Five Insanely Bold Predictions for Philadelphia Sports in 2009

All right, maybe my predictions will not be insanely bold, but they will be pretty bold. Believe me; I feel some good vibes for this 2009 year in Philadelphia sports.

Now if you do not particularly feel for Philadelphia fans, then look away. If you absolutely cannot stand Philadelphia fans, then shut this window and run away from the computer. I'm going to be very homer-istic (Is that a word? I hope not; it makes me feel so "on-the-edge").

Here it goes. Read at your own risk, non-Philly fans (and Sixers fans).

5. The Philadelphia Eagles will make it to the Conference Championship.

Forget about the Redskins game, and you've got yourself a team who is tearing through anybody they see.

Remember the Cardinals on Thanksgiving? You know, the 48-20 thrashing of the Cardinals? Ouch. Oh yeah, how about the 20-14 thumping of the Giants the week after? Yup, it happened. Don't forget the Browns drubbing on Monday Night Football. What was the score, like 30-10?

Yes, there was that Redskins game, but that's typical Philadelphia Eagles style under Andy Reid. They always have those "blah" games out of nowhere.

Then best of all, there was the killing, thrashing, drubbing, demolishing, murdering, absolutely-no doubt about it-for sure-stomping of the Cowboys by the score of 44-6.

They're obviously one of the hottest teams in the league, with great play from the defense, and a little more balance with the running game. So how do I know they won't have one of their "blah" games?

Because that's not the Reid way, in the playoffs that is. They've never come out when it counts in the playoffs and stunk it up. They've only lost because they lost to a better team.

Yes, they will play the Giants in the Divisional Round if they defeat the Vikes, but they've shown they can play the G-Men. Plus, when it's up against a divisional opponent, it's always easier for the underdog to stick around with the big boys.

4. The Philadelphia Flyers will face the Washington Capitals at Beaver Stadium for the next Winter Classic.

The arguments have been made many times on who should play in next year's Winter Classic.

Now, some say the NHL will not want to do it for a third year in a row to keep the magic feel to it, but some say that Brett Favre will retire before age 87. Neither will happen.

The 2010 Winter Classic will happen (New Year's Day...it will be first day of 2010 for any of you who had to think about that), it's just a matter of where, as I said above.

Some people say they believe the event will be in Boston at Fenway Park, yet Winter construction on the park over the next two years could delay that possibility. Other say the game should be played in New York.

I say the game should be played in Pennsylvania at Beaver Stadium between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals.

Two of the youngest and most talented teams in the NHL going head-to-head in a stadium that seats around 100,000. Oh yeah, the Capitals have the most marketable player in the league with Alex Ovechkin. If you can tell me that he won't draw the attention Sindey Crosby did in the first WC, then I'll slap you silly and tell your momma about it.

It's a match made in Heaven. It's got to happen. There's no other way, Gary Bettman!

3. Andy Reid will not return to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Donovan McNabb will be putting the pads on for the Eagles in 2009, but Andy Reid will take his 'stache elsewhere...likely home. That's because I do not think he'll come back to any NFL team next season. I easily see the man stepping down.

I see the fatigue on his face, and I wonder if he really wants to be there. I don't think it's fun for him.

Now who am I to make these assumptions? I mean, I am just some nut writing on a website. But, it really is a a big feeling I cannot let go of. He just doesn't seem to enjoy the game anymore.

Sadly, Donovan McNabb will be back. I say "sadly" because I'd rather see them both go and have a complete re-model on this offense. The defense is great and should be for a long time now, but the offense is going nowhere.

DeSean Jackson is nothing more than another Todd Pinkston to me, Brian Westbrook is aging and it is showing, and the offensive line is aging as well. But more importantly, McNabb's shenanigans have finally gotten to me.

His press conferences are always a shot at the media; get over yourself, Donovan! Then on the field, he has been more erratic than ever this season, throwing more passes at the feet of his receivers.

But anyway, aside from McNabb, the one big piece missing from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 will be Andy Reid.

2. The Philadelphia Flyers will win the Atlantic Division.

What a team the Flyers are...what a team.

I wrote a few days ago that this was the Philadelphia Flyers' year. That this was the year that Lord Stanley's Cup was going to be brought back to Philadelphia for the first time since 1975. I still strongly believe that. That's actually a part of this prediction, I just didn't put it there since I have already made that bold statement.

But before you get to parade down Broad Street, you need to take care of business in the regular season.

This may not be a hugely bold prediction, especially with the Flyers moving into a tie for the Atlantic Division lead tonight, but it's going to be tough.

With the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New Jersey Devils in the division, it's going to be a four-horse race all the way.

The Penguins and Rangers have not been playing the best hockey lately, which is what put the Flyers and Devils right back in the race. But they will both rebound for sure, putting the Devils and Flyers on the hot-seat.

But with the help of a superb offensive attack and an improving defensive squad, the Fly-boys are headed for even brighter days.

They appear to be over their road woes after winning their last two road games after a bunch of home games, and Simon Gagne and Danny Briere will be returning to the line-up shortly.

It is going to be a fun ride, but I am telling you folks, the Flyers will win the Atlantic (and the Stanley Cup!).

1. The Philadelphia Phillies will repeat as World Series Champions.

Oh no he didn't! Oh yes, he did!

I don't know, maybe it's because I watched the World Series clincher again tonight, but there's just something about this team. With an infield with Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins, they'll be tough to beat there once again.

In the outfield, Shane Victorino will only get better, Jayson Werth will finally get a full starting role, and Raul Ibanez might be better than Pat Burrell.

Finally on the mound, I love this group of pitchers. Cole Hamels. <-----Most amazing person ever. All right, maybe not ever, but he's great. Other than the NLCS and World Series MVP, the Phils are bringing back Brett Myers, Joe Blanton, and the crafty old veteran, Jamie Moyer.

Oh yeah, did I mention the bullpen? You know, the bullpen that was perfect after eight innings this season? Yup.

So yes, the Phillies will only be better this season. But, watch out for one more big splash. I'm just waiting for a trade for a third baseman to declare this team 2010 champions along with their 2008 and 2009 championships.

See now, that was not so bad, was it? I know, those predictions were pretty insane, weren't they? Oh well. Maybe one of them will happen. Maybe five. Or maybe just one...

Either way, hope you enjoyed this craziness I call writing.