Predictions for 2009

Last year on January 4th, I posted 10 things in the world of sports that I predicted were going to happen.

In 2008, I went 2 for 10.

Here's my list of predictions for 2009:

1. With the way they're playing, Team Canada will win the World Junior Hockey Championships.

2. Brian Burke proves to be the magical potion for the Toronto Maple Leafs, turning that team around, and bringing them to the playoffs.

3. The Boston Celtics, lead by the Big Three, repeats as NBA Champions.

4. Usain Bolt will break his own World Record in the 100 M Sprint...again. Do I dare say at the World Athletic Championships in Berlin?

5. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal continue to rule the tennis world, splitting the four grand slams. Federer takes the Aussie Open and reclaims Wimbledon. Nadal takes Roland Garros and breaks through in Flushing Meadows.

6. In the 2009 World Aquatic Championships, Michael Phelps goes with a less rigorous program and takes home 4 gold medals.

7. The National League, after more than a decade, finally takes the MLB All Star Game in Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

8. Japan wins their second straight title in the World Baseball Classic.

9. Liu Xiang audaciously comes back from his defeat at the 2008 Beijing Olympics to reclaim the World Champion title, beating Dayron Rubles by a hair.

10. Nastia Liukin once again beats her teammate Shawn Johnson at the 2009 World Gymnastic Championships for the Women's All-Around gold medal.

There you go. I'm no prophet, but these are just some things to watch out for in the new year.

-D