There are some people I would not trade places with for anything in the world.

Prime example – Michael Jackson (the entertainer, not the district attorney). Seriously, how badly can one person’s life degenerate?

And Bill Gates. He’s rich and all that, but who would want to be stricken with such bad taste in clothing? Not me, not hardly.

I could go on and on. And as a matter of fact, I will.

This week on “The List,” you’ll find out why it’s a bad time to be …

6. The Atlanta Braves – The grave on the casket is far from shut, but the light is fading.

The Braves were six games out of the AL East lead and five games out of the Wild Card going into Wednesday.

It’s not that Atlanta is playing that poorly, there’s just not a lot working in the team’s favor.

Edgar Renteria is back on the injured list. There pretty much is no starting pitching behind John Smoltz and Tim Hudson, and they released closer Bob Wickman last week.

I was going to get to some positive things, I really was. Hold on …

Oh yeah, Peter Moylan – yet another guy that has saved Atlanta’s bullpen. Andruw Jones’ home runs and RBIs are solid despite a poor batting average, and you still got Bobby Cox.

But beware hot streaks from New York and Philadelphia.

5. Brady Quinn – The Browns stink, and there are people that actually expect him to begin the season starting.

Does no one remember Tim Couch?

Bad question.

4. Andy Reid – There are problems at home. There are problems at work.

If this gig coaching the Eagles gets any worse, maybe his job will be up for grabs.

If Tiki Barber gets bored with his modeling job for ESPN, maybe he’ll be interested.

3. Michael Vick – And we all know why we wouldn’t want to be him right now.

I was moved to tears when I saw the public apology at his press conference.

Okay, that’s a lie. But I did feel something move deep within my soul during his speech.

Could have been the beginning of forgiveness. Could have been that cheeseburger’s push toward the final stretch.

But whatever it was, it was profound.

2. Anyone playing the USA basketball team – Those boys are something else, aren’t they.

As my crazy Uncle Larry would say, “They on fyuh!”

I could not be happier that Team USA finally got its act together.

I’m not exactly seeing shadows of Jordan, Stockton and Magic, but I’m having fun watching this team again.

1. Western Carolina – No knock on Auburn’s chances of beating Kansas State, but the Catamounts ought to be worried.

The players, the fans and even some soda vendors at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be ready to jump on anyone or anything not wearing red.

George L. Jones is sports editor of The Selma Times-Journal. He can be reached at (334) 410-1744 or george.jones@selmatimesjournal.com&.