1. Well, Brett Favre is back. Just as he started to drift out of our minds again, BAM, breaking news on ESPN: "Favre is a Viking." As obnoxious as this story has been for the last three years, it sure will make the Vikings vs. Packers games more interesting, especially the November 1st game when he returns to Lambeau Field. My guess is the reaction will be half cheers, half boos from the fans, all boos from Ted Thompson.
2. Another quarterback who has run rampant through the media lately is Jay Cutler. He needs to shut up right now if he even wants a chance at not topping the "Number One Douche Bag of All-Time" list. His latest remarks were after the Bears' first preseason game in which they played the Buffalo Bills. He criticized wide receiver Devin Hester for not breaking up an interception on an under-thrown pass. How about this Jay? Either make the passes in the first place or be gracious if Hester does break up the interception. If Hester can't fix your screw up, man up and take the blame yourself. That's where it belongs. Peyton Manning doesn't always own the blame after a loss, but the difference between Manning and Cutler is, Manning has the record to back up those types of comments. Cutler needs to earn the right to make those types of comments. He could be in danger of losing that locker room really quickly, if he hasn't already.
3. Marc Bulger broke his pinkie on his throwing hand during Monday's practice on a snap exchange from center Jason Brown. It's not a major injury and it should only keep him out for two weeks. However, this could open the door for backup Kyle Boller. The Ravens had some decent years with a strong defense and Boller managing games. Baltimore went 9-7 in 2004, Boller's only year in which he started all 16 games. 9-7 won the NFC West last year and it could do the same this year. I'm not suggesting the Rams' defense will be anywhere close to Baltimore's, but the NFC West isn't as strong as the AFC North typically is either.
4. On to the college ranks. Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone has announced that former Duke point guard, Greg Paulus, will start for the Orange at quarterback this season. The team doesn't have much to lose after going 3-9 last season and they haven't been to a bowl since 2004. This Marrone's first year as head coach, so he certainly has a chance to make a mark on the program quickly. I don't know how this will work out for Paulus, but since the spent his first few years at Duke looking like he was a deer in the headlights when he saw a pressing defense, I can't imagine what will happen when he encounters his first blitz.
5. The Rangers traded for Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez on Tuesday. Texas is where he began his career in 1991. He caught for the club in all three of their playoff appearances, so it would only be fitting that he returns when the team has a chance to return to the postseason. The Rangers have taken over the lead in the AL Wild Card race while the Red Sox continue to struggle and it would be nice to see the AL East only get one club into the playoffs, especially if the Rangers would be taking their place, having been absent from the October baseball since 1999.
6. The Red Sox have officially put John Smoltz on waivers today before officially releasing him, making him a free agent. He's already getting $5.5 million from Boston this year, so it probably wouldn't take that much to sign him. The Cardinals are interested in Smoltz, even listing their intrigue openly on the club's website. Smoltz was one of the most dominant closers in the majors while he was at the back end of the Braves' bullpen from 2001-2004 and the Cards would likely use him in a setup role. For a guy who is nearing the end of his career, the Cardinals have to look like a very attractive option right now. They're the hottest team in the National League, winnings nine of their last ten, and have to have a decent shot at the World Series. The Cards have been vulnerable late in games from the right side of the bullpen. Closer Ryan Franklin has been consistent, but Jason Motte and Kyle McClellan have had their off nights. I'm not sure I would trust Motte late in a tight, postseason game. Smoltz is 15-4 in the postseason with four saves in five chances and a 2.70 ERA. I'd much rather have a future Hall of Famer with a wealth of experience on the staff over Motte. GM John Mozeliak hasn't disappointed fans much this season. I don't expect him to start now.
Credit for the photograph could not be found, but I will give credit if contacted.
Keywords: Brett Favre, Greg Paulus, Ivan Rodriguez, Jay Cutler, John Smoltz
