Top 10 Suprising Predictions Of 2009

Alright, it's a new year, and such is the time where people like to make a strange, out-on-a-limb pick or two. However, since strange, out-on-a-limb picks are what I'm known for, I feel that the best way to start my new year is to make a list of 10 stories that will shock a few people in 2009. So before I start to ramble, let's get on with it.

No. 10: Brett Favre will return in 2009, but not for the Jets.

Now hearing that Brett Favre is contemplating retirement isn't new, and neither is Brett deciding to return. But unfortunately for Brett, the Jets are better off without him. They will find a coach who's game plan doesn't include Brett, and then release the old gunslinger. Look for Favre to end up with the Vikings, Bears, or even the Lions in 2009.

No. 9: Tim Tebow will win the 2009 Heisman Trophy, and end up as the greatest college player ever...

Tebow has been nothing short of incredible, gaining favorable comparisons to Chuck Norris in his toughness. Expect Florida's quarterback to return, along with Percy Harvin surprisingly, and lead the Gators back to the National Title game, though they won't win. Florida will end up losing to USC and Mark Sanchez, but Tebow will have a great year, throw NO interceptions, and show what a good quarterback he can be. Which leads me to...

No. 8: ...and Tim Tebow will be a GOOD NFL QUARTERBACK.

Hear me now: TIM TEBOW HAS A GREAT ARM. Sure he can truck a linebacker every time his hands are on the football, but the touch he has on the ball will intrigue a few teams—maybe the Dolphins with the Wildcat offense. He will get a shot at QB, and will show that he can play that position in the pros, and play it well. Gritty Pick No. 1 in my posts: Tim Tebow will be a Pro Bowler.

No. 7: Manny Ramirez will not play in 2009.

I don't think Manny truly understands what an economic depression is. The price he is asking for is nowhere close to the price for which a team wants to sign a 36-year-old headcase. Sure, he is a complete hitter, able to hit for power and hit in any situation, but the price is just too high. Manny will fill the role Barry Bonds played in 2008: waiting for a team with injury problems to sign him to his price. But 2009 will have almost all the divisions basically decided by the All-Star break, and Manny will either have to lower his price severely, or sit out the year. And I don't see Manny compromising.

No. 6: TO did Dallas.

Terrell Owens had Jerry Jones in the palm of his hands, but after a very disappointing 2008, expect Jones to clean house. And not just T.O. Watch Marion Barber and Tony Romo be shown the door in the next year or two. Romo is the best regular season QB in the league, meaning when playing without pressure, he puts up huge numbers. But Romo just can not win the important games, and while it's not all his fault, a lot of it is. And with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice in the wings, Barber's days in Dallas are dwindling.

No. 5: The big signings for the Yankees pan out.

This is horrible. I know it nothing new to say that the Yankees spent money to win, but let's look at the last time the Yankees went on a shopping spree:

Kevin Brown-disappointment.

Carl Pavano-injured.

Jason Giambi-average, but golden thong destroys fashion sense.

Randy Johnson-clearly not the Randy of old, just Old Randy.

Alex Rodriguez-playoff woes.

Roger Clemens-yikes.

But this year will be different for the boys in pinstripes. Teixeira will hit .295 with 35 home runs, and the duo of Burnett and Sabathia will win at least 30 games. And the best part of it all is that now the Yankees have two players that make more than all of the Florida Marlins combined, not just one.

No. 4: LeBron will never win a title.

This one hurts me a little, because I really like LeBron and enjoy watching him command games. But no one player can win a title alone, and LeBron will be alone whether he stays in Cleveland or goes to New York. Despite what has been said, I don't believe for a second that the Cavaliers will spend massive cash on secondary player, since LeBron will have the most shots. And with the Knicks, I don't trust them enough to believe that they won't screw up all of the free cap space they'll have by then. So, unless LeBron ends up in Boston or LA, or maybe San Antonio (whoa, just think of that...), James will not hoist a trophy...unless it's the MVP. He'll get a few of those.

No. 3: The Redskins will win the Super Bowl by 2015.

Being a D.C. native, I watch the Redskins every year. They have high expectations and good talent, but bad coaching, bad drafting, and an owner making bad signings have doomed this team for years. Watch the 'Skins get their front office fixed (maybe Polian?), become better in the draft, and get the best out of the great talent they have. Jim Zorn is the answer at head coach, and will show it soon with a ring. (On a side note, London Fletcher was a great signing for D.C., and will be Defensive Player of the Year in '09)

No. 2: Brady finds a new place for his GQ posters and Super Bowl rings.

Read my lips: Brady out, Cassel in. A lot of people have fallen in love with Matt Cassel this year—including the Patriots—and the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately?" league. Brady is getting old, Cassel will be 28 and in his prime. So Brady will have to find a new home, and find he shall, for wherever he goes, he'll take that team to a Super Bowl. Look for Arizona, KC, Oakland, and maybe even Washington to go after the sexiest free agent in the league.

No. 1: John Smoltz will win 20 games in 2009.

OK, this is where I am at a loss. I have absolutely no evidence behind this statement. Smoltz has been working very hard to get back in the game, and I personally want to see him succeed. Call it a gut feeling, but I feel that the Red Sox will rely on him by the end of the year, and a Cy Young will follow for arguably the best pitcher of our time, and definitely the most versatile pitcher of our time.

Well I hope you enjoyed the twists and turns I foresee in sports. If I'm wrong, I have no problem with being called out ... But, if I'm right, then I'm awesome and you should make a statue of me. Maybe in bronze. Oh, and on a horse. I like horses.