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Predictions
What a wonderful time of the year for sports. So many opportunities
to place some bets and lay down the law with expert predictions.
Of course, there is March Madness, where everyone will drop
$2 to fill out a bracket to have a chance to be genius.
But I won’t bore you with those predications - Why?
Because by the time you read this, the brackets will be
pared to four teams and I don’t want to look like
an idiot predicting Gonzaga will win the National Title,
even though they got knocked out of the first round. But,
if you really need to know Georgia Tech, Duke, Oklahoma
State, and Connecticut could possibly be the last four teams
standing.
Now we rip off those hardwood floors to reveal the really
reason why arenas are built: ICE. Yes, it is now time for
the NHL playoffs. Let’s flashback to September 03,
where - right here - you read my predictions for the NHL
season:
STANLEY CUP FINAL
VANCOUVER CANUCKS VS OTTAWA SENATORS
The Holy Grail of sports returns to its homeland as an all
Canada Cup Final saves the NHL. Following a thrilling 7
game series and the hoisting of the Cup by Senators Captain
and Conn Smythe Winner Daniel Alfredsson, Commissioner Gary
Bettman announces that a new CBA has been reached and hockey
is saved!
And since both teams are still playing well, I’m going
to stick to that for now. I must say that if this final
comes to be, I would sacrifice my reputation and wonderful
predicting skills and root for the ‘Nucks. Why? Former
Blue Jacket Geoff Sanderson was dealt to Vancouver in March
and I’ll be rooting for him all throughout the playoffs.
Other playoffs teams that the Senators and ‘Nucks
should worry about: The East has the defending champ New
Jersey Devils, a now veteran-filled Toronto Maple Leafs,
and an upstart Tampa Bay Lightning. Look for the Leafs or
‘Bolts to possibly unseat the Senators. In the West,
perennial favorites the Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red
Wings, and Dallas Stars will grind it out with the Canucks,
and feast on the younger teams like the Sharks and Predators.
And just one more set of non-steroid induced predications:
It’s time for America’s favorite pastime to
begin. I really think that Major League Baseball should
just let the Yankees and Red Sox play all 162 games against
each other this year, and let the other 13 American League
teams have the year off. But since that won’t happen,
here is how the season should play out:
American League
East
1. Yankees: Version .04 looks good with
A-Rod and DJ on the left side. Can’t afford an injury
to starting staff, though.
2. Red Sox: The Yankees are in the Sox’
head, thus they will fight with Baltimore for the Wild Card.
3. Orioles: Tejada, Palmerio, and Lopez
will help rookie Coach Mazilli keep pace with Sox for second
place.
4. Devil Rays: Could be this year’s
Royals. Too bad they are in this tough division.
5. Blue Jays: Delgado and Halladay need
some support.
Central
1. Royals: Last year’s darlings
give a repeat performance. Sweeney and Gonzo will drive
in 110.
2. Twins: Have the tools to compete all
year, but just miss out of playoffs.
3. White Sox: If Mags gets the Sox to
click, they will challenge for this division.
4. Tigers: Pudge, this ain’t Florida,
but you will help get them out of the cellar.
5. Indians: Don’t think Ron Belliard
will change this team, but I like the youth; give them another
year.
West
1. Angels: The addition of Vlad will
help an already potent lineup impale the AL West.
2. A’s: Chavez needs an MVP year
to keep the A’s in the running. Is Arthur Rhodes a
closer?
3. Mariners: Pitching breakdown keeps
the M’s at bay. Good luck, Edgar.
4. Rangers: Great youth in Soriano, Blalock,
Teixeria, but need another year to figure out pitching.
National League
East
1. Phillies: If Burrell hits .250, the
Phillies roll. Love addition of Eric Milton.
2. Marlins: Defending champs have great
pitching, but letting Derek Lee and Pudge go will be costly.
3. Braves: Offense is great, but I don’t
see them hanging around with that rotation.
4. Expos: Will regret getting the headache
that is Carl Everett to help replace Vlad.
5. Mets: Not a lot of hope for the Mets,
but people will tune in to see the other Matsui.
Central
1. Astros: Oswalt, Miller, Pettitte,
Clemens. The Rocket a #4 starter? Bags and Big get to have
some fun.
2. Cubs: Not a lot of changes from last
year’s team, except the best pitcher of the 1990’s.
Mark Prior wins the CY Young .
3. Cardinals: Can baseball’s best
player, Albert Pujols, help the Red Birds overcome the pitching-rich
‘Stros/Cubbies?
4. Reds: If healthy, has one of the best
lineups around; pitching is still pathetic.
5. Pirates: Pitching is okay, but Mondesi
can’t drive in 150 with those guys.
6. Brewers: How can the commish’s
team be this bad?
West
1. Giants: Questionable pitching. Aging
lineup. How do they keep winning?
2. Dodgers: If they get a bat to help
out Shawn Green, this division is theirs.
3. Padres: A new ballpark. Trevor returns.
Greene is ROY. Surprise team of ’04.
4. Diamondbacks: Have the potential to
run away with division, or hit rock bottom.
5. Rockies: Should score a lot of runs
and give up a lot of runs.
World Series
Cubs fans rejoice!! You’ll loose the Series to the
Bronx Bombers in six.
Didn’t I say that last year?
Cousy
Kane is a regular writer for the footnote. ESPN is lucky
that he was too busy to try out for "Dream Job."
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