The MLB network, which really is the best network for baseball coverage, did a special on the “40 Most Influential Trades”. Of course the term “influential” is a bit vague. The caveat was that it had to be a trade involving players on both sides, so no Ruth trade (thank god). They also mentioned that they weighed weather the trade lead to a championship or Hall of Fame career.  I am sure arguments could be made for placement on the list, and there are probably trades that were left off, here is the list with my comments. I do want to say that any trades that took place in the first half of the 20th century should be taken with a grain of salt. Scouting was not what it is today, no Keith Law and ESPN.

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Clearly, I have soccer fever. The world cup really piqued my interest in the sport, now I am left with the job of catching up on a league I have largely ignored since its inception, the M.L.S.. I have already talked about David Beckham in the MLS in the prior post, and I mentioned that Henry is coming to the Red Bull. While the signing of Beckham is a story unto itself, the bottom line is he brought fans into the stadiums. Henry will do the same in NY/NJ, he is still plenty skilled to excel in the MLS. My question is, why other teams haven’t done the same thing. The M.L.S. has a slot for each team to spend money not counted against the cap on such players (it’s called the designated player rule, read about it). Now is a great time for owners to capitalize on the recognition some of these foreign players have in the States. I don’t know who owns every team, but I am going to single out one, the New England Revolution. They are owned by Patriots owner, Robert Kraft. Let’s just say that Mr. Kraft will never be able to spend all of his wealth if he TRIED. The Revolution have had success, though they have never won the championship. Currently they are at the bottom of the standings, but the MLS has a large playoff system, so they could make a run, IF.

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While suffering from World Cup withdrawal, I purchased and read this book (via the new Kindle App for the Droid) in about 1 day. Watching the World Cup this year really lit my footbal er, soccer flame. Seeing that I had so much time (i.e. unemployed) to watch the games, I really started to appreciate soccer.

I remember reading that David Beckham was coming to the MLS for an absurd (and false) 25o million dollars. I also vaguely remember reading that he was injured early and that was about it. What really happened is a fascinating story. Something that, today, is even more relevant considering what happened with LeBron James and the “Decision”. Also, with Thierry Henry getting ready to join the MLS for the NY/NJ Red Bulls (albeit for a much lower cost). Lastly, with Landon Donovan gaining unforeseen popularity coming out of the 2010 World Cup, it seems as if he pines to play in the Premier League.

The Beckham Experiment (heretofore TBE), gets my highest recommendation. Some of my favorite books are ones that follow a season (or seasons) of a sports team, gaining insight on what was not being said as the season was unfolding. The fact that I didn’t follow the Galaxy during the seasons covered in the book did not matter (and might I say, thank god for youtube as you can look up and find mostly all the highlights that are talked about in the book). I have read my fair share of these types for books, and I would rank this one right up there with my favorites (The Jordan Rules by Sam Smith, :07 Seconds or Less by Jack McCallum, Patriot Reign by Michael Holley, The Last Banner Season by Peter May to name a few).

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(ask and you shall receive)

Up until this year, only 7 countries have won the World Cup, (Uruguay ’30,’50, Italy ’34,’58,’82,’06, (West) Germany ’54,’74,’90, Brazil ’58,’62,’70,’94,’02, England ’66, Argentina ’78,’86, France ’98). The World Cup started in 1930 and has been played every 4 years with the exception of the hiatus from 1939-1950 because of that little thing called, World War II. So it’s pretty clear that Soccer has centralized powers. So, it’s pretty cool that this year, the World Cup will reside in it’s 8th country. Spain, a soccer powerhouse, has only finished in the top 4 once (1950, 4th).  The Netherlands have had more success (or maybe just more heart break), with 2 runner ups (’74 & ’78)and a 4th place in ’98. So on sunday, a new champion will be crowned, the question is, who?

Let’s take a look at these two teams, and I will also profess to being a soccer neophyte. I follow the world cup, but this year I have REALLY followed the world cup.

The Netherlands aka Oranje. They dominated group play, going 3-0 in group E (Japan, Denmark and Cameroon). In the first round of the finals they beat a very game Slovakia 2-1 (though the 1 was a penalty kick with little time remaining). Up next was a clash with prohibitive favorites, Brazil. After conceding an early goal, the Oranje tied it up in the ’53 minute and took the lead 15 minutes later. Brazil totally imploded, losing Felipe Melo with a red card in the ’73 minute. A short handed Brazil could do nothing, and kinda looked like the Cleveland Cav’s in game 6 vs the Celtics. In the Semi Finals, they faced a short handed Uruguay, who fought valiantly but came up short. Wesley Sneijder has netted 5 goals this world cup and certainly has been one of the best players so far. The Netherlands have faced stiff competition and rightfully deserve their place in the finals.

Spain, aka La Furia Roja. They got off to a very suspect start with a 1-0 loss to Switzerland. They righted the ship with a 2-0 waxing of Honduras and a 2-1 triumph over Chile. They placed first in group H, so their opening loss had no negative impact. Spain was a very trendy pick coming into the cup based off their triumph at the 2008 Euro-Cup. Of course, after that opening loss, some fans were probably scratching their heads. First up in the elimination round was Portugal. While they won 1-0, they really dominated the game. Next up, Paraguay and another 1-0 win in what may have had the most entertaining half of football in the entire tournament. Next was a shorthanded Germany, and another 1-0 win, which again didn’t properly reflect the one sided affair. As I see it, Spain is by far and away the best ball handling team in the world. They pretty much frustrate and tire out their opponents in the first half, then go in for the kill in the 2nd half. It has worked every time but in their opener. Striker David Villa also has 5 goals in this world cup and is playing the David Ortiz 2004 role for Spain, he comes up in the clutch.

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We are almost at the true mid season for MLB, so here are the leaders at the half way point for the major awards. Stats through July 1.

AL MVP- Robinson Cano .352/16/54/.989  I am loathe to give any award to a Yankee, but Cano has been a monster. His home/road splits are almost even (H-.342/9/41/.994 R-.363/7/23/.990), so you can’t say that he is padding his numbers with the short porch in right. Yankees are in first place, and that’s with Arod and Mark Leigh not doing their usual thing. Cano has also become a very good defender.

In the conversation- Miguel Cabrera, Justin Morneau, Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre (don’t laugh, .349/12/53/.944).

Chance Cano wins it at the end, 20%*. This is a real tight race, and anyone of those guys could win. So much baseball left, and MVP voters are heavily swayed by the 2nd half. *every time I talk about this, the phrase “baring injury” should be considered. If any of these guys get injured it will derail their chances.

NL MVP- Albert Pujols .309/19/58/.989 Not nearly the race in the NL as in the AL. Heck, this is a down year for Pujols so far. Still, its his award to lose. Mostly likely he will bump that average up and he will win it going away.

In the conversation- Ubaldo Jiminez, Joey Votto, Adrian Gonzalez, Scott Rolen, David Wright.

Chance Pujols wins it at the end, 53%. I think he is going to have a monster 2nd half, and the Cardinals will hold off the Reds. If that doesn’t happen it could open the door for the other guys. Don’t discount Gonzalez, if the Padres keep this up, voters will be looking to give the awards. If Colorado gets into the playoffs, Jiminez will garner support, but pitchers get the shaft from MVP voters.

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