Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Five games in, and the Bulls-Celtics series is already one of the greatest NBA series of all time. Over the course of the first five games, we've seen four overtimes, brutally physical play, and astonishing clutch performances from Rajon Rondo, Ben Gordon, Paul Pierce, Derrick Rose, and Ray Allen.

---The big debate is whether Rajon Rondo's swipe at the face of Brad Miller, a shot that cost Miller a tooth, in the final moments of overtime in Game 5 should have been called a flagrant foul. It's a close call, but I say no. Was it a spectacularly hard foul? Yes. But the intent was not malicious enough to warrant a flagrant foul, especially since the foul occurred with the game on the line.

---Another spectacular series is Magic-Sixers, and Orlando will be without Dwight Howard for Game 6 in Philadelphia after Superman elbowed Samuel Dalembert in the head in Game 5. Considering the fact that the elbow went to one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, and that Howard was allowed to stay in the game after the foul, going for 24 points and 24 rebounds, I can't quibble too much with his suspension. However, I do not think the elbow was as vicious as most analysts are making it out to be. Howard made a regrettable decision in an act of frustration, but I've watched the replay multiple times, and this foul is definitely not in the same league of evil as Raja Bell's clothesline on Kobe Bryant three years ago.

---The Cavs, Lakers, and Mavs have all advanced, and Cleveland has looked the most impressive. LeBron and company are on a mission that will culminate in the hoisting of the Larry O'Brien trophy.

---121-63. That was the astounding score of Denver's Game 5 shellacking of the Hornets. Chris Paul gamely stated in his post-game interview that it was just one loss and that the Hornets could still come back and stave off elimination in Game 5, but after Monday's embarrassment, a New Orleans victory is about as likely as a calm Stan Van Gundy.

---Two more series, Hawks-Heat and Rockets-Blazers, are enormously compelling. Atlanta-Miami has seven games written all over it, and I'll take the Hawks to advance, especially if Zaza Pechulia continues to play with frenetic energy. I'll also stick to my prediction of Rockets in 6, despite the heroics of Brandon Roy.

---Speaking of the Rockets, Dikembe Mutombo called it a career after suffering an injury in Game 2. Mutombo was a consistent defensive force throughout his career, and he's one of the nicest guys the league has ever seen. His talent, and his character, are worthy of Hall of Fame induction.

---The baseball season is nearly a month old, and there are already plenty of intriguing stories: Who are the real Marlins? Are the Rays this mediocre? What happened to the Yankees' pitching? Are the Red Sox this good? Will Zack Greinke continue to pitch like Sandy Koufax?

---After a rough start, my Giants are back on the right track, with a HUGE game tonight against the hated Dodgers. However, we need to get some hitting, as every Emmanuel Burriss double play and Fred Lewis strike out tears my heart into pieces. Starting tonight, let's get some runs. Go Giants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

---MLB.com announced last week that MSNBC star Keith Olbermann will begin writing columns for the website. Olbermann is now known as a political commentator, but he is just as knowledgeable in the world of sports. Olbermann, who got his start on ESPN and is a co-host of NBC's "Football Night in America", is a baseball fanatic and historian who will bring witty humor and astute insight to MLB.com.

---Kudos to the Niners for getting Michael Crabtree. Here's hoping Crabtree lands us in the playoffs next season.

---I'll depart with one final thought: When Matthew Stafford's name was called by the Detroit Lions as the top pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, making him an instant millionaire, I wonder if he turned to his agent and said, "Actually, on second thought, I'm not really interested in this whole football thing."

First Round NBA Playoff Preview

The 2009 NBA playoffs commence tomorrow, as sixteen teams begin the quest for the Larry O'Brien trophy. Which teams will advance? Where will amazing happen? Here is my series-by-series breakdown of the first round:



EAST



(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Detroit Pistons



These are not the same Pistons we're so accustomed to seeing this time of year. When Joe Dumars traded away Chauncey Billups to Denver, Detroit received an aging, petulant Allen Iverson in return, effectively damaging team chemistry and eliminating any chance at another deep playoff run. Now Iverson is out of the picture, but the Pistons have no shot at winning this series. Even with big-time production from Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, and Rodney Stuckey, the Pistons do not have the firepower to match the Cavs.



LeBron and company have only one goal, and that is to win the championship. Anything short of that would be a colossal disappointment. King James will have a tremendous series, with great help from Mo Williams, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, and Anderson Varejao. Cleveland steamrolls the Pistons.



