LeBron James and the American Monomyth or Why I Love LeBron's Return Home

"I’m coming home." With these words, LeBron James completed the narrative cycle that began half a decade ago. The NBA's biggest star's decision to return to Cleveland is being called, "The Redemption", but his choice resonates with NBA fans across the league for a larger reason: the most powerful person in the game has finally lived up to the hero trope that we have projected on him.

By returning home, James becomes the embodiment of the Campbellian archetypal hero, having completed his hero's journey and riding to the aid of his home town. The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell describes the monomyth, or the basic pattern in storytelling around the world. In summary, the monomyth story is as follows:

A hero ventures forth from the world of common day at the urging of a wise man, into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man

In James we see each part of this story fulfilled. The year before the infamous decision to leave Cleveland, James watched as he was surrounded by players who can only be described as common. These were players of inferior talent or players who's prime had passed them by. There were rumors of James wanting to see major changes or he would consider leaving.

Next we see the entrance of the wise man who encourages the hero to embark on this journey, a roll neatly filled in by Pat Riley.

Next the hero must enter a region of supernatural wonder with fabulous forces. I would submit that Miami would seem like a supernatural paradise when compared to Cleveland and the combined powers of Wade and Bosh as fabulous forces when compared to the level of talent James was surrounded by.

A decisive victory must be won. you could argue that James tenure in Miami was not decisive, however I would say that 2 championship and 4 finals appearances were major victories for a player who's greatness was continually questioned until he became a champion.

And here the story ended, until today. The monomyth unfinished, the narrative circle left open, and the tenuous existence of the monomyth parallel teetering on the edge of destruction should James go somewhere other than Cleveland or stay in Miami.

But today the journey arc of the story closes and James brings not only his talent but his knowledge of how to win, and his ambition to find success in his hometown. I wish him well in the next part of his story, for the bestowing of boons will not be a simple path, but I know that he has made the right choice. He has upheld the highest tradition of being a hero, coming home again to change to common world.

Good Luck LeBron. (I still hope my Bulls beat you)

Mock Draft Version 3 with 1st round trades and 2nd Round

1 Kansas City – Eric Fisher OT

The talk that the Chiefs prefer Fisher is just too loud to ignore.

2 Jacksonville –Luke Joeckel OT

Jaguars are going to pick the best player available, so Joeckel is just too good to pass up.

3 Arizona (from Oakland) – Lane Johnson OT

Arizona has to fend off Cleveland, Detroit, San Diego, and Philadelphia and does so by trading up to number 3. They get the left tackle they desperately need.

4 Philadelphia – Dion Jordan OLB

Eagles get Chip a familiar face to build around.

5 Detroit - Ezekiel Ansah DE

A powerful defensive line gets better.

6 Cleveland – Dee Milliner CB

Cleveland wants to move back, but with Arizona jumping to 3 there isn’t a player worth moving up for.

7 Oakland (from Arizona) – Sharrif Floyd DT

Oakland pulls a major coup getting picks and the guy they were targeting the whole time.

8 Buffalo – Jonathan Cooper OG

This pick could get traded or Buffalo could go QB here, but I think they take a player who could be a future hall of famer even if it isn’t a sexy pick.

9 NY Jets – Barkevious Mingo OLB

Saints may want this pick, but they do not have enough picks to get it done. Jets start rebuilding their spotty defense.

10 Tennessee – Chance Warmack OG

Titans pick a potential hall of famer to block for CJ2K

11 San Diego – D.J. Fluker OT

Chargers fill a major need with a top athlete.

12 San Francisco (from Miami) - Kenny Vaccaro S

Miami can’t find anyone to fill a need, so they trade out to build up more picks. 49ers get the best safety in the draft.

13 NY Jets (from Tampa Bay) - Star Lotulelei DT

The Jets get a bigtime talent who falls and suddenly their defense is beginning to take shape.

14 Carolina – Sheldon Richardson DT

Panthers take an athletic defensive tackle to fill a big need.

15 Pittsburg (from New Orleans) – Jarvis Jones OLB

After failing to trade up the saints get a solid pass rushing outside linebacker.

16 St. Louis – Alec Ogletree OLB

Fisher adds a major piece to a good young defense.

17 New Orleans (from Pittsburg) – Manti Te’o ILB

The Saints solidify the middle of their defense.

18 Atlanta (from Dallas) - Tyler Eifert TE

The Falcons jump up to grab a new weapon for Ryan

19 NY Giants – Desmond Trufant CB

With most of the linebackers off the board, the Giants strengthen a weak secondary.

20 Miami (from Chicago) – Tavon Austin WR

Miami moves back up in order to get a falling Austin.

