By Joe Schackman, James Epstein, Adam Cancryn and Neill Thupari

The Major League Baseball season is halfway done, and we're in a bit of a weird place. The Nationals and Pirates are winning. The Phillies are down and out. And it's actually an open question whether Albert Pujols will factor into the MVP race. 

To help make sense of everything that's happened so far and predict what we might see over the next few months, Began in '96 assembled its crack team of baseball writers to take us through the most pressing questions in the Majors. 

All opinions are solely those of the author, especially when they're dead wrong. As usual, pick your battles and wage them in the comments, or Twitter-fight us like a real man @BeganIn96.

The Yankees have the best record in the American League and the Nationals are the best in the National League. Are these the two best teams in baseball? Is this who we see in the World Series?

Joe: Neither the Yankees nor Nationals will reach the World Series. The Yanks have done a great job overcoming some injuries in their rotation, but I just don’t think they’re good enough to make the World Series. Their pitching staff has question marks, Derek Jeter has regressed and Alex Rodriguez is struggling mightily. That leaves a lot of offensive production for Robinson Cano, Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher to make up for. I don’t see that happening.

The Nationals, meanwhile, have had a few good drafts and had a particularly notable off-season this past winter to set themselves up well for the future. They’re not quite there though, and are playing a bit over their heads.

James: The Yankees and Nationals are polar opposites, but have both had fantastic first halves. New York is a veteran club with a character that battled through injuries to maintain the pole position in the tight AL East. The Nationals are the new kids on the block, finally enjoying the fruits of their years spent hoarding prospects.

But are these the two best teams in baseball? No, I don’t think so. The Yankees have overcome a lot, but I believe the Texas Rangers are the better team. The Rangers are younger and deeper, and will be players in the bidding for Cole Hamels.

The Nationals have a better shot of coming out on top, but I think the Cincinnati Reds have put it all together and will emerge from the NL. Also on the periphery are the San Francisco Giants. With their pitching, you can’t count them out.

Adam: For all the publicity that the Yankees get, I was still surprised to see them at the top of the AL East standings come the All-Star break. They’ve faced a ton of injuries, had key players struggle at the plate, and are seemingly in their eighth straight year of finally being “too old” to keep up. But this is what the Yankees do: they quietly string together a few series victories, and then next thing you know they’re 15 games above .500. That’ll continue into the second half.

But all that being said, they are still the second-best team in the AL. The Rangers have no holes, and will eventually pull away from the rest of their division. With a lineup that is somehow better than last year, and a pitching staff good enough that they can afford to slowly work Roy Oswalt into the rotation, I don’t see anyone standing in their way.

The Nationals, though, will make their first World Series appearance. They have arguably the best rotation in the National League, and possibly the entire MLB. The lineup is solid and will only get better, as a variety of players return from early-season injuries and hit their stride. And with the rest of the NL East overachieving to this point, Washington will likely pull away enough by late August to the point where they can rest young players like Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. This is a good team, age be damned, and there’s no one else in the NL close enough to challenge them.

Neill: The Yankees are the best team in baseball. The AL East is the best division in the league by far, and they somehow still have a seven game lead over Baltimore. They’ve been on an impossibly hot tear throughout the past few weeks, and there’s no end in sight. It’s nice to see a small market team like the Yankees take the time to build around its farm system and create a winner with a middle-of-the-pack payroll.

Secondly, the Nationals are the not the second-best team in the MLB. We’ll see how they rebound after Strasburg gets shut down. The World Series will be Yanks and… wow, the NL is pathetic.

Mike Trout and Bryce Harper have captivated fans across the country with their precocious play. Is there anyway they keep this up in the second half?

Joe: In short: No.

Both guys are extremely talented and will be stars for years to come, but they’re rookies playing under immense pressure and scrutiny. Their teams are competing for playoff spots and the intensity will increase as we hit the home stretch. They don’t have enough games under their belts to keep up these monster numbers.

Looking at Trout’s numbers in particular, there’s a strong possibility of regression. His home-run-to-fly-ball percentage is 17.6%, which puts him on par with Joey Votto, Miguel Cabrera and A-Rod. It’s hard to see Trout maintaining that power as pitchers start to give him different looks.

James: Both have been absolutely spectacular contributors to their respective teams. Do I think it’s possible for both of them to keep that up in the second half? Absolutely. Do I think they will? I do not, for one basic reason: Rookies hit walls.

Bryce Harper is still a teenager who has never played this much baseball in his life and has never played through a September stretch. While his power numbers might not drop off significantly, I do believe you will see a decline in his .282 batting average and .354 OBP.

Mike Trout, on the other hand, has a better shot at maintaining his success because of the guys around him. He’s on an experienced team, and has Albert Pujols to guide him through the rest of the season. Again, though. I am a strong believer in the rookie wall.

Adam: I’ll break with the pack here and say that both Harper and Trout maintain their pace. There are certainly a number of factors working against them, but these two have already proven that they’re more equipped to handle the Majors than any other rookies in recent history.

Harper has shown great patience at the plate, and seems to have intimate knowledge of his limits (however high they may be). That means that he doesn’t have the holes in his swing that pitchers exploit with other rookies once they’ve seen them for the fifth or sixth time. And no matter what happens, he’ll continue to be an above-average contributor in the field and on the base paths.

I feel pretty much the same way with Trout, except his ceiling is even higher. He’s got the basic skills that don’t disappear late in the season: patience, baserunning skills and a great glove. He’ll slump at the plate at some point soon, like everyone does. But expect him to snap out of it quickly and take Rookie of the Year honors in a landslide.

Neill: I hope Trout keeps it up. Last year, I got to see the O’s play the Angels in Baltimore, and had the pleasure of sitting near Trout’s family. They were standup people who rooted proudly for their son, and it was a warm sight to see. I think Trout has a great head on his shoulders, is a class act and is someone who just gets it. He understands the game, and I hope he continues to flourish.

Harper is a classless prima donna, and I hope Cole Hamels nails him in the head soon. I hope he falls into a clown coma, bro.

Which teams are bound for a second half surge?

Joe: I think the Boston Red Sox are poised for a big second half. They have question marks all over the field, but their run differential is leaning heavily in their favor at +43. Their offense is one of the best in the game, and they’ll get Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford back at some point soon. Provided they keep scoring, the Sox are bound to improve on their .500 record.

St. Louis is also sitting pretty, just 2.5 games out of first behind the Pirates and Reds. They have the second-best run differential in the game, which technically should have translated into 50 to 51 wins. They only won 46 in the first half. Hard not to believe that will balance out over the next few months..

James: I think the Detroit Tigers are bound for a second half surge. I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up having the best record in the second half. They just have too much talent to be playing this poorly in a weak AL Central. All due respect to the White Sox and Indians, but they don’t have the firepower to get it done.

Another team likely to pick it up is the Tampa Bay Rays. Three words when it comes to them: pitching, pitching and pitching. If the Rays can pick up a bat at the deadline to better improve their anemic offense, their starters can carry them the rest of the way to the Wild Card.

Adam: It’s the Detroit Tigers. They’ve not played as badly as everyone makes it sound, it’s just that they haven’t come close to living up to the sky-high hype. At two games above .500 and sitting just behind the perpetually wobbly Indians and White Sox, they’re bound to move in front in the second half. 

The key will be getting some help from starters not named Justin Verlander. Doug Fister, Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer should be much better than they’ve shown, but if they don’t produce soon, I’d expect to see the Tigers buying at the trade deadline.

Neill: I don’t think Cleveland and the White Sox can continue to do what they’ve done in the past month or so for the rest of the season, so I see things falling into place in Detroit. Chicago doesn’t have the arms to keep pace with the Tigers’ lineup.

Also, look for San Francisco to push the Dodgers in the weak NL West. It’s so bad, I think the NCAA Champ Arizona Wildcats just got invited into the division bring it some legitimacy.

Which teams are in for a decline?