Prediction: Cavs in 4



(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Chicago Bulls



A seemingly lopsided series got a little more compelling with the unfortunate news that Kevin Garnett will likely be out for the entire playoffs. This definitely deals a blow to the Celtics chances to repeat, and it gives the Bulls a better chance to pull off the upset. Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon, and the Bulls are playing excellent basketball right now, and Chicago has a great opportunity to hold serve on their home court, especially if Andres Nocioni arouses the home crowd with his trademark high-energy play. But make no mistake about it: The Celtics will win this series.



After all, this Boston team has been playing without KG for months now, so the news of his absence can't come as too much of a shock to Doc Rivers' team. They should have been already mentally prepared to play without Garnett. The Celtics still have plenty of talent to make a deep run. Paul Pierce is a superstar who doesn't receive hardly enough credit for his talent, Ray Allen is the best pure shooter in basketball, and Rajon Rondo does a solid job at the point guard position. Will they repeat as champs? Probably not. Will they beat the Bulls? Yes.



Prediction: Celtics in 6



(3) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers



Stan Van Gundy's Magic enter the playoffs with a Texas-size chip on their shoulder, as they feel completely disrespected and underrated after flying completely under the radar during their 59 win season. The Magic crushed the Cavs, beat the Celtics, yet they still lived in the shadow of Cleveland and Boston. They will walk onto the Amway Arena court on Sunday looking to prove that they have every intention of winning the title.



Yet Orlando also enters the playoffs with a limp in their step. The Magic looked lifeless in season-ending losses to the Knicks and Nets, and injuries have slowed the production of Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. Thus, the Sixers will put up a good fight. Tony DiLeo's team has great young talent in the likes of Andre Iguodala, Samuel Dalembert, and Thaddeus Young, in addition to the veteran leadership of point guard Andre Miller, and they have enough firepower to win a couple of games. But when all is said and done, Philadelphia will have no answer for Superman. As long as he stays out of foul trouble, Dwight Howard will dominate, and the Magic will advance.



Prediction: Magic in 6



(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Miami Heat



This could be the best series of them all, an evenly matched battle between two wildly exciting teams. If it weren't for LeBron, Dwayne Wade would be the MVP, as Flash has turned in a season for the ages. First year coach Eric Spoelstra has done an outstanding job turning this team around, and Jamario Moon, Daequan Cook , and Udonis Haslem have all shown flashes of brilliance. But this team will go only as far as D-Wade takes them. And if Wade continues to perform at such a high level, the Heat will push Atlanta to a seventh game, with the possibility of a LeBron-Wade duel in round 2.



Not so fast. The Atlanta Hawks are the most underrated team in the NBA. Nobody seems to notice, but Josh Smith, Mike Bibby, Al Horford, Marvin Williams, Joe Johnson, and yes, Zaza Pechulia, can play with anybody, and they will not be the slightest bit intimidated by Wade. Last year, the Hawks lasted seven games against the Celtics. This year, they are a much better team. Phillips Arena will be rocking, and Atlanta will meet the Cavs in the second round.



Prediction: Hawks in 7



WEST



(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Utah Jazz



All signs point to Lakers dominance. Andrew Bynum is healthy, and Phil Jackson continues to maintain a Zen-like calm on the sidelines that makes President Obama's demeanor look vitriolic in comparison. Nobody seems to be worried, as there is a sense of inevitability in the Los Angeles air.



Well, let me be the first person in the world to say that the Lakers should be worried. The Utah Jazz will win this series. No, I am not intoxicated. I mean what I just said. Yes, Utah has played like a collection of pneumonia-plagued toddlers on the road, and yes, they will need to win on the road if they are to beat the Lakers. If The Jazz do find a way to steal a game at Staples Center, and I think they will, then they will move on to the second round, because they will not lose in the confines of raucous EnergySolutions Arena. The physical play of Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap inside will wear down Bynum, while Deron Williams, Andrei Kirilenko, and Mehmet Okur will provide plenty of offense. I understand that readers probably think I'm nuttier than Rush Limbaugh, but I'm sticking with my prediction.



Prediction: Jazz in 6



(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) New Orleans Hornets



What a spectacular series, with a classic battle at the point guard position between Chauncey Billups and Chris Paul. The Nuggets had a fantastic season under the leadership of George Karl, with the deepest team Denver has had in years. The aforementioned Billups provided the franchise with an experienced, savvy leader, Carmelo Anthony continues to produce big numbers, Nene had a nice season, and Chris "Birdman" Andersen is easily the comeback player of the year. It's been a great year of basketball in the Mile High City.