21 Cincinnati – John Cyprien S

Cincinnati fills the biggest hole in their defense.

22 St. Louis – Sylvester Williams DT

Fisher puts the finishing touch on his developing defense.

23 Minnesota – Cordarrelle Patterson WR

Vikings pick a WR with major upside.

24 Indianapolis – Kyle Long OG

Colts find some protection for Andrew Luck.

25 Minnesota (From Seattle) – Kevin Minter ILB

Minnesota fills the biggest need on their defense.

26 Green Bay – Menelik Watson OT

Green Bay solidifies a terrible offensive line.

27 Houston – Robert Woods WR

Texans take the most polished WR to put across from Johnson even if his measurables were lacking.

28 Denver – Xavier Rhodes CB

Denver addresses the issue that kept them from advancing in last year’s playoffs.

29 New England – Justin Hunter WR

New England picks a WR to mollify Brady.

30 Dallas (from Atlanta) – Cornellius (Tank) Carradine DE

Dallas gets a versatile pass rusher to strength a weak defense.

31 Philadelphia (from San Francisco via Miami via Chicago) – E.J. Manuel

Philadelphia jumps back in to get their QB of the future

32 Buffalo (from Baltimore) – Ryan Nassib QB

Buffalo trades back in to get their coach his old QB

2^nd Round

33 Jacksonville – Gino Smith QB

34 Miami (from KC via SF)– Bjoern Werner DE

35 Chicago (from Philadelphia)- Zach Ertz TE

34 Detroit – Terron Armstead OT

37 Cincinnati (from Oakland) – Blidi Wreh-Wilson CB

 38 Oakland (from Arizona) – Jonathan Jenkins DT

39 NYJets – Justin Pugh OL

40 Tennessee – DeAndre Hopkins WR

41Baltimore (from Buffalo) – Matt Elam S

42 Kansas City (from Miami) – Arthur Brown ILB

43 Tampa Bay – KaWann Short DT

44 Carolina – Quinton Patton WR

45 San Diego – Larry Warford OG

46 St. Louis – Shamarko Thomas S

47 Dallas – D.J. Swearinger S

48 Pittsburg – Cornelius Washington OLB

49 NY Giants – Corey Lemonier DE

50 Chicago – Sio Moore ILB

51 Washington – Johnthan Banks CB

52 Vikings – Darius Slay CB

53 Cincinnati – Khaseem Greene LB

54 Miami (from Indianapolis) – Margus Hunt DE

55 Green Bay – Monte Ball RB

56 Seattle – Gavin Escobar TE

57 Houston – Jesse Williams DT

58 Denver – Damontre Moore DE

59 New England – B.W. Webb CB

60 Dallas (from Atlanta) – Travis Frederick OL

61 Chicago (from SF via Miami) – Brandon Williams DT

62 Baltimore – Markus Wheaton WR

2013 NFL Mock Draft Version 2

2013 Mock Draft Version 2 with trade projections

1 Kansas City – Luke Joeckel OT

Trade rumors abound, but the serious contenders to move up just don’t have enough picks.

2 Jacksonville – Dion Jordan OLB

Jaguars need a difference maker on defense, Jordan is the best fit.

3 Cleveland (Via Oakland) – Dee Milliner CB

Cleveland moves up to snag the corner they crave.

4 Miami (Via Philadelphia) – Eric Fisher OT

The Dolphins have the picks to make a big more and Philadelphia is looking for value.

5 Detroit – Ezekiel Ansah DE

Lions come up short in the Milliner derby but still walk away with a quality defensive addition.

6 Oakland (Via Cleveland) – Sharrif Floyd DT

Raiders get the picks they need, and still get their guy.

7 Arizona – Lane Johnson OT

No brainer for the Cardinals to upgrade its terrible offensive line.

8 Philadelphia (Via Buffalo) – Geno Smith QB

Eagles jump back into the top ten to snag their quarterback of the future.

9 New York Jets – Barkevious Mingo OLB

Jets have to do something to help their defense, Mingo is the safest pick.

10 Tennessee – Chance Warmack G

Titans get the safest player in the draft.

11 San Diego – Jonathan Cooper G

Chargers get all the upside of Warmack at a cheaper price.

12 Buffalo (From Miami via Philadelphia) – Tavon Austin WR

Bills get a playmaker to pair with Johnson.

13 Tampa Bay – Star Lotulelei DT

Buccaneers benefit from a top 10 talent falling.

14 Carolina – Sheldon Richardson DT

Carolina gets the guy they have been targeting all along.

15 New Orleans – Jarvis Jones OLB

Saints find a dynamic pass rusher from the outside.