Joe: Is it cheating to say the Orioles? They’re already seven games out of first and simply don’t score enough runs to be a serious contender. 

James: The Baltimore Orioles are due for a decline. Their season reminds me of their 2007 campaign, where they got off to a fast start only to stumble down the stretch. The Orioles’ schedule gets much tougher in the second half, where they’ll have to fight through the thick AL East jungle.

In the NL, I see the Pittsburgh Pirates declining. They’ve had an amazing first half thanks to several breakout players, but the Reds and the Cardinals have more quality pieces in place.

Adam: It’s unfortunate, but I think you’ll see the Pirates start to fade. For as much credit as their pitching staff has gotten, only two full-time starters have winning records (A.J. Burnett at 10-2 and James McDonald at 9-3). Wins are overrated, that much is true. But I think in this case it reveals how close Pittsburgh has been to a total meltdown. If Burnett or McDonald hit a cold streak or are just plain unlucky, there is no one to pick up the slack. And don’t even think about counting on the offense. One-third of their lineup has an on-base percentage below .300. Andrew McCutchen can only do so much when no one’s on base. 

Neill: The Nationals shall crumble. Mark my words. Oh, so will my Orioles. But it’ll hurt more for those fair-weather fans in D.C.

Which players aren’t being mentioned right now for MVP who nevertheless stand the best chance of winning?

Joe: I think Jose Bautista will backdoor an AL MVP race that should be wide open come September. His numbers are all in line with his last two seasons, except for his BABIP. It’s criminally low at .215, meaning he’s been horribly unlucky so far. Once his luck bounces back to the norm, people will start showing him some love.

James: The two players I see coming out of the AL as MVP possibilities are Adam Jones and Albert Pujols. Jones has put together a fantastic campaign thus far, hitting .289 with 20 homers and 44 RBIs. He’s a five-tool player who will have to be in the MVP discussion as long as the Orioles remain competitive.

And you can’t ever count out Pujols. Now that he’s coming around in the AL and less focused on meeting the expectations of his contract, I expect him to lead a surging Angels team to the Wild Card.

For the NL, it’s David Wright and Hunter Pence. Wright has to be considered a candidate for MVP if the Mets remain in the playoff race. His power numbers are not what they were, but no one is more important to his team’s chances. Similarly, Pence could garner some votes if the Phillies catch fire in the second half. He’s been one of the few brights spot so far on that team.

Adam: David Wright has been essential to the Mets’ success, but the key to New York’s stretch run will be R.A. Dickey. And if the Mets are on pace for a Wild Card spot late in the season, he should be in the MVP conversation.

Dickey has been the story of the season, and despite that, his success can’t be overstated. Not only is he a knuckleballer who wins consistently (which is rare enough), he’s doing so while throwing strikes, striking hitters out and avoiding walks at rates that are elite for traditional pitchers, much less those who rely on one fluttering pitch. The most striking stat to come out of the first half for me has been Dickey’s number of wild pitches. He has one. We are watching something unprecedented in the history of baseball, and that has to count for something.

Neill: Can I throw out Ronny Paulino (the Orioles’ backup catcher) for this one? No? How about Mark Reynolds’ fielding coach? I must admit, I haven’t paid much attention to the MVP races, because there’s just too much baseball left to be played. Albert Pujols, for example, could crush the ball in the second half and win MVP. It’s so open. As a matter of fact, I’m taking Pujols. I’m taking Pujols in the AL, and Dickey (wishful I know) in the NL. God, I love R.A. Dickey.

Can Josh Hamilton win the Triple Crown?

Joe: He can, but I don’t think he will. His stats are in the ballpark, and he has the help around him, but average will hold him back. He’s at .308 right now, and has a long way to go to catch the guys batting in the .330s.

James: If anyone can this year, it will be Josh Hamilton. The man just knows how to mash the ball. However, I do not think he will because of injuries down the line. He hasn’t shown the durability to last a full season, and could end up falling far behind Robinson Cano in the race for the AL batting title.

Adam: No. Winning the Triple Crown requires a season of full health, uncanny consistency and little competition from one-dimensional players (speedy singles hitters, home run hitting DHs, etc.). All three won’t line up for Hamilton this season.

Neill: Josh Hamilton already won the triple crown once. He was shooting up heroin while doing shots of tequila in a back room in a bar in Texas right before going home with three gorgeous Texas blondes. He can do it again. I believe in you, Josh.

Who will be the biggest name to move before the trade deadline, and where will he land?

Joe: I don’t think Cole Hamels is going anywhere. Ruben Amaro Jr. has a reputation as a dealer, but it’s a bit misrepresented. The deals he has made involving Lee, Pence and Oswalt were no-brainers at the time, and the Phillies still have a good chance at re-signing Hamels.

Instead, I think Matt Garza will be the biggest name to move. Theo Epstein is building from scratch and will have no interest in keeping such an expensive pitcher on his roster. Teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Blue Jays and Dodgers are all seeking arms, and the combination of a motivated seller and multiple buyers means we’ll get a deal.

James: I think Cole Hamels gets traded to the Texas Rangers. The Phillies are getting older, and their window is closing fast. The Rangers, meanwhile, are aggressive and will make a strong push for the left hander. They have the prospects to do the trade and the money to keep him.

Adam: Zack Greinke. While Hamels has attracted much of the attention so far, Greinke is just as good and on a team that’s also going nowhere. The difference is that the Phillies have pieces on the DL (Howard, Utley) to justify sticking it out for a little while longer. Milwaukee’s time has come and gone quicker than it would have liked, and retooling while Ryan Braun is still a star will take some major moves in the short term.

Neill: As much as I want to see Zach Greinke to the O’s, I think he’s staying put. I like James’ Hamels pick. I’ve heard the Justin Upton to Atlanta rumors, but I’m not sure he’ll end up there, so I’m going to go with Garza and Ryan Dempster to the Dodgers.

Why are the Phillies so bad? Can they turn it around? What about the Tigers?

James: The Phillies are so bad for a number of reasons. They’ve had a lot of injuries, they lack great leadership, can’t hit and are getting older. Losing Roy Halladay, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley has hurt far more than expected.

As for the Tigers, I believe the team simply hasn’t come together quite yet. Detroit doesn’t have the necessary chemistry, and their pitching has struggled at times. However, I do see them bouncing back as the schedule gets easier.

Adam: Let me count the ways when it comes to the Phillies. The supposed cakewalk of an NL East suddenly turned tough. Cliff Lee has one win, and the most devastating part is that he hasn’t pitched all that bad. The lineup is so thin that Freddy Galvis starts. Juan Pierre is one of Philadelphia’s best at getting on base. This is a team suddenly in need of rebuilding, and expect Hamels and Shane Victorino to be among the ones gone before things get better.

I addressed the Tigers a bit earlier, but the bottom line is that it comes down to pitching. The Detroit lineup can hold its own, and Justin Verlander will always be a force. The question is whether they can make the move at the deadline to add another reliable pitcher. Do that, and this is not a team you want to face in a five-game series.

Neill: The Phillies are literally falling apart. Injuries keep racking up, and even though Shane Victorino and Jimmy Rollins lead the league in smiles, it’s just not enough. All those bandwagon fans jumping ship is pretty fun to watch though. Imagine how sad all these girls are going to be come October when they can’t show off their brand-spanking new custom MLB jersey that reads “Mrs. Pence” on the back?

The Tigers can turn it around because they just need to gel and get into their comfort zone. Plus, the weak division helps their chances.

What is the biggest story in baseball no one is talking about?

James: The biggest story that no one is talking about (yet) is that Mariano Rivera will be back to pitch in 2012. He will be there this October. Count on it.

Another would be how the new CBA is affecting the way teams do business. Franchises can’t recoup draft picks anymore if they pick up type A and B free agent to be at the trade deadline. The 2014 luxury tax is also forcing teams to cut their payroll and win wth homegrown talent. GMs are going to have to be more clever with where they allocate their funds going forward.