Sadly for Denver, they will once again depart in the opening round. Byron Scott's New Orleans Hornets have had an up-and-down season, but they are amongst the most dangerous teams in the league. CP3 is the best point guard since Magic Johnson, David West is a stellar wingman, Peja Stojakovic is a devastatingly sharp shooter, Tyson Chandler is a dominant big man, and James Posey is Mr. Reliable off the bench. It will be considered an upset, but don't let the seven seed fool you. The Hornets are a legitimate threat in the West.



Prediction: Hornets in 7



(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks



It's always entertaining when these two Texas rivals square off on the hardwood, as sparks always fly. This year will be no different. Tensions will erupt, emotions will run high, and at one point you can bet that Mark Cuban will run onto the floor in furious state of astonishment.



For me, this is a total toss-up, especially with the absence of Manu Ginobli. Dirk Nowitzki will have a superb series, as will Josh Howard, Jason Kidd, and Jason Terry. The Mavs have shown new life in recent weeks, instilling in the Dallas faithful a new found sense of hope. In the end, however, I'm not sure they will be able to outlast the Spurs. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Michael Finley, and Bruce Bowen are just too battle-tested to lose in the first round. San Antonio is aging, and they have very slim odds to advance far in the West without Ginobli. But Gregg Popovich always seem to find a way to win.



Prediction: Spurs in 7



(4) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (5) Houston Rockets



Another magnificent series in the Wild Wild West. The Rose Garden will be rocking when the Blazers play their first playoff game in five years, and the excitement is warranted after a stellar season in which Brandon Roy continued to cement his status as a star in this league. And this year, Roy had a strong supporting cast, thanks to Travis Outlaw, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Fernandez, and Steve Blake. Can Nate McMillan's team continue their remarkable run and advance past the first round?



I say no. If the Rockets don't advance past the first round this year, they may never get past the first round. Yes, Houston is without Tracy McGrady, but they still have Yao Ming and Ron Artest. The Blazers have no answer to this duo, especially when it comes to Yao. Greg Oden is a nice guy, but he is slowly becoming a flop in the NBA. Yao will score at will, even over the more competent Joel Pryzbilla. The Rockets will finally advance into the second round.


So there you have it. I like the Rockets, Spurs, Hornets, Jazz, Hawks, Magic, Celtics, and Cavaliers. Now let the games begin!

Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Congratulations to your 2009 Masters Champion Angel Cabrera, who defeated Kenny Perry on the second playoff hole to win his first green jacket.

---I know Perry was the sentimental favorite, but you have to feel good for Cabrera. Cabrera has an infectious personality, and he isn't afraid to express some genuine emotion on the golf course, such as when he bounced his ball off a tree on the first playoff hole.

---Thanks to the exciting three-man playoff between Cabrera, Perry, and Chad Campbell, and the spectacularly compelling game of anything you can do I can do better between Tiger and Phil, this was a Masters for the ages. Anybody who says that golf is devoid of drama just isn't paying attention.

---Break up the ...........San Diego Padres??? After sweeping my beloved Giants over the weekend, Bud Black's team spoiled the Mets' home debut at Citi Field earlier tonight with a 6-5 victory. I think reality will soon set in for Brian Giles, David Eckstein, and company, but San Diego is clearly out to send a message at the start of the year.

---Ladies and gentleman, start respecting the Rays. The Yankees and Red Sox have more marketable names in the likes of David Ortiz, Derek Jeter, Jonathan Papelbon, and Mariano Rivera, but Tampa has just as much talent with Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena, and B.J. Upton. Last year was no fluke. The Rays are here to stay at the top of the AL East.

---One week into the regular season and we already have a magnificent web gem, courtesy of Cubs outfielder Reed Johnson. Johnson leaped over the wall at Miller Park and took away what would have been a game-tying grand slam from Prince Fielder. The mighty Fielder tipped his cap in appreciation, but deep down he must have been angrier than Lou Piniella after a blown call.

---The final week of the NBA regular season is upon us, and there are some potential playoff series that have me brimming with excitement. If the playoffs started today, Dwayne Wade and the Heat would face off against the criminally underrated Atlanta Hawks, Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams and the Jekyll-and-Hyde Jazz would battle Kobe and the Lakers, and Chris Paul would lead his Hornets against Yao and the Rockets. Something tells me we'll be seeing a lot of seven game series come playoff time.

