When I saw the Sox traded for the oft injured outfielder I thought this was one of the dumbest moves of the off season. Well boy was I wrong. He has batted .292, driven in 100 runs, and leads the league home runs.
9. Kobe Bryant, G, LA Lakers:
All Kobe did was lead the Lakers to the NBA finals and win the NBA mvp. Sounds like a productive year.
8 and 7. Tom Brady and Randy Moss, New England Patriots:
I know they did most of their work in 2007, but it was so impressive that I have to throw them on this list. Brady threw 50 touchdown passes and Moss caught the majority of them (not really, just exaggerating to make a point.)
6. Brandon Webb, P, Arizona Diamondbacks:
No pitcher has piled up wins in a more silent fashion than Webb has this season. A bright spot on an otherwise dark season for the NL West.
5. Kevin Garnett, F, Boston Celtics:
The real reason that the Celtics won the title, he was the defensive force and changed the mindset of the entire Celtics organization, Bill Russell style.
4. Josh Hamilton, OF, Texas Rangers:
No one's emergence this year has been more satisfying to see than Hamilton's. Once almost lost to the grip of drugs, he has come back with a vengeance. After putting on a Ruthian display at the home run derby he has continued to power the high powered Texas Rangers offense.
3. Michael Phelps:
8 Gold medals. Nuff said.
2. Usain Bolt:
Bolt gets the nod because of the fashion in which he won. No sprinter has won in such dominating style...ever.
1. Tiger Woods:
Anyone who knows me knows of my admiration for Woods and that was before the US Open in which he won with a hairline fracture and a torn ACL. The only golfer who can be truly classified as an amazing athlete. Congrats Tiger, you will recieve your Puma Plaque in the mail soon.
