass the torch to Brad Guzan (25).  Goalies tend to get better with age.

Bob Bradley deserves great credit for his four years of service.  In that time, he's managed a side that won the Gold Cup, ended Spain's unbeaten run and won a World Cup group over England.  For the first time, the Americans were a legitimate attacking side outside of the CONCACAF region.

But, Bradley has done all he can do.  As we learned when Bruce Arena stayed four years too long, coaches become loyal to the old guard.  American soccer cannot afford to spend time in the past, they always have to be looking towards their future.  Like Donovan and Dempsey, Bradley should try to break ground in Europe by becoming the first American to coach a European club side.  He has the resume and the tactical mind to succeed abroad.

Most importantly, American soccer needs you, the suddenly enamored fan, to change the image of the sport in this country.  Soccer is cool this summer, but so is Ke$ha and that can't last. 

As I said the other day, nobody expects you to watch the MLS.  If you liked baseball, I would not try and turn you onto AA.  Instead, set the DVR for Fulham (Dempsey), Everton (Howard and maybe Donovan) and whatever team Altidore lands on.  They play in the best league in the world, where the speed and quality is actually double what you see at the World Cup.

Soccer is a poverty game.  All you need is a ball and you can carve a pick-up game out of nothing.  Somehow, in our country, it's a rich kid's sport.  If we are ever going to seriously threaten the greatest teams in the world on the greatest stage, we need to get the kids with real hunger kicking the ball around our city streets. 

With 91 minutes in the book and only breaths remaining, Tim Howard, Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan created a goal out of nothing.  The 2010 team built the next step, now the next generation needs to continue the climb.

Soccer is more than athleticism (see Spain), but it could not hurt to get more flying Jozy's.

With a late Sunday rally, the Yankees salvaged what was a dreadful sports weekend for your fifth favorite blogger.