---Loyal readers know that I'm a big fan of Skip Bayless and his wildly entertaining, occasionally infuriating opinions, but how in the world can he not be impressed by LeBron James? What in the world does the best player on the planet have to do to gain Skip's respect, go for 110 points, 46 assists, and 57 rebounds?

---I'll end this abbreviated edition of Random Observations on a somber note: Harry Kalas, the great Phillies broadcaster and voice of NFL Films, and Mark Fydrich, legendary Tigers pitcher, both passed away today today. The game of baseball, and the sports world in general, will sorely miss these two sports legends.

Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

--- My beloved Giants are off to a winning start, despite a rocky performance by Tim Lincecum. Hopefully, Timmy was just experiencing some opening-day jitters, because we need him to again perform at a Cy Young level if we are to win the division.

---It was great to see such an offensive explosion from the Giants, who have been chastised for having an inadequate offense. Randy Winn, Bengie Molina, and Aaron Rowand all homered, and Travis Ishikawa and Pablo Sandoval came up with clutch hits.

---Tonight, the Big Unit is on the mound. Let's pick up win number 2. Go Giants!!!!

---Obviously, it's way too early to panic in Philadelphia, but the Phillies have looked awfully flat to start the season. However, Philly will recover. The bigger question regards the Braves. With a dominant Derrick Lowe and a healthy Chipper Jones, can Atlanta possibly contend in the NL East? Maybe, but I still think the Marlins pose a bigger threat to the Mets and Phillies. With the incredible athleticism of Hanley Ramirez and Emilio Bonifacio, the Fish are a legitimate contender for the division title.

---6 runs, 5 walks, 0 strikeouts. Yankees fans, say hello to your 161 million dollar man, CC Sabathia. In all seriousness, Sabathia will be fine. He just needs to stop trying to live up to all that money and start focusing on pitching. Sounds simple, but this is a psychological mind game that CC must overcome.

---Congratulations to your 2009 National Champion North Carolina Tar Heels. The Heels demolished Michigan State, quickly putting to rest the possibility of a feel-good Spartans title. Much has been made about the will and tenacity of Tyler Hansbrough, and rightfully so, but the player with the best chance of being a star at the next level is Ty Lawson. The speedy point guard reminds me a lot of Chris Paul.

---Congratulations to your 2009 National Champion Connecticut Huskies. Sadly, because women's college basketball is largely overlooked, this UConn team has not received the credit that it so richly deserves. Geno Auriemma's team completed a perfect season, winning 39 games, all by double-digits. Wow. That kind of domination is rarely seen in the world of sports.

---Big blow to the Spurs: Manu is done for the season. San Antonio's title hopes took a major hit with the loss of Ginobli, but I wouldn't count them out just yet. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and coach Gregg Popovich always find a way to win, no matter the circumstances.

---Barring an epic collapse by Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs, the Phoenix Suns will be watching the playoffs from home, and General Manager Steve Kerr will have one extraordinarily busy offseason. With all due respect to Steve Nash and Shaquille O'Neal, this Suns team is getting old, and Kerr needs to find a way to bring some much-needed youth to the franchise, or Phoenix will be on the outside looking in for years to come.

---The Masters, one of the greatest events in all of American sports, commences tomorrow in Augusta, as Tiger Woods looks to win his fifth green jacket. Tiger is obviously the main attraction, but there are other intriguing storylines as well, including Padraig Harrington's quest to win his third consecutive major and Greg Norman's return to the tournament in which he has finished an agonizing second three times before. It should be fun, and when all is said and done, Tiger Woods will be celebrating his fifteenth major championship.

---I like the new West Coast "SportsCenter", live from Los Angeles. Stuart Scott, Stan Verrett, and Neil Everett have an excellent rapport, and the show feels more relaxed than its Connecticut counterpart.

2009 Major League Baseball Preview

The crack of the bat and the pop of the glove is music to my ears, as America's national pastime is back. With no further ado, here are my team-by-team predictions for each division, in predicted order of finish, with an asterisk denoting my Wild Card pick:



NL WEST



1. San Francisco Giants/ Manager: Bruce Bochy



I'm not going to pretend to be impartial with this one. I am a diehard Giants fan who lives and dies with every pitch, so there is significant bias in this prediction. However, I honestly believe that the Giants will win the West. With a stellar starting pitching staff featuring the likes of reigning Cy Young champ Tim Lincecum, rising young stars Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez, newly acquired Randy Johnson, and a steadily improving Barry Zito, paired with an excellent bullpen featuring key offseason acquisitions Bob Howry and Jeremy Affeldt and All-Star closer Brian Wilson, pitching is not going to be a problem for San Francisco. The key to the season will be the offense, which has experienced some bumpy seasons the last couple of years. But under the tutelage of hitting coach Carney Lansford, the offensive potential of guys like Pablo Sandoval, Fred Lewis, Emmanuel Burriss, and Travis Ishikawa will be fully realized. Go Giants!