16 Saint Louis – Kenny Vaccaro S

Rams plug a major hole in their secondary with the best safety in the draft.

17 Pittsburg – Cordarrelle Patterson WR

Steelers gamble on Pattersons huge upside to replace Wallace.

18 Dallas – Sylvester Williams DT

Cowboys shock the world by making a safe pick.

19 New York Giants – D.J. Fluker OT

An athletic tackle to protect a grateful Eli.

20 Arizona (Via Chicago) – Matt Barkley QB

Cardinal get their QB of the future, Bears recoup some picks.

21 Cincinnati – Alex Ogletree ILB

Bengals value potential more than they fear character issues.

22 Saint Louis – DeAndre Hopkins WR

Rams reach for a weapon in a make or break year for their not-so-young-anymore quarterback.

23 Minnesota – Justin Hunter WR

Vikings try to replace Harvin’s productivity with a big target.

24 Indianapolis –  Xavier Rhodes CB

Colts bolster a weak secondary.

25 Minnesota (Via Seattle) – Manti Te’o ILB

Vikings fill a major need with a solid leader.

26 Green Bay – John Cyprien S

Packers address their biggest weakness.

27 Houston – Menelik Watson OT

With the top four wide receivers off the board the Texans reinforce their offensive line.

28 Denver – Kevin Minter ILB

Broncos fill a big hole in the middle with a solid player

29 New England – Keenan Allen WR

Patriots reach for a often injured but very productive wide receiver to mollify Brady.

30 Atlanta – Tyler Eifert TE

Falcons address next year’s biggest need while getting another weapon for Ryan.

31 San Francisco – Cornellius (Tank) Carradine DE

An aging defensive line gets an infusion of talented youth.

32 Buffalo (Via Baltimore) – Ryan Nassib QB

After missing on Smith, Buffalo jumps back into the first round to get a quarterback their new coach is very familiar with.

2013 NFL Mock Draft Version 1

2013 Mock Draft Version 1

1 Kansas City – Luke Joeckel OT
The Chiefs solidify the core of what could be an explosive offense.

2 Jacksonville – Dion Jordan OLB/DE
A team with many needs invests in a player with huge upside.

3 Oakland– Shariff Floyd DT - Trade Possibility
If the Raiders keep this pick they need a sure thing.

4 Philadelphia – Eric Fisher OT – Trade Possibility
Eagles fix a hole in the oline, but may trade back if the right offer comes along.

5 Detroit – Ezekiel Ansah DE
The best 4-3 lineman available is a must for the Lions in a increasingly offensive-minded NFC North

6 Cleveland – Dee Milliner CB
The Brown plug the biggest hole in their defense.

7 Arizona – Lane Johnson OT
The worst o-line in the league gets an instant upgrade.

8 Buffalo – Geno Smith QB
The Bills need a franchise QB, the only question is: do they move up to try to get Smith?

9 New York Jets - Barkevious Mingo DE/OLB
A hot name to an over the hill defense.

10 Tennessee – Star Lotulelei DT
While they need a guard, Star’s upside is too much for the Titans to pass up.

11 San Diego - Jonathan Cooper OG
The Chargers take a versatile guard to strengthen a weak unit.

12 Miami – Xavier Rhodes CB
The Dolphins need a corner to challenge the receiver talent in the AFC East.

13 Tampa Bay – Travon Austin WR
Trade possibility, but the Bucs can’t pass up the opportunity to finish building an elite receiver corps.

14 Carolina – Sheldon Richardson DT
Panthers steal a big time talent in the middle of the first round.

15 New Orleans – Jarvis Jones OLB
Major upside talent with the speed and power to frighten NFC South quarterbacks

16 St. Louis – Kenny Vaccaro S
Rams fill a major defensive hole after cutting Mikell and losing Dahl.

17 Pittsburg - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR
Steelers replace Wallace and give Big Ben a big target.

18 Dallas – Chance Warmack OG
Cowboys can’t pass up this much value at such a huge need position.

19 New York Giants – D.J Fluker OT
Giants nab an athletic tackle to protect Eli.

20 Chicago – Arthur Brown LB
Expect the Bears to trade back, but if they keep the pick Brown has the potential to secure the middle of the defense for a decade.

21 Cincinatti – Desmond Trufant LB
Bengals begin the rebuild of the defense that is holding them back.

22 Saint Louis (from Washington) – Sylvester Williams DT Trade Possibility
May trade back but Fisher’s love for powerful defensive tackles will make it hard for him to pass Williams up.

