It's a New Year!

Happy 2010 everyone!

I never liked living in the past, so instead of reviewing 2009, let's consider what we can look forward to in 2010.

Tiger Woods return to the golf course

At some point, he's going to need to get back on the links. The million dollar question is how will his impending divorce affect his game play. I would have to think it will be burdensome initially as the gallery heckles America's favorite golfer. Once he gets in front of a microphone and actually addresses the incidents and fields questions from legitimate reporters, I think things will get easier for him. The question I'd most like answered has nothing to do with his infidelity, but instead the report that linked him to a Canadian doctor detained for unlawfully distributing performance enhancing supplements. For someone who allegedly cheated without remorse off the course, is it too much of a stretch to think he cheated on the course as well? Undoubtedly he will reclaim his title as greatest golfer on the planet, but it will truly take a miracle for him to regain all his endorsements and admiration that he once had.

The NFL Play-offs

For so much of this season the question was whether or not the Colts and/or Saints could complete the perfect season. Well that question has been emphatically answered on both sides, yet each team remains in the hunt for the Super Bowl. With two differing strategies on use of starting players in 'meaningless' games, we may finally see which strategy is more effective. Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will 'look into' the Colts strategy of resting starters. Personally, I think its ridiculous that a rule could be imposed requiring teams to play their primary players when play-offs births have been clinched. Would you rather have an awesome week 16 schedule or a Super Bowl that features fully healthy players? I think that one is simple to answer. The only change we may see in 2010 is the overtime format. If an important playoff game is decided on the first possession of overtime with the losing team never touching the ball, I think the competition committee will take a closer look at what is in the best interest of the sport.

Can the Yankees repeat?

It remains to be seen whether they will re-sign Johnny Damon, but regardless, the Yankees still looked primed to repeat as AL Champions. And given the moves the Philadelphia Phillies have made in acquiring former Cy Young winner Roy Halladay, they look to be in great position to reach their third consecutive World Series. Although it appears both teams are finished making major moves this offseason, the Yankees still need a left fielder and Matt Holliday remains unsigned. Unlikely? Sure, but if there's one thing I've learned from the Yanks is never count them out of any major free agent. There was virtually no connection last year to the Yankees and Mark Teixiera, yet we all now how that one ended. The Phillies could still move some players as well, given the uncertainty of the outcomes of salary arbitration. Joe Blanton and Shane Victorino will be getting rather significant raises and given the Phillies payroll constraints, it is not out of the realm of possibility that one of them is calling a new city home next year.

Where will LeBron end up?

Although the 2009-10 NBA season is far from over, many have already begun to look to the offseason when King James becomes an unrestricted free agent. Speculation has been that he and USA basketball teammate Dwyane Wade will look to join forces, forming one of the most explosive and dynamic duos in the history of the sport. Hip Hop mogul Jay-Z will undoubtedly be a large player in attempting to attract James and Wade to Brooklyn where the Nets look to be relocated. Cleveland's only chance at keeping LBJ may be a NBA title this season. Wake up Shaq, the clock is ticking.

Can Jimmy Johnson win his 5th consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Title?

I'm not going to pretend I know much about NASCAR, but what this man has done over the last four years is nothing short of remarkable. Given the popularity and advancement of the sport, this has to go down as one of the most impressive records in the history of sports. A fifth consecutive title will only further establish his place in history.

So many questions yet all we can do is wait. It's 365 days anyway you slice it. Might as well enjoy it.