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R.I.P. Michael Jackson.

Jackson, the pop-cultural icon, who died yesterday at the age of 50 as he was attempting to make a comeback in London starting in July, provided many people, many within my generation, with much entertainment.

We can remember where we were when the biggest songs premiered, and can remember so many things, good and not-so-good, about the eccentric artist. As I heard Jackson’s songs being played over the past 24 hours on Sirius Satellite Radio, I thought what current Arizona Diamondbacks players are living Michael Jackson songs?

Dan Haren - “Heaven Can Wait”. The title of this tune from his most recent release Invincible in 2001 says it all. Dan Haren is a slice of heaven when it comes to pitching. He is a gift from the pitching gods. However, maybe he did something bad in a previous life that has him stuck in purgatory with this team. Always pitches well enough to win, as he has only given up three or more runs twice this season, however his 6-5 kiss-your-sister record leaves a lot to be desired. Heaven can wait for him though. He’s one guy that can stick around awhile.

Billy Buckner, Jon Rauch, Juan Gutierrez, Eric Byrnes, Miguel Montero, and Chris Young - “Bad” from the album of the same title, Bad. The name says it all. These guys have been just plain bad. All have shown a VERY brief star at one point this season, however, these guys have made a living making fans miserable so far this season.

Justin Upton - “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough”. This treasure from Off The Wall, keeps reminding me that I may never get enough of this rising superstar. Upton, after a slow start, has me thinking he may, just may find himself in the mid-summer classic, The Major League Baseball All-Star Game in St. Louis.

Mark Reynolds -“Dangerous” from the album of the same name, Dangerous. He is just that, dangerous. Just when you want to strangle him for striking out in his first four at-bats, up he comes in his fifth to hit a two or three run homer. It’s dangerous to fall in love with him because the strike outs will drive you nutty, but when he connects, the balls fly far, far enough to request stewardesses.

What songs can you relate Michael Jackson songs to with current (or even former) Diamondback players? I’d love to hear from you.

Scott Allen aka AZScott, an SJ contributor. Be sure and check out his site…

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