2. Los Angeles Dodgers/ Manager: Joe Torre



Once again, the experts are drinking the Dodger Kool-Aid. Yes, they have a spectacular offensive force in Manny Ramirez, and other productive bats in the likes of Andre Ethier and Russell Martin, but their pitching is downright atrocious. Hiroki Kuroda, Randy Wolf, Jason Schmidt? Really? This is the pitching staff that will carry the hated blue to the playoffs? I don't think so. Beat LA!



3. Arizona Diamondbacks/ Manager: Bob Melvin



Following a gigantic September collapse a season ago, the 2009 D'Backs will be more consistent. Bob Melvin's team has a lot of young talent, and the production of Conor Jackson, Stephen Drew, and Justin Upton will keep Arizona in contention for most of the summer. But the D'Backs will eventually run out of gas, looking ahead to 2010.



4. Colorado Rockies/ Manager: Clint Hurdle



It's remarkable that the Rockies were National League champions a mere two seasons ago, because after a dismal 2008, the euphoria of 2007 is now a distant memory. Unfortunately for Colorado, things will only grow gloomier this year. Losing Matt Holliday to Oakland leaves a major hole in the Rockies offense, and the young pitching will have to wait a season or two before it becomes effective. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will rebound from his sophomore slump, but the Rockies will continue to live in relative obscurity.



5. San Diego Padres/ Manager: Bud Black



Take one look at the Padres starting lineup and it is obvious that this is a last place team. The bottom three in the batting order consists of Chase Headley, Nick Hundley, and Luis Rodriguez. Enough said. Jake Peavy will be the lone bright spot for the 2009 Padres.



NL CENTRAL



1. Chicago Cubs/ Manager: Lou Piniella



The Cubbies' chances of ending their one-hundred year title drought are doubtful, but their chances of winning the division crown are strong. Their already solid offense got a boost with the offseason acquisition of Milton Bradley, and their starting pitching, led by Carlos Zambrano, is among the best in baseball. The biggest question is the bullpen. If Carlos Marmol, Kevin Gregg, and Aaron Heilman can shut the door in the late innings, the Cubs will be playing in October.



2. Milwaukee Brewers/ Manager: Ken Macha



Obviously, the loss of CC Sabathia will have a lasting impact on the pitching, but all is not lost. Milwaukee has a rising star in the pitching staff in Yovani Gollardo, and the pick-up of future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman gives the Brew Crew added clout at the closer position. And let's not forget the superb hitting, led by Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy, and Ryan Braun. They won't make the postseason, but baseball will still be exciting in Milwaukee.



3. St. Louis Cardinals/ Manager: Tony LaRussa



If Chris Carpenter can stay healthy, and if the seemingly mediocre bullpen can be effective, then maybe the Cards can sneak up on the Cubs and Brewers. But those are big ifs Albert Pujols will again put up monster numbers, as will Rick Ankiel, but this will be one of the most trying seasons of Tony LaRussa's career.



4. Cincinnati Reds/ Manager: Dusty Baker



As a Giants fan, I will always admire Dusty Baker, but this Reds team is two or three years away from contention. In three years, Joey Votto could be an All-Star first baseman, and Edinson Volquez could be one of the three best pitchers in baseball. In 2009, however, the Reds will establish a permanent residence near the bottom of the division.



5. Pittsburgh Pirates/ Manager: John Russell



There is not much to like about this baseball team. The only thing Pirates fans can hope for is that the corner infield combo of the brothers LaRoche, Andy and Adam, can provide some spark. The Bucs have talent in the likes of Nate McLouth and Ryan Doumit, but their pitching is beyond awful. Pittsburgh is in the beginning stages of the rebuilding project.



6. Houston Astros/ Manager: Cecil Cooper



On paper, the lineup for the Astros isn't entirely bad. Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee, Hunter Pence, and newly acquired Pudge Rodriguez will provide some much-needed pop, and Roy Oswalt is always good for at least 15 wins. But there is something about this organization that just feels outdated. Throw this lineup into the fray three years ago and you would have a contender. But in a time when young stars are appearing left and right, this Astros team feels a little past their prime.