Adam: I might be a bit biased, but I think the Marlins struggles have gotten very little coverage compared with the hype when they started the season. The implosion has simply happened quicker than anyone expected. Heath Bell has lost his job more times than Billy Martin in the '80s. Starting first baseman Gaby Sanchez got demoted. Josh Johnson is a different (worse) pitcher. And the lone bright spot just underwent surgery. This is a Marlins team that was supposed to cruise to an NL East title and contend for the World Series, and halfway through, they can’t get out of their own way.

Neill: R.A. Dickey is the biggest story no one is talking about. Yes, I’ve seen the Sportscenter Sunday conversations. Yep, read the ESPN/MLB.com/SI articles too. But I just want people to truly think about what Dickey has been able to accomplish, not just this year, but since joining the Mets in 2010.

I don’t care how amazing his knuckleball is. I don’t care about the scoreless inning streak (which was downright beautiful). The fact of the matter is, R.A. Dickey is a victim of sexual abuse; a vile, disgusting crime that is all too prevalent in our society today.

Victims of sexual abuse routinely succumb to personality disorders, suicidal ideations, and multiple academic, professional and interpersonal problems. These voiceless figures don’t have families, children, a support system or meaningful opportunities to overcome their horrid pasts. They suffer in the dark, in the shadows of society as victims whom people feel sorry for, but never dare to help or understand.

R.A. Dickey singlehandedly stood up for victims of sexual abuse everywhere and proved there’s hope. He proved there is a chance for them to succeed. He proved that yes, the road is arduous and sometimes overwhelming, but the path to any semblance of normalcy exists. Dickey’s story is one that can never be told too much or too often, and it is my sincerest belief that he will inspire scores of victims across the country to speak out and start their own personal healing process. Let us never forget R.A. Dickey.

The Pirates have surprised not just because they’ve got the third-best record in the league, but because they’re doing it while barely hitting. Does this continue through the second half?

Joe: It is really kind of amazing how well they’ve done despite an inability to score runs. While I don’t think the Pirates will fall off a cliff the way they did last year, I do think they will fall off pace a little because the lack of offense leaves them walking a fine line in a division with two juggernauts in the Reds and Cardinals.

What the Pirates do at the trade deadline will be fascinating. They have a deep farm system that they can leverage into a quality major league hitter. But after years of ignoring the riches that could be found in the draft, teams are probably overvaluing their prospects. So the Pirates could sell the farm to land a Justin Upton type player, or they can be a little more conservative and go after Carlos Quentin or Chase Headley. Winning now adds more to the bottom line than potential future wins, and the Pirates should make a move to secure their first .500 season in years.

Adam: Obviously, I think they’re due for a drastic fall at some point soon. The only way they can stay competitive is to add a player or two at the deadline, preferably a power hitter and third starter. That makes these next two weeks absolutely crucial. If the Pirates come out of the break and immediately falter, they could be in third place by the time the trade deadline rolls around. If that happens, it will be much harder to convince the penny-pinchers in the front office to shell out for a big acquisition.

Neill: Just realized that I put a lot into that last response. Feeling extra sleepy and winded now. Saw the Orioles play the Pirates. Think the Orioles took two of three. The Pirates’ lineup around McCutchen is so weak that they can’t sustain their success. Not in this day and age. Their bats won’t carry them through a tough stretch in the schedule, and especially not deep into October.

Which player has impressed you the most thus far?

Joe: I’m in love with Andrew McCutchen. There was no doubting his talent before, but he’s taken it to another level. McCutchen is hitting .362/.414/.625 while playing quality defense at a premium position and racking up a 4.5 WAR. Not to mention his 14 stolen bases at a success rate just under 80%. There’s nothing this guy can’t do.

James: No one comes close to R.A. Dickey. What a phenomenal story. A guy who is in his late 30s having his best career year right after telling the story of his awful sexual abuse as a child. Beyond that, he is the last remaining knuckler. It has been wonderful watching Dickey pitch, and I only hope he continues to succeed.

Adam: Dickey and McCutchen have been great to watch. But Giancarlo Stanton is who I have to go with. He’s 22 years old, with 19 home runs and 50 RBI on a bad team, and has been a bit overlooked because of Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. But he had arguably the best month of May out of anyone in the league (1.201 OPS), and was just as valuable to his team as Dickey or McCutchen. It’s a shame that he’ll have to miss extended time due to injury.

Neill: Paulino’s still got my vote. The way he warms up Orioles bullpen pitchers is Yogi Berra-esque. He’s the modern day Roy Campanella.

As much as it pains me, I have been genuinely impressed by Robinson Cano. He’s been unstoppable. Even so, I’m taking this time to thank Kansas City and the entire Royals fanbase for my second favorite moment in All-Star week history (next to Cal Ripken’s homer in ’01), when they treated Cano the way he deserved for leaving Billy Butler off his Home Run Derby squad. Kudos to you, KC. Let him hear it.


And who has been the most disappointing?

James: The most disappointing player for me has to be Albert Pujols. I understand that it takes time to adjust to a new league, but we’re talking about “The Machine.” He’s arguably the best hitter, not only of our generation, but of all time. Nevertheless, he’s been, dare I say, human in his endeavors thus far on the left coast.

Adam: For me, it’s Tim Lincecum. There’s been rampant speculation that he’s not completely healthy, which would be a shame if the Giants are insisting on throwing him out there every few days. Whether it’s due to injury or something else, though, there is something seriously wrong with Lincecum’s mechanics. His front foot is landing too soon to let his arm rotate far enough toward its release point, jarring the body and resulting in a lot more pitches left up in the zone. That should be a simple fix, but with Lincecum’s unorthodox delivery, it’s likely a more delicate procedure than usual.

Neill: Love this question because it doubles as my comeback story for the second half of the season. Tim Lincecum has been a shell of his former self, and it’s all been put out there for the world to see. I’ve heard it from beat reporters, clubhouse managers, workout partners, etc. Tim doesn’t work out or train enough. Doesn’t push himself physically. He’s not in the shape he should be. He doesn’t work hard in the off-season. He eats poorly. He likes to drink. He’s never given up so many runs in one half of a season. The list goes on.

I could care less. I love Lincecum and have always wished the Orioles took a flier on him when they had a shot in the 2006 draft. The Orioles took Bill Rowell at ninth overall. Bill is the All-Star third baseman the Orioles are currently riding on their way to the AL pennant, in case anyone was wondering. Tim Lincecum went 10th to the Giants, and he’s, well, he’s Tim Lincecum. He’s the Freak.

Adam Cancryn and Joe Schackman are editors and co-founders of Began in '96. Neill Thupari is the site's DMV correspondent, and finally an official resident of Baltimore. James Epstein is a contributor and resident salary cap guru.

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By Neill Thupari

A Ravens fan looks back on the past season, and the heartbreaking game that ended it.

Before we get too deep into the tragedy that took place at Gillette Stadium, there are a few things that need to be ironed out:

1. That was one hell of a football game.

Full of momentum swings, fiery intensity and the teams' genuine dislike for one another, that was a great football game from start to finish. New England overcame an uninspiring performance by Tom Brady (22/36, 239 yards, 2 INTs and a 57.5 rating), and showed that their defense can and stand tall if need be. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (68 yards, 1 TD, 4.5 yards per carry) demonstrated what an average/subpar running back can do if a defense is primarily anticipating the pass. 

All kidding aside, there were plenty of times following turnovers when New England could have folded. Instead, they persevered and forced the Ravens to make big-time plays to beat them, which they fell dreadfully short of doing.

2. Lee Evans should have caught that touchdown pass with 22 seconds remaining.

Sterling Moore ought to have a statute built for him in Foxborough. When I saw the attempted pass happen in real time, it looked just like a routine slap of the ball away, but on the slow motion replay, Lee Evans had possession of that ball and had one foot down. But before Evans' second foot came down, Moore knocked the ball out of his hands[1]. Credit goes to the refs, who made the right call on a bang-bang play.