• I'm not going to be crazy negative about the U.S. loss to Ghana (full post tomorrow).  If you're looking for a scapegoat, Bob Bradley picked the wrong guys.  Instead of using his best XI, he tried to cram less skilled players into his tactical system.  Robbie Findley is not Charlie Davies.  Ricardo Clark is not Maurice Edu.  The Americans gave up just one goal with Edu and Feilhaber on the field and they were far more dangerous going forward.
• I love the way that soccer lines the players up for the national anthem, so you can scan their faces looking for clues as to how they are feeling.  During our national anthem, I texted Bootsy, "Ricardo Clark is looking for an exit."  It only took him 30 minutes to find one.
• While the Americans looked heavy-legged at the start and flat out gassed in overtime, fitness was not the problem.  The U.S. held a lead for just over 200 seconds in this World Cup.  They spent most of their time in South Africa chasing the game after early goals and chasing the ball because they lack the technical skill to maintain possession.  In both cases, they are working much harder than their opponent, which is how they ended up on empty in extra time.  However, if they had not been forced to use a sub on Clark in the first half, they would have benefited greatly from DaMarcus Beasley's fresh legs as a late addition.
• Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney have combined to score zero goals in this Cup, but they have had completely different tournaments.  Messi has created the space and opportunities for Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez to profit.  Rooney was a ghost over four games.
• For all his big reputation, Fabio Capello was England's biggest bust.  He failed to change his system to cater to the talents of his squad.  As I said before the tournament, they should have played a 4-5-1 with Rooney as the lone striker and Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard free to push up in support as they do for Chelsea and Liverpool.  Plus, he never got them to relax and had a near revolution on his hands.
• What else can we say about the referees and umpires in any sport?  Hopefully, we'll look back at this World Cup as the tournament that forced FIFA's hand when it comes to replay.  I would not bet my life on it though.
• The Yankees were right to fake fire Joe Torre two years ago.  He was a great manager for the franchise and helped deliver four World Series to the Bronx.  However, he struggles mightily with the modern bullpen game of matchups and closers.  He is so afraid of losing the game in front of him that he becomes over reliant on his best relievers.  On Saturday, he used his closer Jonathan Broxton for a four out appearance with a five run lead at home.  Broxton is a stud, but he's a max effort guy.  After comfortably holding down the advantage, Torre called on him again last night to close a 6-2 game, but his stuff was lacking the previous day's sharpness.  As Torre knows, the Yankees don't give up at-bats and they wore big Broxton down until he had thrown 50 pitches and given up the four run advantage.
• According to the WAR (wins above average replacement) stat, Robinson Cano has helped the Yankees to four more wins over an average major league second basemen.  By that logic, Rogers Hornsby must be considered an average second basemen.
• The Tampa Bay Rays have been no-hit three times in the last calendar year, including two perfect games.  On the surface, it sounds crazy because they have "one of the best lineups in baseball."  While they have an abundance of speed and power, Carl Crawford is the only regular hitting over .300.  Yes, I know batting average is an archaic, useless statistic, but Tampa only has three big time hitters (Crawford, Evan Longoria and Ben Zobrist).  I tried to make this point earlier in the year, but I fear it was lost amidst their hot start.  Carlos Pena (.201 BA), B.J. Upton (.223 BA) and Jason Bartlett (.227 BA) are easy outs for a pitcher on his game.
• As for Upton, he distinguished himself in another way yesterday when he strolled to a ball in center turning a double into a triple.  Two years ago, he looked like one of the bright future stars in baseball, while lighting up the Red Sox in the ALCS.  Now, the Rays would be smart to unload him like they did Delmon Young.
• Jose Reyes does not put up MVP stats, but he is as valuable to the Mets as any player to any team.  The Mets are 29-7 when Reyes scores a run.  They live off his energy and explosiveness. 
• Tonight, ESPN will feature a matchup of the two most heralded rookies to come along in a while, Stephen Strasburg and Jason Heyward.  While they are the two most talented prospects, Mets 1B Ike Davis is the NL Rookie of the Year to this point.  He has stabilized their lineup (hitting clean-up) and defense (remember how bad they were last year). 
• The last two seasons, Tim Lincecum pitched like Pedro Martinez in his prime.  This season, he looks like old Pedro.  His fastball is sitting at 90 mph.  He depends too much on his split change.  And, he is not getting as deep into games because he has to work harder for outs (0 CGs in '10, 4 CGs in '09).
• Do not miss the "30 for 30 - The Two Escobars".  Not only is it the best sports documentary that you'll this year, it is one of the best movies that you'll see this year.

Not a failure, but a missed opportunity.

On the heels of one of the great weeks in recent sports memory, we have a lot to talk about.

