Brett Favre and Barry Larkin

There has been lots of whoo-hah about Brett Farvre possibly coming out of retirement. My first reaction about such talk is "Jeez - enough already!" However, then I think about Barry Larkin and I think "Maybe Green Bay should welcome Brett back as the starting QB."

Barry Larkin retired after the 2004 season. That year Larkin was more than adequate - in fact he was an All-Star that season. However, many think that Larkin was partially forced out by the Reds in order to make way for the shortstop of the future - Felipe Lopez.

It is true that Felipe Lopez was an All-Star in 2005 but by the end of 2006 - he had been shipped out of town. In the end the Reds got flotsam and jetsam for Felipe Lopez but they also took his side and possibly damaged their relationship with a potential Hall of Fame player and hometown hero.

Is the comparison valid? While Barry Larkin was an MVP who led his team to a World Championship - he's not at the level of a Brett Favre who is an all-time great in his sport. In my mind, however, that makes it even more important for the Green Bay Packers not to miss out on another season of Brett Favre in favor of the quarterback equivalent of Felipe Lopez - Aaron Rodgers.

If Brett Favre wants back - the Packers should welcome him back with open arms.