3. The Patriots committed only one penalty for five yards all game. I am not going to expand further on this[2]. 

4. There’s a reason Billy Cundiff pushed his potential game-tying kick so far to the left. 

Cundiff went 28-37 on field goals this season. When he missed, his kicks routinely went right. I distinctly remember four or five of Cundiff’s misses that starting out looking good before fading to the right of the goalposts. On the missed field goal last night, Cundiff kicked from the right hash mark at the 32 yard line: prime territory for the fade to come into play. Aware of his penchant for pushing his kicks, Cundiff overcompensated and hooked it too far. Heartbreaking.

5. There should be no more questioning of Joe Flacco’s ability in the postseason.

I wrote yesterday that Sunday’s game was put up or shut up time for Joe Cool. Well, Joe did everything he could yesterday to lead his team to victory, short of catching his own balls and attempting his own field goals. Flacco outdueled his counterpart, finishing with 306 yards on 22 of 36 passing, with  2 TDs, 1 interception and a 95.6 QB rating. Flacco also took to the ground four times, putting his head down and barreling for 27 yards. He played downright impressive football, and had the Ravens come away with a W, I’m sure Flacco would have been lauded for ridding himself of his demons and carrying the team on his shoulders. Under tremendous scrutiny, Flacco demonstrated his true potential, and for that reason, Ravens fans should take some solace. The important questions facing the Ravens now surround the other parts of their team, and only time will shed light on the direction Baltimore goes next year.

Speaking of which…

Last July, I wrote a piece for Began in ’96 about the need for the Ravens to make one last run at the Super Bowl this year. The crux of that article rested on the fact that Baltimore’s window of opportunity was closing, and the thought of the Ravens making the playoffs four years in a row with no hardware to show for it would be devastating for fans of the Purple and Black.

Lo and behold, here we are. The Black Birds have suffered yet another gutwrenching loss in January, and my fears have come to fruition: Given multiple golden opportunities, the Ravens failed to capitalize on any of them, and fell far short of reaching their full potential.

This May, future Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis turns 36 years old, ancient by the standards of the NFL. Anyone who saw Ray struggling to keep up with tight ends and running backs in these past few playoff games knows he is well into the twilight of his career. 

“Is this my last time as a Raven? Absolutely not,” Lewis said Sunday night, and while his spirit is admirable, it's painfully apparent that his body is wearing down. 

Lewis’ fellow defender, Ed Reed, turns 34 this year, and his best days are behind him as well. Baltimore fans are too familiar with the sight of Reed failing to wrap up a tackle as he once was able to due to his lingering neck injury[3], or crumpling to the ground after another collision. The thought of him laying it all on the line for another 16+ games next year makes me cringe, to say the least. 

Even so, the fact remains that both Lewis and Reed may be back next year, and there is no question that they would enter training camp as hungry as ever. Still, I can't help but be saddened at what has transpired over the past four years in Baltimore. And although the Ravens are an above-average team with strong organizational pillars, I believe that this chapter in Ravens football history has come to a close. The harsh reality of these past few seasons persists amongst the players and fans alike, and unfortunately, it appears that the window to glory and greatness has been sealed shut.

That’s not to say it's all tears and unhappiness. Baltimore fans were treated to a four-year stretch where their team was the only one to make it to the playoffs each year. They made it to the AFC Championship twice, and the Ravens never played meaningless games. 

More importantly, over that time the city of Baltimore adopted the Ravens' swagger. Ball So Hard University shirts are prevalent throughout the city, and no matter where you dine, drink, read, or spend time around town, people are forever thankful for their Black and Purple Gang. The collective chip on the shoulder of Ravens players is now interchangeable with that of the citizens of Charm City and its surrounding areas, and there remains hope for a bright, successful, winning future in Baltimore.

I wrote last July that if the Ravens failed to make a trip to the Super Bowl this season, their fans would look back at these past few years as the treading water era, where the Ravens were constantly in the mix, but never went anywhere. While those things are still be partially true, I'm grateful for what this team accomplished over the past decade. They restored a culture of winning and hope to a city that had most of its sporting dreams dashed by the lamentable Orioles. As a changing of the guard looms in the Ravens' future, I am confident that the fans will not take for granted the spectacular careers of men like Lewis and Reed. Instead, they'll learn from their leadership and determination, and cheer on the next generation of players like Suggs, Ngata, Flacco and Rice.

But damn, it sure would have been nice to win that Superbowl.

[1] No, Patriot fans, Tom Terrific was not going to lead the Pats downfield for a game-winning touchdown with just 22 seconds left. Not against the Ravens. 

[2] I’m well aware that last week against Houston the Ravens did not record a single penalty. I’m not saying that was fair either, but just because Baltimore wasn’t called for a penalty last week does not forgive the refs this week for their blatant lack of calling penalties against New England. Again, I’m not saying this even cost the Ravens the game, it’s just an interesting stat. 

[3] The same neck injury that befell Peyton Manning, with the only difference being that Reed did not opt for surgery because he is almost positive that surgery will end his career completely.

The Week Ahead (all times EST)- Your guide to what to watch-- and what to watch for-- this coming week

College Basketball

Texas A&M at Kansas- Jan. 23 at 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Tennessee at Vanderbilt- Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. (ESPNU
Baylor at Oklahoma- Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. (ESPN3)
Duke at Maryland- Jan. 25 at 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Harvard at Yale- Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.
Texas at Baylor- Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. (CBS)
Mississippi St. at Florida- Jan. 28 at 1:30 p.m. (ESPN3)
Eastern Illinois at Murray St.- Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. (ESPN3)
Notre Dame at UConn- Jan. 29 at noon (ESPN3)
Michigan at Ohio St.- Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. (CBS)
NBA
Magic at Celtics- Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Pacers at Bulls- Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. (Comcast Sports Chicago/NBA TV)
Clippers at Lakers- Jan. 25 at 10:30 p.m. (FOX WEST/NBA TV)
NHL
Blues at Red Wings- Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. (FSD+/NBCSN)
Bruins at Capitals- Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. (NESN/CSNB)
Flyers at Panthers- Jan. 24 at 7:30 (COMCAST/FOX FLORIDA)

In the Kitchen- Tracking the major hot stove stories

• Shortstop David Eckstein has retired from Major League Baseball at age 37. Eckstein played 10 years in the big leagues, winning a World Series MVP with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006. However, he will most likely be remembered as a point of contention between baseball's traditionalists-- who praised him as a "gritty" player with "hustle" and "heart"-- and the newer sabermetric crowd that criticized his lack of production. Viva El Birdos has a retrospective on Eckstein's career, his intangibles and his lasting impact on the game.
• The Colorado Rockies acquired infielder Marco Scutaro from the Red Sox in exchange for pitcher Clayton Mortenson. Scutaro will likely end up at second base and hitting in the two hole, after the 36-year-old hit a career-high .299 last season.
• The Scutaro trade could have a ripple effect for the Sox, who are trying to free up cash to sign former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Oswalt. Also on Boston's wish list is outfielder Cody Ross, who would fill in for Carl Crawford while he recovers from wrist surgery.
• Closer Ryan Madson finally found a home, signing with the Cincinnati Reds for $8.5 million over the next year. The market for closers has dried up this offseason, forcing many to take short-term deals. Madson's contract includes a $11 million mutual option for 2013.
• Longtime New York Yankees backstop Jorge Posada is expected to announce his retirement early this week. The 40-year-old spent his entire career with the Yankees, but saw his role diminished last year as he struggled at the plate. Posada won four world championships during his time in New York.

Web Gems- The week's best, worst or strangest Internet sports finds

EA lawsuit doesn't mean Madden's exclusive is a license to be killed- Kotaku's Owen Good breaks down Electronic Arts' latest legal maneuvers and what they mean for the video game company's stranglehold on the NFL license.