NL EAST



1. New York Mets/ Manager: Jerry Manuel



If the Mets don't win the division this year, they may never win it. Yes, they have to compete against a very formidable Phillies team looking to repeat as champs, but New York drastically improved their bullpen, and that will be the difference. Few teams can match the one-two punch of J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez. Not many teams can mount a comeback in the late innings against Putz and K-Rod, and Jose Reyes, David Wright, Johan Santana and company will break in their new stadium with a division championship.



2. *Philadelphia Phillies/ Manager: Charlie Manuel

All eyes are on the defending champs, and the Phillies enter the 2009 season facing the burden of high expectations. The good news for Philly fans is that this team is just as good as last year's World Series-winning team, maybe even better. The addition of Raul Ibanez gives the lineup another big bat to assist Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard. The pitching is again stellar, but the Phillies' better hope that Cole Hamels is not affected by his recent injury.

3. Florida Marlins/ Manager: Fredi Gonzalez

Will the fans in South Beach ever show support for this tremendously talented team? Yes, the Marlins will finish in the shadow of New York and Philadelphia, but they are still a very good team that will be a World Series contender in the near future. The exciting play of Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla, as well as the great pitching from Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson, will make the Marlins competitive in 2009. It's a shame that nobody in Florida seems to care.

4. Atlanta Braves/ Manager: Bobby Cox

The steady leadership of Bobby Cox will avert a disastrous season, and Derek Lowe will win 15 games, but Atlanta is well removed from their time at the top of the division. Chipper Jones and Brian McCann are solid forces at the plate, but Jeff Francoeur and Garret Anderson are frustratingly inconsistent. It's going to take some time before the Braves make their way back to the top of the NL East.

5. Washington Nationals/ Manager: Manny Acta

D.C. needs another bailout, and this one is for the Nats. The Nats are a rare organization. Most expansion teams get off to a rough start and improve each season, but the only halfway decent season the Nats have had was their inaugural season in 2005. Since then, they have gotten progressively worse. It would be good for baseball if the nation's capital had a good team, but there will be a point during the 2009 baseball season where President Obama, after a day of dealing with the severity of the economic crisis, says "Well, at least I'm not managing the Nationals!"

AL WEST

1. Los Angeles Angels/Manager: Mike Scoiscia

The Angels improved during the offseason, and that should scare the crap out of the rest of the American League West. Bobby Abreu is a significant upgrade in left field, replacing the talented yet aging Garret Anderson. The 1-2 punch of John Lackey and Ervin Santana leads a phenomenal starting pitching staff, and closer Brian Fuentes will pick up where Francisco Rodriguez left off. Much like last year, the Angels will have this division locked up by mid-August.

2. Oakland Athletics/ Manager: Bob Geren

The 2-3-4 part of the batting order, with offseason acquisitions Orlando Cabrera, Jason Giambi, and Matt Holliday, is as good as the Angels 2-3-4 of Howie Kendric, Bobby Abreu, and Vladimir Guerrero. But the A's cannot match the Angels when it comes to pitching. The loss of Huston Street in the bullpen eill hurt Bob Geren's team, and after Justin Duchscherer, there isn't much to like in the starting rotation.

3. Texas Rangers/ Manager: Ron Washington

Pitching? Not so much. This team is all about the bat, with Josh Hamilton looking to top his amazing 2008 season. If injuries hamper the Angels and A's, then Texas could sneak up on people, but they will most likely be a consistently mediocre team.

4. Seattle Mariners/ Manager: Don Wakamatsu

Griffey's return to the Emerald City will keep things fairly interesting at Safeco, distracting the fans from the unfortunate reality: The Mariners are a terrible team. Ace Felix Hernandez is the star of the otherwise average pitching staff, and Ichiro is one of the few positive things about the offense. It will be another rough year for Seattle.

AL CENTRAL

1. Cleveland Indians/ Manager: Eric Wedge

It all comes down to Fausto Carmona. If Carmona can realize the flashes of brilliance that he once showed and rebound after a disappointing 2008, then I like the Indians to hold off the Twins in the AL Central. Cliff Lee is among the best starting pitchers in baseball, and Kerry Wood is at the top of an impressive bullpen. The offense is somewhat of a question mark, but there is enough talent to score a sufficient amount of runs, especially if Grady Sizemore continues his 2008 power surge and if Travis Hafner returns to his old self.

