55-250 instead of 70-300 ?

Shopping for my first DSLR and also a telephoto lens for my son's sports. I figured I would get the body first and then shop for the lens, but with the current instant rebate going on, maybe I should get the lens first and save a few $$$.

From the research I had done, I thought I would end up with the 70-300IS. But now I see the 55-250 is offering a $100 rebate. I understand the 70-300IS has a $150 rebate, but it seems like the price has been increased to offset the rebate ? B&H has it at $500 after rebate.

It seems like the 55-250 for $200 is a pretty good deal. I was leaning toward the 70-300 because of the extra 50mm in length. But for $200 I thought I could do a little cropping to make up for the slightly shorter zoom.

Like I said, I don't have a body yet, but will probably end up with the T2i or 60D. Both being 18MP offers me some room to crop. I understand neither the 55-250 or 70-300 have excellent image quality, but from some of the reviews I've read, seem to offer a good balance of performance vs price.

70-300 for $500 ? OR 55-250 for $200 with a little cropping ?

Would appreciate your comments. Thanks !