"Changing sports"

I've been inspired by Justin Gatlin. Not because he took steroids to break world records (that's about as inspiring as a goose crapping on my municipal golf course).

No, Gatlin has influenced me to muse about which professional athletes could thrive in other sports. That's because he tried out for the Houston Texans yesterday (and who knows, maybe he'll make the team; they are the Texans, after all). Anyway, here goes.

NBA starting lineup made up of NFL players:
Point guard: Tom Brady, Patriots
- Main strength: Very steady, very consistent. And all he does is win. Plus, his confidence will rub off on his teammates
- Main weakness: Too slow.
Shooting guard: Ladainian Tomlinson, Chargers
- Main strength: Not a tough pick. Simply knows how to score. He's also very versatile. Can shoot from the outside and take the ball to the hole.
- Main weakness: Are there any?
Small forward: Ed Reed, Ravens
- Main strength: Tough as nails. Can bang down low when you need him to; could even play at the base of a 1-3-1 zone. Great defender.
- Main weakness: A bit undersized and a little bit of an offensive liability.
Power forward: Antonio Gates, Chargers
- Main strength: Played basketball his entire life. Need I say more?
- Main weakness: Does he still have the desire now that he knows he can dominate two sports?
Center: Bubba Franks, Packers
- Main strength: This guy is on a mediocre team, his old college coach just got fired, and he doesn't know who his next QB will be. Simply put, he needs a change in sports. And he's a strong dude. He could overpower many NBA centers.
- Main weakness: His height. At just 6-foot-6, Franks will struggle against the KGs and Shaqs of the league.
Sixth man: Michael Vick, Falcons
- Main strength: Easy pick here. He can be brilliant in spots.
- Main weakness: Just don't leave him in for too long. He's bound to sour.

NFL skill positions starting lineup made up of MLB players
QB: Derek Jeter, Yankeees
- Main strength: One of the smartest players in the game, always makes the most of his at-bats. Will do the same with his throwing opportunities. And can scramble out of the pocket.
- Main weakness: At times can be too aggressive, forcing balls into double coverage.
RB: Craig Monroe, Tigers
- Main strength: Very versatile. Is powerful, but can also show bursts of speed at times.
- Main weakness: Too often tries to bust the long run instead of just lowering his shoulder to get the needed yard.
WR: Greg Maddux, Cubs
- Main strength: Simply put, this guy catches anything that he can get his hands on. It doesn't matter how hard it's thrown, either.
- Main weakness: Well, he's getting kind of old.
LB: Jason Veritek, Red Sox
- Main strength: Is very quick laterally. Can get from one side of the field to the other in an instant. Also, one tough egg, and keeps his head in the game in crucial situations.
- Main weakness: A bit undersized at just 230 pounds and has had injury problems.
SS: Jim Edmonds, Cardinals
- Main strength: He was born to play safety. Can move all over the field very quickly, has a good combination of strength and speed and is good at judging angles on players he has to chase down.
- Main weakness: Aging a bit and already has his championship. Have to question his desire.

MLB partial lineup made up of NBA players
Starting pitcher: Kevin Garnett, Timberwolves
- Main strength: Great speed, plus with his height makes for a very intimidating figure on the mound.
- Main weakness: Isn't a proven winner. Can he break out of that?
Closer: Dwyane Wade, Heat
- Main strength: Gets the job done when needed. 'Nuff said.
- Main weakness: None, really.
Catcher: Steve Nash, Suns
- Main strength: Does an excellent job controlling games from start to finish.
- Has to take at least two days off each week. Better have a good backup (Leandro Barbosa??)
Shortstop: Bruce Bowen, Spurs
- Main strength: Great defensive player who hits in spurts. Also a winner, which is very important for this position.
- Main weakness: Old and injury-prone. Might have to switch him to third base like Ripken.
Center fielder: Josh Smith, Hawks
- Main strength: He's young, fast, and he can climb the fence for any fly ball within reach. He also adds a little pop to the front of your lineup.
- Main weakness: He's young, still immature and if he has a big season, he might test the free-agent market. And he's never been on a winning team.

Tennis player most likely to succeed at golf: Roger Federer
- He's so smooth, and he makes everything seem so effortless. Are there any doubts?

Golfer most likely to succeed at tennis: Tiger Woods
- It wouldn't have been right to pick anyone else. I think Tiger could excel at most sports.

Finally....
Coach of professional sports team who could play a different pro sport: Avery Johnson, Mavericks
- Still relatively young, I could see him as a utility second baseman.