23 Minnesota – Keenan Allen WR
Vikings try to replace Harvin with the best of the rest of the receivers

24 Indianapolis – Blidi Wreh-Wilson CB
Colts add a solid piece to a defense in transition.

25 Minnesota (from Seattle) – Kevin Minter ILB
Vikings add a solid middle linebacker to fill their biggest need.

26 Green Bay – Menelik Watson OT
Packers try solidify a shaky offensive line with another late 1st round tackle.

27 Houston – DeAndre Hopkins WR
Texans try again to fill the spot opposite Andre Johnson

28 Denver – Manti Te’o LB
Broncos get a leader for great value.

29 New England – Justin Hunter WR
Trade possibility, but after a tough offseason for Brady, the Pats give him a new weapon.

30 Atlanta – Tyler Eifert TE
Falcons give Ryan a new weapon and address next offseason’s biggest need with one pick.

31 San Francisco – Cornellius Carradine DE
Trade possibility, but I think the 49ers stay put and strengthen their impressive defense.

32 Baltimore – John Cyprien S
Ravens plug the hole left by Reed.

Thoughts on a Past Love

Recently, I was talking with a friend about Albert Pujols and his chances to break Bond's home run record. It lead me to a sad realization:

Those records don't mean anything to me anymore.

I feel like baseball broke my trust

Part of my love for that game that I grew up with has died

I am not sure i will be able to revive it

Even when my Cubs were good I was still holding back

One of the things that enthralled me as a kid was the idea of these epic numbers and the idea of watching someone approach them

But now the numbers seem smaller

And mean less

Part of what made baseball so magical for me is that it was such an old game with so much tradition

Almost anything amazing that happened had happened before

But when you got to see something that had never happened before in baseball

You knew it was something that you would likely never see again in your life

And in that context every game had to opportunity to be The Game that changed baseball history forever

Now changing baseball history is like turning the page of a newspaper

Almost simplicity itself to do, yet somehow you still end up with dirty hands

2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down Day Two Trades

Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.

Trade 1: New York Jets acquire No. 43 pick from Seattle Seahawks for No. 47 pick, No. 154 pick and No. 232 pick.

Under the Old Value Chart: This trade is even

Under my chart: Jets underpay by the value of an early 6th

Trade 2: Chicago Bears acquire No. 45 pick from St. Louis Rams for No. 50 pick and No. 150 pick.

Under the Old Value Chart: Bears under pay by the value of a late 6th

Under my chart: Bears underpay by the value of a mid 6th

Trade 3: Green Bay Packers acquire No. 51 pick from Philadelphia Eagles for No. 59 pick and No. 123 pick.

Under the Old Value Chart:  Packers under pay by the value of a late 5th

Under my chart: Packers overpay by the value of a mid 7th

Trade 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers acquire No. 58 pick and No. 233 pick from Houston Texans for No. 68 pick and No. 126 pick.

Under the Old Value Chart: Buccaneers underpay by the value of a late 5th

Under my chart: Buccaneers overpay by value of an early 5th

Trade 5: Green Bay Packers acquire No. 62 pick from New England Patriots for No. 90 pick and No. 163 pick.


Under the Old Value Chart: Packers get a steal and underpay by the value of an early 4th

Under my chart: Packers get a steal and underpay by the value of a mid 4th

Trade 6: Denver Broncos acquire No. 67 pick from Cleveland Browns for No. 87 pick and No. 120 pick.


Under the Old Value Chart: Broncos underpay by the value of a late 4th


Under my chart: Broncos overpay by the value of a late 7th

Trade 7: Buffalo Bills acquire No. 69 pick from Washington Redskins for No. 72 pick and No. 217 pick.

Under the Old Value Chart: Bills underpay by the value of a late 7th


Under my chart: Bills underpay by the value of an early 7th


Trade 8: San Diego Chargers acquire No. 73 pick from Miami Dolphins for No. 78 pick and No. 183 pick.


Under the Old Value Chart: Chargers overpay by the value of a late 7th

Under my chart: Chargers underpay by the value of a late 7th

Trade 9: Baltimore Ravens acquire No. 84 pick from Atlanta Falcons for No. 91 pick and No. 164 pick.


Under the Old Value Chart: Ravens underpay by the value of a mid 6th

Under my chart: Ravens get a steal and underpay by the value of a late 5th

Trade 10: San Francisco 49ers acquire No. 97 pick in 2012 and a fifth-rounder in 2013 from Indianapolis Colts for No. 92 pick in 2012 draft.


Under the Old Value Chart: This trade is even


Under my chart: This trade is even

2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down First Round Trades Buccaneers and Broncos

Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.

Trade #9 Denver trades the 31st and 126th pick to Tampa Bay for the 36th and 101st picks

Under the old system: This trade is dead even.

Under my chart: This trade is dead even.

Eye Test: A dead even trade. Enough said.