What happened last night- Community news site Onward State explains the decisions and mistakes that led it to prematurely report Joe Paterno's death.

Yes, this is CBS host James Brown interviewing a fake baby- Fresh off of falsely claiming the scoop about Paterno's death as its own and then turning around and blaming Onward State when the news turned out to be premature, CBS further debases itself by "interviewing" the E*Trade baby. FOX later got in on the act as well

New generation of 49er success- The New York Times' Greg Bishop goes deep on the San Francisco 49ers.

Joe Flacco: An appreciation- Baltimore Sun columnist Kevin Van Valkenburg pens an open letter to the Ravens' much-maligned quarterback.

Coming Up- What's next at Began in '96

• Tuesday: New Montana resident Jason Bacaj chronicles his first time skiing The Ridge.
• Thursday: Adam Cancryn on what Saturday night taught us about the media, and why it's not all bad
• Friday: Joe Schackman on the late Joe Paterno.

Ed. note- The story originally slated for Wednesday will run on Thursday instead.

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By Neill Thupari

With the NFL playoffs down to its final four, a breakdown of each team's championship hopes according to their (supposedly) most important player: their quarterback.

ESPN labeled the 2011-2012 NFL Season “The Year of the Quarterback,” which makes perfect sense because the four remaining teams heading into the Conference Championship weekend each have one of the few elite quarterbacks in the league.

It’s not like the new single-season passing-yard record holder was beaten last weekend by a team with a superior defense and a quarterback that had never won a playoff game (See Brees, Drew). It’s not like the other two quarterbacks who threw for over 40 touchdowns during the regular season have already exited the postseason due to their subpar efforts when facing comparatively strong defenses (See Rodgers, Aaron and Stafford, Matthew). But hey, it must be the Year of the Quarterback because ESPN told us so. 

So with that in mind, let’s rank the postseason's remaining signal callers, since their play and their play alone will be indicative of how their entire team will do on the road to Indianapolis.

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots: Playoff Record 15-5. Super Bowl Wins: 3. Playoff Stats: 4,770 yards, 38 TDs, 17 INTs. 

On the surface, this looks like a runaway for Brady and his incessantly gritty Patriot squad. No quarterback left has won as much as Brady in the playoffs, no quarterback left has played as well as he has all year (5,235 yards, 39 TDs, 65.6% completion rate), and no other quarterback is dating Giselle. His tight end combo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, combined with the ever courageous Wes Welker, means you’d be hard-pressed to find a defense that could stop this offensive juggernaut. I can tell you right now that the Ravens don’t have the defensive personnel to keep pace with the Pats, and I don’t believe the Giants or the 49ers do either. 

But, in true Belichickian form, Brady is downplaying his talent and accomplishments. This week Brady has been showering praise on the Ravens as “the toughest test” he has had yet this season. Keen observers of such obvious Patriot deflection know that behind closed doors, Brady is simply licking his chops at the thought of carving up the weak Ravens secondary and breaking his own record for most TDs in a playoff game. 

Pay no attention to the fact that the Patriots have not beaten a team that finished with a winning record this year. Forget about their 31st-ranked defense having played only four top-10 offenses all year, and while you do that, don’t worry about the fact that no team has ever finished with the 31st-ranked defense and won a Super Bowl. Pats fans, with Tom Brady at the helm, the Lombardi trophy is as good as yours.

2. Eli Manning, New York Giants: Playoff Record 4-4. Super Bowl Wins: 1. Playoff Stats: 1,574 yards, 10 TDs, 6 INTs. 

I learned this week on ESPN Radio’s The Herd with Colin Cowherd that we, as fans, apparently do not give the younger Manning the credit he deserves. 

According to Tim Hasselbeck, former backup quarterback for the New York Giants, Eli would routinely study films and gameplans all week leading up to a Sunday contest, only to have coach Tom Coughlin come up to him on Friday night, sometimes even Saturday, with an entirely new strategy that Eli would have to learn in time for the game Sunday. To say that such a practice was unorthodox would be an understatement, but Hasselbeck said it astounded him how Eli would be so quick to learn, master and execute these complex gameplans, despite having mentally prepared himself for something completely different all week. 

I remember when Eli was coming out of Ole Miss and a big knock on him was that he wasn’t nearly as smart as big brother Peyton in terms of his football IQ. Apparently, he’s doing just fine in his neck of the woods, and depending on his playoff performance this year, there might be a debate over the better Manning brother when all is said and done. It doesn’t hurt that he seems to have Tom Brady’s number as of late, or that his defense is as ferocious as they come, preying on quarterbacks that want to throw the ball downfield and dictate their offense through the air. 

3. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens: Playoff Record 5-3. Super Bowl Wins: 0. Playoff Stats: 1,226 yards, 6 TDS, 7INTs. 

Despite Flacco’s rather stellar playoff record (especially for someone who’s been in the league for only four seasons), one glaring deficiency for Joe Cool is that he’s never actually had to win a playoff game by himself. Maybe this says more about the Ravens than Joe, but the fact of the matter is, Flacco has never had to put Baltimore on his back and singlehandedly lead them to victory in the postseason, so the jury is still out as to whether or not he could pull it off. Sure, he’s had flashes of brilliance in big games against the Steelers earlier this year, or on the road in Kansas City during last year’s playoffs, but he’s still prone to the occasional 137-yad, zero touchdown performance like we saw this year in Jacksonville. There hasn’t been a player this polarizing in Baltimore since Ravens fans faced the dilemma of rooting for felony murder defendant Ray Lewis.[1] 

Flacco’s been incredibly fortunate to have a top-tier defense each of his four years in the league, and because of that, he's never had to be much more than a great game manager. However, with a road trip to New England looming, it’s put up or shut up time for Flacco, and his performance this weekend will likely determine how he’ll be viewed in the annals of Raven history. Will he rise to the occasion, silence the critics and beat Tom Brady in a high-octane shootout? Or, will he shrink in the face of adversity, capping his potential in the NFL as a player that could never be a truly elite quarterback come playoff time? Either way, it’ll be interesting to watch. 

4. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers: Playoff Record 1-0. Super Bowl Wins: 0. Playoff Stats: 299 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs. 

Although the aforementioned quarterbacks share a wealth of playoff experience between them, Smith enters unchartered waters with a 49er squad that boasts the best defense in the NFC. However, Smith outdueled Drew Brees last week[2] in the most exciting game of the divisional round. He'll now have to do the same against a much better Giants defense.

Conventional wisdom states that the battle-tested Giants will wreak havoc on the pedestrian 49er offense, and Eli will lead them back to the promised land. No Giants fan is as easily convinced though, because they’re well aware that Eli and his crew are capable of throwing a stinker of two on their own as well, and a repeat of their past week’s excellent performance is no guarantee. 

As much as I would like to sit here and write about Smith’s potential as a playoff QB[3], the 49ers live and die by Vic Fangio’s defense. In fact, I like to think of them as a poor man’s 2000 Baltimore Ravens team. No offense to Smith, but if the 49ers had the 2000 Trent Dilfer, I’d probably bet on them to win the Super Bowl, no questions asked.[4] 

Seriously though, this defense didn’t give up a rushing touchdown until week 16 this season. That is truly remarkable. I got a chance to see the 49ers in person when they came to Baltimore on Thanksgiving, and I was shocked as to how incredibly fast their defense was. Led by Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis, the 49ers defense flat-out outplays their opposition. They swarm to the ball with an intensity and speed that I just haven’t seen in a lot of NFL teams. 

Nonetheless, on Thanksgiving, when the Ravens took a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, there was a palpable awareness throughout the stadium that there was no chance in hell San Fran was coming back, not with Alex Smith as their quarterback. Two months later and in the playoffs, I still feel the same way. If the Giants are able to get up by two or more possessions in this game, I just don’t think Smith is going to be able to carry his team back, not this year at least. 

