The SoCal Turkeys of the Year

Every Thanksgiving,

Sports Illustrated

releases its turkeys of the year in order to recognize those who were overhyped (Kimbo Slice), unable to keep their mouths shut (Hank Steinbrenner) or choking in the clutch (The New York Mets). So to keep this turkey tradition alive, I felt that it would be best to honor those Southern California athletes, coaches, and owners, who were deserving of the Turkey of the Year Awards.

Andruw Jones
The Dodgers signed the former Atlanta Brave centerfielder to a contract worth $36.2 million over two years. General Manager Ned Colletti and owner Frank McCourt were enthused about the signing, as they felt that Jones was the power bat the team so desperately needed to make a run in the playoffs. However, Jones showed up to spring training overweight, and struggled miserably in his first season as a Dodger, hitting just .158, with 76 strikeouts in just seventy-five games. It’s now clear that Jones did not resurrect his career with the Dodgers, and merely proved that his days of belting 30+ home runs is well behind him.

Shaquille O’Neal
The former Laker and current member of the Phoenix Suns has always acted a little goofy, as he has dressed up as Santa Claus or given himself silly nicknames such as the M.D.E. As a result of his tendencies to mess around, he can sometimes come across as a little kid. In an impromptu late night rap back in June, Shaq took to the mic and asked, in a fractured rhyme, “Kobe, tell me how my a** taste?” I’m still not exactly sure what that means, but I’m not to curious either.

Al Davis
The track-suit wearing Raiders owner reminded sports fans why he is arguably the strangest owner in professional sports history. Despite the Raiders’ noticeable improvements, it was no secret that Al Davis did not get along with head coach Lane Kiffin. After a public stalemate that lasted for months, Davis’s September press conference detailing his firing of Kiffin was an embarrassment to the once proud franchise.

Manny Ramirez
There is no doubt that Manny Ramirez is one of the best hitters in all of baseball primarily responsible for leading the Dodgers into the playoffs, but his immaturity and selfishness became quite apparent during his final days in Boston. Manny pushed down an elderly employee, sat out games in a selfish funk, and forced his way out of Boston for money in order to get a better contract after the season. Fortunately for him, everyone in Los Angeles to baught into his act.

Rick Neuheisel
Before the 2008 college football teed off on August 30th, new UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel printed an add in the Los Angeles Times claiming that “The football monopoly in Los Angeles is now over.” Despite the bold claim, UCLA has struggled mightaly in its first season under Neuheisel, while the Trojans of USC are currently ranked in the top five yet again. The Bruins currently hold a 4-6 record and have yet to defeat a team with a winning record. On the other hand, Pete Carroll’s bunch is 9-1 and are expected to play in a seventh consecutive BCS bowl this January. By all accounts, the monopoly is alive and well in the City of Angels.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
After acquiring the slugging first baseman, Mark Teixeira, from Atlanta in July and winning 100 games in the regular season, the Angels were expected by many to make a serious run at the franchise’s second World Series title. However, for the third time third time in five years, the Boston Red Sox exerted their post season dominance yet again over the Halos. Boston ended up winning the series in four games, despite the fact that Anaheim had home-field advantage.

The San Diego Chargers
One year removed from a playoff run that landed the Bolts in to the AFC Championship Game, the Chargers have not had a memorable 2008 season so far. Despite playing in arguably the worst division in football, San Diego currently holds a 4-7 record and has been inconsistant so far this season. With such a talented roster, it would be an extreme disappointment if this team does not have a strong finish and make the playoffs in 2008.