Luck to Colts, Pudge to retire

Colts officially admit they'll draft Luck

• Denial is a powerful tool and despite the fact that everyone and their mother thought that The Indianapolis Colts were going to use the #1 pick in next Thursday's NFL draft to select Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck, they denied that it was a done deal... until yesterday.  The Colts finally announced that Luck would replace Peyton Manning as the team's franchise quarterback this coming year.
• Luck has been widely expected to be the first overall pick for more than two years. He is considered the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning, the last guy the Colts drafted with the first overall pick.
• With the Washington Redskins trading multiple picks to get the second overall pick and expecting to pick Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, the Minnesota Vikings are for all intents and purposes “on the clock.” Sportico will have more in depth draft coverage next week.


"Pudge" Rodriguez retires

• One of the greatest, if not the greatest, catchers in MLB history has finally decided to hang up the spikes after a brilliant career that spanned more than 20 years.  Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez (pictured above) played most of his career for the Texas Rangers, including 1999, when he won the AL MVP.  Debuting in 1991, he finished his career with 2844 hits, 1354 runs (both all-time records for catchers) a .296 batting average and 311 home runs, (although his stats were watered down by some weak years toward the end of his career).
• Despite his offensive prowess though, he'll be forever remembered for his play behind the plate.  Pudge was probably the greatest weapon against base stealers ever, frightening otherwise potent base stealers to stay at home.  He won 13 Gold Gloves which obliterates Johnny Bench's previous record of 10.
• I'd like to list Pudge as the #3 Catcher of all time and although some may disagree and I haven't looked at all the stats yet, I believe he's pretty close to that second tier following the epic duo of Bench and Yogi Berra (who younger fans may only know for his appearance on Aflac commercials).
• Congrats on a great career Pudge.  Baseball will miss you for the short period of time between now and the day you'll be inducted into the Hall of Fame.