[1] Obviously Ray eventually won over the fans and hasn’t looked back since. 

[2] Just writing and rereading that sentence made my head hurt.

[3] He’s on pace to finish the season with 897 yards, 9TDs and 0 INTs in the playoffs! 

[4] Okay, maybe that is completely insulting to Smith, but I still mean it.


Ed. note- A previous version said the Pats had not beaten any team with a winning record this year. Updated to clarify that they haven't beaten any team that finished the year w/ a winning regular season record.

Neill Thupari is Began in '96's DMV correspondent, and is finally an official resident of Baltimore.

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By Adam Cancryn, Joe Schackman and Neill Thupari

The year 2012 is a big one in the sports universe. There's the Olympics and the Euro Cup, not to mention two dream teams, multiple new storylines and a bunch of athletes waiting to make their mark on the world. The Began in '96 staff took time to gaze into their crystal ball and answer 10 questions about what this year will hold.

1. Let's start off easy: Name the 2012 winners of the upcoming Super Bowl, the NBA and NHL championships and the World Series.

Joe: The NFC is just kicking the shit out of each other. The Giants downed the Packers and the Niners beat the Saints. Who knows what is coming out of that championship game? So I’m going with the Ravens. They are a dangerous pick because they have the ability to lay an egg out of nowhere. But their defense is menacing. Ray Rice is one of the most complete backs in the league and should absolutely gash New England's defense. If Joe Flacco can get hot (lukewarm for most QBs) then they can battle with the best of them.

NBA- Oklahoma City Thunder, baby. Youth is the X-factor in this year’s condensed season. Kevin Durant is maybe the best pure scorer in the league right now, and Russell Westbrook is that perfect complementary piece you need to survive in the current superstar format of the league. The only question is whether Westbrook is mature enough to accept that role.

World Series- It's so easy to pick the Angels, but goddamn are they good. So yeah, those guys.

Neill: I’m so angry Joe took the Ravens. THE REVERSE JINX COMETH! I would love to pick my hometown Purple and Black, but I can’t do it. I’m mentally preparing myself for the evil empire from the Northeast to rain all over our parade in Foxboro. That being said, while my heart will be rooting hard for the Ravens, I’m going to go with the NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS to win it all.

Why? Why the hell not? Just like Baltimore, they can come into a game and look like a team that is completely and utterly lost. They can be dysfunctional, unpredictable, and a heart attack in waiting for their fan base. Still, when they come into a game focused and playing up to their potential, I don’t think anyone’s better. Much the way Green Bay got hot last year, I see all the pieces coming together for a healthy Giants team. In the Super Bowl, they’ll beat the Pats, just like they did in 2008.

I’m not going to pretend like I know what is actually going to happen in the NBA this year, because I doubt anyone could reasonably predict anything with any sort of particularity. We have a 66-game schedule where older teams will struggle (see Lakers, Spurs, Celtics and Mavs) and younger teams will flourish (Thunder, Bulls, Knicks, Clippers and, believe it or not, the Indiana Pacers). That being said, most, if not all of the teams I’ve mentioned above will make the playoffs, and regardless of whatever crazy things happen this regular season, I think order will be restored come playoff time.

While I will enjoy rooting against them each playoff game, I’ll take the Miami Heat over the OKC Thunder in a fiercely contested NBA Finals, Russell Westbrook will cost the Thunder a championship because he can’t handle playing second fiddle.

While normally my NHL predictions consist of picking which team the Caps will have another playoff collapse against, I think I've got a pretty good chance at predicting who will hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup this spring. Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the next dynasty in the NHL: The Boston Bruins. Move over, 90’s Redwings and Avalanche, there’s a new dynasty in town.

People are taking the Angels in the MLB, right? Well, if there’s anything that the Eagles and Heat superteams have taught me, it takes more than a year to put it all together. Then again, baseball is such an individualistic sport that it can be broken down into the Moneyball-esque sabermetrics so that things like team chemistry and clubhouse personnel become practically obsolete. Let’s just keep this jinx thing going and take the Red Sox.

Adam: In the NFL, I like the San Francisco 49ers to win the Super Bowl. They would have never been my pick even a few weeks ago, much less at the beginning of the season, but the playoffs so far have shown us that good defense still beats good offense. Of the teams remaining, the Niners have the best defense by far. The offense is no slouch either, thanks to a relentless running game and the Alex Smith we've been waiting to see for six years.

I see the Chicago Bulls pulling it off in the NBA Finals this year. Like Joe said, youth is key in a condensed season, but you need experience to go along with that youth. The Bulls have all the pieces in place, led by Derrick Rose, one of the best guards in the league. With all the attention paid to the Heat, Clippers and Lakers, Chicago hs had the luxury of flying under the radar a bit. They'll cruise to a high playoff seed, then turn it on and beat the Thunder in six.

Though I won't go as far as calling them a dynasty, the Boston Bruins sure do have the look of a repeat champion. Tim Thomas is as consistent as you'll get in goal, and the offense has incredible depth. That doesn't mean it'll be easy, though. Two teams to watch are the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings. Both weren't supposed to be anywhere near as good as they are, but the Rangers have a top notch defense and Detroit has a its next franchise goaltender in Jimmy Howard.

Lastly, the World Series. The Yankees are officially scary again now that they've added Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda to the rotation. They've slowly remolded themselves to resemble the championship teams of the late '90s, and have the firepower to beat the Angels as long as they stay healthy.

2. Which team in each of those four leagues will be the biggest surprise, and which will be the biggest disappointment in their upcoming seasons?

Joe: I have no idea who will surprise, which is the beauty of the NFL. But as far as disappointments, I think the Jets continue down their path of doom. Right now, they're like that surreal scene after a car crash, where everything is scattered on the ground and people are standing around in disbelief waiting for someone else to call 911. The Jets have a serious lack of leadership right now, and Rex Ryan will have to take a HUGE step forward as a head coach and leader to save next season.

Unless they get Peyton Manning. Then wow, will they be good.

I think this year’s surprise NBA team will end up being the Warriors. They beat the Heat in overtime last week, and Steph Curry's  shot is just so so pretty. Disappointment? The Knicks. I hate James Dolan.

In the MLB, the Nationals are going to be filthy. It'is kind of cheating to pick them because the team is stacked, but no one is talking about them thanks to the Marlins and Angels making the big moves and the Phillies’ and Braves’ firm grip on the division.

The Marlins will disappoint everyone. Mark Buehrle can’t be a workhorse forever, Jose Reyes’ legs are made of glass and Hanley Ramierez' pouting will be a giant fun sponge.

Neill: I think the Eagles will be back next year. It’s contingent on a man named Vick staying healthy, but for some reason, I’m inclined to give the Eagles a pass on their season this year. When you create a “dream team," as Vince Young so eloquently put it, you’re going to have some growing pains. They had those at first, and then in the last month they went 4-0, outscoring opponents 125-46.

I can only hope the disappointment will involve the Patriots, Cowboys or Steelers or Rex Ryan’s wife’s feet. But I think our biggest disappointment next year, unfortunately, will be a serious, life-altering injury in an NFL game. There are just too many hits these days where players are violently launching themselves at one another. It’s not healthy, it’s almost always unnecessary, and it’s downright dangerous. I used to get pumped and jacked up as much as the next guy when a big hit was laid out, but now I find myself cringing at the sight of these receivers and defenders cracking skulls. I have never wanted to be more wrong about a prediction in my life, but I just have a sick feeling in my stomach about this one.

Adam: In the NFL, the wheels will finally fall off for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They've held on admirably over the past few seasons despite injuries and an aging defense, but the division is getting tougher while Pittsburgh spins its wheels. 

The Dolphins showed serious improvement over the back half of this past season, and that should continue as the rebuilding effort gains momentum. Matt Moore, Reggie Bush and Brandon Marshall are a solid core. 