• The reaction video below says it all, but here's one more take on the Landon Donovan goal from the inimitable and yet always imitated Andres Cantor.
• The U.S. needs to come down from their euphoria without suffering a letdown against a speedy and stout Ghana side.  The Black Stars outplayed Germany despite the 1-0 scoreline going against them.  Ghana will have a continent of vuvuzelas blowing them to victory, so the Americans will need to finish their chances with all the momentum against them.
• Jozy Altidore does not score as many goals as you'd like, but you have to remember that he is only 20.  If he stays healthy, this is the first of four World Cups in his career.  In the last two games, he has done well to present a physical target to spring the U.S. attack.  If he can continue to develop that part of his game, he'll be a hot commodity in Europe because the poaching instinct will inevitably come.
• The American squad does not have the possession or flare of the elite countries, but they are one of the fittest sides on the planet.  After 90+ minutes of desperate running, they managed to get five players forward for the winning run to goal. 
• Bob Bradley has been tactically superb in this tournament with the one exception of the first half against Slovenia.  Against Ghana, he'll likely stick with the back four from the last game because the African nation's speed is not a good match-up for Oguchi Onyewu.  While Carlos Bocanegra was a huge improvement over Gooch, Jonathan Bornstein is a ticking time bomb.  If they don't pull the green wire, he'll eventually cost the Americans a goal or worse.  I would try Jonathan Spector at left back and give DaMarcus Beasley a start up front. (Prediction: 2-1 United States)
• This is a wide open World Cup.  Brazil are still favorites, but they lack the creativity to break down a negative side.  Spain could find their mojo, but they have no wing play.  Argentina and Holland have looked the best, but they are never to be trusted at this stage.  I'll stick with Brazil, but they need more from Robinho and Kaka.
• England have been awful in this tournament, which could be a blessing in disguise.  They have lowered expectations, which could free their minds enough to find form against Germany.  I'll take the Brits 2-1 Sunday.
• SI.com's Ben Reiter captured Cristiano Ronaldo in this short article.  It's a funny and accurate portrayal of a player who acts more like royalty than a common footballer.
• With two games to go, I correctly predicted 10 of the 14 teams to escape from group play.  Not bad for a yank...
• I though HD would help captivate our country in this World Cup, but I underestimated the power of a British accent.  Martin Tyler and Ian Darke have made all the difference in terms of how this tournament has engaged Americans. 
• The John Isner and Nicolas Mahut epic can be described in so many ways: absurd, incredible, unbelievable, ridiculous, amazing, etc..  I only ask one thing.  Please don't use the word great.  It was not the greatest tennis match ever or in Wimbledon history.  It won't even be the greatest match of this tournament.  It was just the perfect storm of great serving and awful returning combined with a fast surface.  Both players put out great efforts (an understatement), but they have a long way to go before they play great tennis.
• Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof had a fantastic tweet after the match finally ended, "I found the ending of Isner/Mahut satisfying, but wish they had answered more questions."
• We could easily see another Rafael Nadal/Roger Federer Wimbledon final.  You'd certainly get no complaints from me.  However, both players look as susceptible to an upset as you'll ever see them in the first week of a major.  We may end up with Robin Soderling and Andy Roddick.
• The NBA Draft was as cagey as a nil-nil World Cup group game when both sides advance with a draw.  The Wizards were the big winner of the night, although they did their damage with lottery balls not war room strategy.  As for the less fortunate teams, here are my winners and losers...
• Winner: Los Angeles Clippers (Al-Farouq Aminu, Eric Bledsoe and Willie Warren).  They'll find a way to screw it up, but they have compiled the best young roster in the league outside of Oklahoma City with plenty of room to add a top veteran under the cap.  Aminu can start right away on the wing and Bledsoe can learn behind Baron Davis.  Warren had an awful Sophomore season, but he has lottery talent.
• Winner: New Jersey Nets (Derrick Favors and Damion James).  They are building around Brook Lopez, who is a talented finesse center, so they drafted two bruising bodyguards to protect him and make up for his deficiencies. 
  
• Winner: Sacramento Kings (DeMarcus Cousins and Hassan Whiteside).  They capitalized on two talented sliders.  Cousins could legitimately be the best player in this draft and Whiteside was a first rounder in all of the mocks.  Considering their other options, they made good calculated risks.
• Loser: Memphis Grizzlies (Xavier Henry and Greivis Vazquez).  Henry is soft and he won't get pushed by a leaderless Memphis team.  I like Vazquez, but remember the Grizz got this pick as part of the Pau Gasol trade, which continues to be ridiculous.  Zach Randolph had a nice season, but how will he react to an offseason where he was accused of financing a drug ring?  I would have gone for his replacement Ed Davis.
• Loser: Minnesota Timberwolves (Wes Johnson and Lazar Hayward).  GM David Kahn is always trying to prove that he's the smartest person in the room.  After last year's debacle, where he drafted two guys who play the same position, Kahn drafted two small forwards and traded for another one, Martell Webster.  I'm not a huge fan of any of them. 
  

 From Game 7 to Donovan to Isner to Wall, it was quite a week.