2011 Sports Predictions: World Series, Stanley Cup and Other Predictions in 2011

New Year's Eve is upon us, and that means it's not only time to look back on the year we've just had, but to look forward and think about the year ahead of us.

We've got quite a year in front of us in 2011. We've got another World Series, another Stanley Cup, the possibility of lockouts in the NBA and NFL, the list goes on and on.

With all of this excitement in front of us, why not throw out some early predictions?

Here are predictions for how the big events of 2011 will unfold.

1. Stanley Cup Champions

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 26: Kevin Bieksa #3 of the Vancouver Canucks is congratulated by Raffi Torres #13 after scoring what proved to be the game winning goal in a 3-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period in NHL action on December

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks were close last year, and they have all the pieces this year.

With Roberto Luongo in the net and the Sedin twins keeping it hot on the ice, the Canucks should have what it takes to make the run down the stretch.

I do want to throw out a sleeper pick, though, in the New York Rangers. The Rangers have been hot and cold this season, but when they are going, they are a dominant team (see their 7-0 stomping of the Capitals).

2. World Series Champions

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PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 15: Pitcher Cliff Lee #33 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks with the media while general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. watches during a press conference at Citizens Bank Park on December 15, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by

Philadelphia Phillies

This one comes down to one person: Cliff Lee.

With Lee back in the pitching rotation, what can stop them?

3. NBA Lockout

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Players walk past a loose shoe on the court during the game between the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 29, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

There will be an NBA lockout in 2011

There simply hasn't been enough movement in regards to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Who knows how long the lockout will last, but there will be one.

4. NFL Lockout

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NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: (R) Commissioner of hte NFL Roger Goodell speaks during the 2010 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Celebration at IAC Building on November 30, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

There will be an NFL lockout in 2011

Just like with the NBA, the NFL simply hasn't made enough progress towards a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

As long as owners continue to push an 18-game season, the NFLPA will not agree and a new CBA cannot be formed.

5. Jim Harbaugh and Andrew Luck Will Remain at Stanford

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PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal is covered with water from a Gatorade cooler by Andrew Luck #12 and Chike Amajoyi #43 after the Cardinal beat the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November 27, 2010

Some of the biggest speculation in football this year has surrounded the biggest sports figures from Stanford since John Elway and Bill Walsh.

Andrew Luck, star quarterback for the Cardinal, is assumed to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft by many.

His coach, Jim Harbaugh, has been linked to college and professional football head coaching jobs all over the country, from the San Francisco 49ers to the Michigan Wolverines.

I'm here to say that, at least for 2011, the two will remain on the farm.

Harbaugh wants more, and Andrew Luck, whether he admits it or not, probably wants to win the Heisman.

6. Carmelo Anthony Will Be a New York Knick

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 07: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets shoots over D.J. Augustin #14 of the Charlotte Bobcats during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on December 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ack

Someday, the speculation will end with some kind of resolution, and the most likely one will be that 'Melo ends up with the Knicks, creating a team that has the potential to keep good pace with the Big Three in Miami.

The idea of Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire being on the floor at the same time is just too good, and the Knicks have Anthony on the hook.

7. The BCS Will End

I'm not saying that the BCS will be over and done with in 2011, but rather that 2011 will be the last year with the BCS.

It's a bold prediction, but the BCS has come under so much heat recently, especially after the matchup between Oklahoma and UConn in the Fiesta Bowl, that the movement to bring it down may gain enough steam to succeed.

8. Tim Tebow Will Start For The Broncos, Denver Has Winning Season

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DENVER - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos rolls out and looks to deliver a pass against the Houston Texas at INVESCO Field at Mile High on December 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Texans 24-23. (Photo b

Yes, this is contingent upon one of my predictions being wrong, but isn't that the nature of predictions?

If the NFL does play a 2011 season, expect Tebow to start and expect the Denver Broncos to break even in the regular season.

Hard to believe, I know, but it's possible.

9. Tiger Woods Will Not Return to Form

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THOUSAND OAKS, CA - DECEMBER 05: Tiger Woods reacts to his second shot on the 16th hole during the final round of the Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club on December 5, 2010 in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Tiger Woods hasn't been the same since he left golf late last year to deal with his divorce and sex addiction treatment, and I wouldn't expect things to change.

There just seems to be something off about him.

He may win a few tournaments, but he will never get back to No. 1, that much can be guaranteed.

10. The New Orleans Hornets Will Move

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 29: Chris Paul #3 of the New Orleans Hornets shoots the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the New Orleans Arena on December 29, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges an

The Hornets have a loophole in their arena contract with New Orleans that could allow them to ditch the Big Easy for greener pastures on March 30th, and I would fully expect them to do so.

As much as I would like to see them as the Charlotte Hornets once again, don't count on it.

The real twist could be, will the Hornets move to.....Seattle???

Seattle basketball fans have been more than bitter since the Sonics turned into the Thunder and moved to Oklahoma City, and it seems possible that the NBA could come crawling back to Washington.