I think the Boston Red Sox will take a big step back this year as well. I'm not convinced last year's collapse won't stretch into this season, and personnel-wise they haven't kept up with the Yankees. Just by virtue of the fact that a big chunk of their schedule comes against New York and the Tampa Bay Rays, the Sox could have major struggles. 

On the other end of the spectrum, the Cincinnati Reds might finally put it all together. They've been the trendy pick for a few years now, and for good reason. If the Reds get their rotation in sync, they could threaten deep into the postseason. 

If the Heat don't win an NBA championship, they're the league's biggest disappointment once again, hands down. And it's hard to call this a surprise given how much attention they've gotten, but the Los Angeles Clippers can go deep into the playoffs. From what we've seen so far this year, they've already meshed and are firing on all cylinders.

On the ice, the Pittsburgh Penguins have had trouble keeping up with the rest of their talented division. Even with Sydney Crosby still working his way back to full strength, the Pens should have enough talent compete for a Stanley Cup. Instead, they've had to battle it out with the rest of the pack.

This has been a season of surprises so far, from the Rangers and Red Wings to the St. Louis Blues. Even the Winnipeg Jets are not nearly as terrible as was predicted. 

3. Within those four sports, what will be 2012's single biggest storyline?

Neill: I believe that the first well known, active athlete in one of the four major sports will announce that he’s gay. Amid all the homosexual, pedophiliac sex scandals that have come to light this year, I truly believe that an athlete will reveal his homosexuality and then proceed to speak out about gays in sports. He'll become an advocate in sports, so to speak, educating many on the struggles and realities of homosexual existence in professional sports. The most interesting part of this will be to see how teammates, opponents, fans and the always mindful media will react to an active athlete coming out.

Adam: Peyton or Pujols, take your pick. How the Indianapolis Colts handle Peyton Manning will grab headlines throughout the NFL offseason because of the league-wide implications. If he stays, the Colts will have to delicately balance the Manning-Andrew Luck relationship (or maybe they won't even take Luck in the draft?) and if he leaves he makes his new team an instant contender.

Pujols, meanwhile, will be the most scrutinized athlete since LeBron. His mega contract comes with expectations the Angels will win a championship immediately.

4. What about the biggest storyline outside the traditional big four?

Joe: Tiger Woods getting back into the winner's circle. This is the year he returns to form. He will never be early 2000s Tiger, but he is going to start winning again. A lot.

Neill: This summer, all of Europe will be captivated for three weeks by UEFA European Cup. Spain comes in as the returning champion, after having dominated the international football scene for the past  six years and become just the second team in history to simultaneously hold the World Cup title and the European Cup. The scary thing? Spain might be even better than they were four years ago. They could start nine out of 11 players from FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Spain’s attack led by Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas in the midfield. Other contenders include a young German squad and a French team that’s full of talent but still reeling from its internal meltdown two years ago in South Africa.

Adam: The Federer/Nadal/Djokovic battle for supremacy will rule tennis once again. Each have something to prove this year, and they'll have to do it during a golden era for the sport. And there's always the potential that Jo Wilfried Tsonga crashes the party. 

5. Scandals dominated the sports landscape in 2011. Where will we see the controversy come from this year?

Joe: I think in 2012 we see the first serious threat to the credibility of the NCAA. The Atlantic fired a warning shot in 2011 with their fantastic piece on the corruption in the organization. The NCAA in response allowed a $2,000 stipend to be added to the scholarship, basically admitting the current deal is inadequate. With O’Bannon v. the NCAA (now In re: NCAA Student Athlete Name & Likeness Licensing Litigation) coming down the pipeline in 2013, the NCAA is in a precarious position. One day a championship team will refuse to take the field/floor and the NCAA will crumble. 2012 could be the year. 

Neill: In 2011, fans were clued in to the darker realities of booster payments, illegal benefits, NCAA violations, child pornography, child sex abuse and, worst of all, the multiple cover-ups that took place at institutions of higher learning. These shadowy acts were hidden for years to preserve the millions of dollars poured into college athletics. Meanwhile, the players remain unpaid, forced to kill themselves for sports where less than 5% of athletes turn professional. But rest assured people, as long as schools' programs keep winning, all shall be forgiven.

In 2012, in addition to the horrifying, gory and troubling details continuing to emerge from the Sandusky and Bernie Fine prosecutions, the sports world will have to endure more of these controversies across college (and possibly high school and youth) athletics as more victims come forward to call out their abuser. I truly do not believe that Americans realize how prevalent of a problem sexual abuse is in youth sports. 

Adam: It seems like it's been a while since someone took aim at AAU athletics, and it's not like those teams have cleaned up their act one bit. I wouldn't be surprised to see an investigation into pay-for-play arrangements or high schools that are essentially diploma mills.

6. There's always a subject or story that get completely overblown. What will we never want to hear about again after 2012?

Joe: Tim Tebow. He is getting overblown right now and it will only continue through the summer and next season. I am so tired of hearing about Tim Tebo. Sportscenter is on right now and Herm Edwards Live is breaking down Tebow. The next three topics? America is Tebowing, then Tebow Bio, followed by Urban on Tebow. Not to mention the fact that they are running fan tweets about Tebow on the bottom of the screen.

Neill: There are a lot of obvious things jumping out at me right now: Timothy Richard Tebow, Gerry Sandusky, the Miami Heat, Kobe Bryant’s wrist, Tim Tebow, Pacquiao-Mayweather, hey, did I mention Jesus H. Tebow? But I think I have a good one. In August, London is scheduled to host the Olympics which means MICHAEL PHELPS! MICHAEL PHELPS MICHAEL PHELPS MICHAEL PHELPS. Not sure if anyone knows this, but Mr. Phelps is a swimmer. He likes to swim, rip bong hits, drive drunk and then somehow become the symbol of all that is heroically American. I’m already sick of seeing his name in print. And the thought of Bob Costas saying his name 6,980 times an hour? I’m done. I will never want to hear about Michael Phelps after 2012. May he breaststroke his way off into the sunset, never to return.

Adam: Peyton Manning and his neck. It already screams "Ed Werder reporting live from Manning's front lawn," and the coverage should ramp up as soon as the NFL season is over. We'll get minute-by-minute updates on what exercises he's doing and BREAKING NEWS ALERTS every time he turns his head a half-inch farther to the right and left.

7. Any story you think will be undercovered this year?

Neill: I already spoke a bit about soccer, but there is a renaissance of sorts taking place in European club soccer. Just last year we were treated to an incredible stretch of soccer where FC Barcelona played its fiercest, most hated rival Real Madrid four times in three weeks, with three different trophies on the line. To give you an idea of what Real Madrid/Barcelona is like, imagine the Red Sox and Yankees on 10 years of steroids. Even UNC/Duke is like 1986 Barry Bonds, and Barca/Real is 2006 Bonds. The hatred. The disgust. The gamesmanship. I’m literally salivating right now. Just give soccer a chance, people. Watch Barcelona play Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on April 22, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. EST. I promise you won’t regret it.

Adam: Drowned out by the attention given to Michael Phelps will be the rest of the talented US Olympic swim team. Missy Franklin is the new name to know, but the entire men' and women's squads have the chance to take home multiple golds. And gear up for the team relays, which are the most intense five minutes in sport.

8. There are rule changes ever year, some subtle and some—like all the NFL's recent changes—not so subtle. What rule change would you like to see in 2012?

Joe: It is time the MLB embraces video review. How many important calls can umpires get wrong before baseball stops living in the past? Umpires are absurdly good at their job, but they are still human. When you have the option to get these calls right, you need to embrace it.

Neill: Joe’s answer regarding MLB video review is right on target. My rule change? I want CBS to stop putting the crappiest play-by-play commentators on air each NFL Sunday. I want Gus Johnson to call each and every single NCAA Tournament game, even if that means the games will be tape delayed and he’ll do them afterwards. That’s the rule I want.