2. Minnesota Twins/ Ron Gardenhire

If the Indians do not meet expectations, then the Twins will return to the postseason. Denard Span, Joe Mauer, and Justin Morneau will all continue to shine, and Joe Crede is a key pick-up at third base. The pitching is sound, and the Twins pose the biggest threat to the Indians in the Central.

3. Chicago White Sox/ Manager: Ozzie Guillen

The Sox are an unknown commodity. Paul Konerko and Jim Thome can be powerful sluggers, but they can also show their age. Chris Getz and Josh Fields could follow the path of teammate Alexei Ramirez and be delightful surprises, or they could show their youth and inexperience. Bartolo Colon can be the ace of the past, or the injury-plagued pitcher of the last couple of years. If I were a White Sox fan, I would be a little worried. Then again, Ozzie Guillen always makes things interesting, for better or for worse.

4. Kansas City Royals/ Manager: Trey Hillman

The Royals are a perennial laughingstock, but they will be much-improved in 2009. K.C. will still finish well out of playoff contention, but for the first time in years they will provide the faithful with a sense of hope for the future. The acquisition of Coco Crisp gives the Royals speed and athleticism at the center field position, while third baseman Alex Gordon is a star on the rise. The starting rotation, led by Zack Greinke and Gil Meche, won't blow any teams away, but it will be good enough to keep K.C. competitive. The problem is the bullpen, where the incredibly overrated Kyle Farnsworth is bound to cough up some leads.

5. Detroit Tigers/ Manager: Jim Leyland

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Three years ago, it was all smiles in Detroit, as Jim Leyland came in and injected a much needed shot of adrenaline into the struggling franchise. Thanks to Leyland's enthusiasm and leadership, the Tigers won the American League pennant. Three years later, the Tigers have sunk to the bottom of the barrel. The young arms of Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, and Justin Verlander are a mystery, as are the arms of Brandon Lyon, Fernando Rodney, and Joel Zumaya. And while the top of the batting order has some pop, I am beginning to doubt Miguel Cabrera. He is a home run threat every time he steps to the plate, but I can't help but worry about his recent weight struggles, which could lead to a decline in production somewhere down the line.

AL EAST

1. Tampa Bay Rays/ Manager: Joe Maddon

This will be the tightest division in baseball in 2009, with the Rays, Yankees, and Red Sox all winning over 90 games. Conventional wisdom suggests a return to reality for the Rays after a dream 2008 season, but I think the winning will continue in Tampa. This is essentially the same team that went to the World Series last year, with the addition of Pat Burrell, who ironically comes from the Phillies, the team that beat the Rays in last year's Series. Burrell will be a respectable DH, and the outstanding pitching will once again lead Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton, and company to a division title. My only complaint: Sending David Price to the minors. Price deserves an immediate spot on the Rays' roster.

2.*New York Yankees/ Manager: Joe Girardi

One cannot deny the incredible, albeit financially irresponsible, offseason the Yankees had. CC Sabathia is an elite pitcher, and Mark Teixeira has a chance to put up 50 home runs in his first season in the Yankee pinstripes. It's hard to imagine the Bronx Bombers, under the leadership of captain Derek Jeter and manager Joe Girardi, missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season. October baseball will be played in the new Yankee Stadium. The only factor that could derail the Yankees' chances is if Alex Rodriguez fails to make a speedy recovery in the wake of his hip injury, leaving the Yankees with Cody Ransom at third base for a long period of time.

3. Boston Red Sox/ Manager: Terry Francona

I have the Sox finishing third, but that just speaks to the excellence of this division. I would not be surprised if the Red Sox make another trip to the postseason. They certainly have the pitching to do so. When John Smoltz joins the rotation alongside Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, and Daisuke Matsuzaka in June, opposing offenses will have their work cut out for them. The bats for the Red Sox are also terrific, but Terry Franbcona needs Big Papi to put up Papi-like numbers, and Jason Varitek to have a better year at the plate, if the Red Sox are to outlast the Rays and Yankees in the AL East.

4. Baltimore Orioles/ Manager: Dave Trembley

Brain Roberts and Nick Markakis are going to have to carry this team on their shoulders if the Orioles are to stay competitive with the big 3 in the East. The new-look pitching staff, with four newly aquired starters, is going to have to be lights-out if the O's are to be competitive. In other words, everything has to go right if Baltimore is to have a chance. Realistically speaking, the Orioles don't have much of a shot. They have some legitimate offensive weapons in Roberts, Markakis, and Aubrey Huff, but the Orioles are going to suffer through another entirely forgettable season.

5. Toronto Blue Jays/ Manager: Cito Gaston

Alex Rios, Vernon Wells, Roy Halladay, and.......................not much else. General Manager J.P. Ricciardi will be an awfully busy man in the offseason, because by the end of the 2008 season, the Blue Jays will be light years away from the Rays, Yankees, Red Sox, and even the Orioles.

Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---The Final Four in Detroit is set. Villanova-North Carolina, UConn-Michigan State should deliver scintillating drama on the basketball court.

---North Carolina is the heavy favorite, and I believe that Roy Williams' team will be cutting down the nets come Monday night. However, do not count out Jay Wright's Villanova Wildcats. Coming off a Scottie Reynolds buzzer-beater against Pittsburgh in the elite eight that will go down as one of the greatest finishes in college basketball history, Nova has momentum on their side. The key will be the epic battle at the point guard position between the aforementioned Reynolds and the speedy Ty Lawson, two future NBA stars.

---UConn is expected to advance to the title game, thanks to the clutch play of Stanley Robinson and the intimidating defensive presence of Hasheem Thabeet. Not so fast, my friends. Tom Izzo's Michigan State Spartans, fresh off the heels of a dominant performance against top-ranked Louisville, will feed off the energy from what will be a largely pro-Spartan crowd. If Kalin Lucas and Travis Walton continue their effective game management, and if Goran Suton continues to sink the three-ball, the Spartans will pull off the upset, forcing cranky curmudgeon Jim Calhoun to take the post-game podium in an extra-cantankerous mood.

---So I like North Carolina and Michigan State. Judging by my disastrous NCAA Tournament bracket, that means Villanova and UConn will probably win.

---John Calipari and Tim Floyd were both faced with huge career choices this past week. Calipari left Memphis for Kentucky and $31.5 million, while Floyd opted to return to USC after flirting with the Arizona coaching vacancy. As much as I admire Floyd for ultimately staying loyal to his team and resisting the itch to coach at a renowned program, I can't blame Calipari for taking the Kentucky job. Did he send Memphis back a thousand years and damage their chances of signing coveted recruits? Yes. But he also accepted the most prestigious job in college basketball. UK may have gone through some down years, but it is still a first-rate job that gives Calipari a chance to put his name forever in the college hoops history books. If I were in Cal's shoes, I would have taken the job also.

---After whining his way out of Denver, Jay Cutler is headed to Chicago. This is a win-win deal for both sides. The Broncos needed to eliminate a nauseating distraction, while the Bears were in desperate need of a top-notch quarterback, after years of Rex Grossman awfulness and Kyle Orton mediocrity.

---Meanwhile, Plaxico Burress has been released. As big as these NFL stories are, they do not deserve to completely overshadow what is currently of most pressing importance. In other words, our focus should now be on the Final Four, the playoff push in the NBA, and the start of the baseball season. The Cutler trade and the Burress saga deserve our attention, as the NFL is the most successful sports organization in America, but they should still be secondary in our minds. I'm talking to you, ESPN.

---The NBA playoffs are right around the corner, but there are still several mysteries and unanswered questions in the final weeks of the regular season. Can the Utah Jazz fully realize their championship-level potential and stop looking like walking zombies on the road? Can Dwight Howard and the Magic surpass the Celtics for that enormously important number two seed? Can Ben Gordon, Derrick Rose and the Bulls hold off a late charge by Larry Brown's Bobcats for the final playoff seed in the East? How will the West logjam of Denver, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, Portland, Utah, and Dallas play itself out? Can anybody come remotely close to challenging LeBron James in the MVP race? And who will finish with the title of "Most Futile Team", the Kings, the Clippers, or the Wizards? Stay tuned.

---In other NBA news, Allen Iverson is out for the season. This comes days after The Answer revealed that he would rather retire than come off the bench. This is the problem with Iverson, and it's the same reason why I dislike Kobe Bryant. Like Kobe, A.I. is a phenomenal individual talent who fails to grasp the importance of teamwork. Because of this selfish attitude, the Iverson trade ruined the Pistons' chemistry and threw the organization into a total state of disarray.

---As a Warriors fan, I am looking ahead to the NBA Draft Lottery. Please, oh, please, can those ping-pong balls bounce our way?

---And finally, our national pastime is back, and I'm more giddy with excitement than a teenage girl at a Jonas Brothers concert. Look for my MLB season preview on Sunday. GO GIANTS!!!!!!