Adam: I agree wholeheartedly with Joe, but I'd settle with fixing the replay system we do have. The NFL challenge system is unnecessary; the officials should just review all controversial plays. Teams shouldn't be penalized for wanting to get the referees to do their jobs right. 

9. A sports media question: Yahoo! Sports arguably won the 2011, breaking a string of huge stories. What media outlet will rule the coming year?

Neill: I’m going with a big underdog. I’m betting that none other than ESPN makes a huge comeback! Believe in the underdogs, people!

Joe: Is it cheating to say Yahoo! again? I am a conspiracy theorist, and I just don’t see the CBS’ and Fox’s of the worlds taking down major sports organizations and figures while they televise the games and make so much money off the product. For example, no way ESPN goes after USC like Yahoo! did when it stands to gain so much from a potential USC title run.

The good news is the door is now open to sites like Yahoo! and Outkick the Coverage to go after these big stories that the giant outlets don’t want to break. I’m also excited to see Deadspin’s new look under Tommy Craggs.

Adam: I'm also going to cheat a little bit and say Twitter will rule 2012. Already we're seeing more athletes find out they've been traded on the social media platform before anyone tells them in person, and Twitter's accessibility and speed means everyone is a reporter and anyone can break news. While professional outlets are the ones that do the in-depth reporting and confirming, more of those stories will be started by rumors that originated on Twitter.

10. Finally, let's get three predictions about anything within the sports universe. The first one should have a good chance of happening, the second one should be plausible and the third should be downright outlandish.

Joe: 1) The New York Mets will be the worst team in baseball. 

2) Peyton Manning restructures his contract so Colts can draft Andrew Luck, who doesn’t play anything outside of garbage time in 2012 season.

3) Mr. Irrelevant, the final pick in the 2012 NFL draft, wins Rookie of the Year.

Neill: 1) Tiger Woods wins two Majors in 2012.

2) Tiger Woods wins four Majors in 2012.

3) Tiger Woods strolls into the PGA Championship this year at The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island, S.C., having won the first three majors. He shows up Thursday morning with 12 gorgeous supermodels from all over the world, one wearing the 2012 Green jacket as she chain smokes, and the others fighting over carrying the Claret jug and the U.S. Open trophy. Tiger roars to a wire-to-wire win, reducing Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy to tears in the process. After accepting the Wannamaker trophy, Tiger thanks no one but himself, blasts Stevie Williams and pours out champagne for his father. A guy can dream.

Adam: 1) An SEC team will play for the NCAA football championship for the seventh straight year.

2) Yu Darvish will secure a $100+ million contract, and then be a major, Hideki Irabu-level disappointment.

3) The Heat get knocked out of the playoffs again, prompting LeBron James to say "screw it" and go out for the NFL. He's signed by the Redskins.

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By Joe Schackman, Adam Cancryn and Neill Thupari

I (Joe) dedicate this week’s Hangover to my hatred of Cablevision. I have Cablevision in my place but of course they do not carry the NFL Redzone channel which I HEAR is the zenith of football watching experiences. So a big screw you to Cablevision. Oh and lots of sarcasm coming your way. And we are off…

• The Jets do not play pretty football. It is just ugly, sloppy and violent. But it works. You can hate on Rex and Sanchez but they can win a game in a lot of ways.

• Cam Newton is apparently tearing it up again. I honestly thought he was not going to be a good quarterback in the NFL. Through a game and a half I could not be more incorrect. In my defense though, I did not realize his arm was this good. If he can throw first and run second he will be a top QB.
• Jamaal Charles was carted off the field in Kansas City. Apparently a leg injury. With Eric Berry already out for the season, this could be devastating. [UPDATE] early diagnosis is torn ACL. Wow.
• I want to see the scoring percentage for the Jets on drives where Dustin Keller has a reception. It has to be off the charts. Every time that guy touches the ball good things happen.
• Adam: I flew into Indianapolis on Sunday for a short business trip, arriving shortly before the Colts’ game versus the Browns. A few things:
• I’ve never seen a city so united in its fandom for a single professional team. Easily 75% of the people I saw in my first three hours here were wearing Colts apparel head to toe. And there was only one pink jersey. New York, Boston, Chicago, etc. can claim to be a city of diehards (or diehaahds, as it were), but Indianapolis on Sunday is the professional equivalent of an SEC Saturday.
• That enthusiasm does not carry over to basketball. These signs are all over the city of Indianapolis:

• Colts fans are distraught over the state of the team, with one fan calling their performance v. the Browns an “absolute travesty.” It’s hard to argue with that. Kerry Collins was 9-14 in the first half, then came out after halftime and went 10-24 while the Browns proceeded to take control of the game.
• I think the most frustrating thing about Mark Sanchez is his inconsistency from drive to drive. First time out looked great. Next few series just HORRIBLE and then he leads a fantastic drive, making three huge throws. Why can’t he do that more often?
• Neill: Ravens suffering badly from lack of motivation/draining/emotional win over Pittsburgh. Obviously a hangover of sorts. Also, not getting to the QB at all. Stopping the run okay, but no penetration by D-Line getting to Hasselbeck. Since Hasselbeck has all day to throw, they're exposing Ravens secondary. Kenny Britt is demolishing everyone, and Hasselbeck's not getting pressured into bad throws.
• Neill: Offensively, the Ravens have struggled to get anything going. Running game is trying to get established, but in all seriousness, the WRs have created no separation and Flacco hasn't been able to find his receivers. Credit to Tennessee's defense for stepping it up and playing with a lot more intensity. On both sides they're winning in the trenches. Classic home-opener "we have something to prove" attitude that Ravens weren't expecting. I'm depressed. Back to library now.
• Antonio Cromartie is a damn good corner. He’s not elite but when he gets an interception no one is more dangerous to take it the other way. Well except for Ed Reed. 
• Cam Newton is apparently not doing so hot right now. I was right. He is not going to be a great NFL quarterback. Vindication is sweet.
• I’m really not sure why the hell David Garrard got cut. Seriously Luke McCown is horrendous. Maybe this was a plan to drive attendance even further down so that Jaguars can move to LA. That sounds like a great premise to a movie. Someone should make that.
• Neill: Tennessee defense has also been spying Ray Rice on nearly every play. Linebackers shadowing him prevents Flacco's security blanket of the check down.
• The Classical just tweeted that they have reached their goal of trying to raise $50.000. It is very exciting to know people are still willing to pay for quality writing. Or what they hope will be quality writing. 
• Adam: Even considering Collins’ inaccuracy, Indianapolis had a chance to pull it out for much of the second half. But Collins’ two fourth-quarter turnovers (an interception and a fumble) put that to rest. Like I said last week, get used to it, Indy.
• Neill: If the Ravens had "The Look" last week against the Steelers, this week they are the complete opposite. What's the anti-thesis of "The Look?" "The Shadow?" "The Blindness?" Whatever it is, the Ravens have it against the Titans. They have the Blindness.
• Blaine Gabbert is coming into the game at QB for the Jags as Luke McCown has a QB rating of 1.8. That is not a typo.
• Adam: This is how not to run your team. The Jags cut their veteran QB days before the opener, hand the keys to a woefully inadequate replacement and then throw the future of the franchise to the wolves during garbage time. Del Rio made his bed with Luke McCown, now it’s his responsibility to lie in it, no matter how bad it gets. It’s debatable how much time is ideal for a rookie to learn from the sidelines, but the answer is definitely not one-and-a-half games. This is a lost season already for Jacksonville, and they shouldn’t jeopardize the future for a few cheap snaps.
• You know what the sign is of a great cornerback? I have not seen Darrelle Revis on the TV since the first quarter.
• Adam: If Kenny Britt can ever get out from under his legal issues, he’s on Reggie Wayne-in-his-prime level.
• Gabbert just showed a surprising amount of athleticism and speed when he escaped that sack. He has the Roethlisberger look.
• Trey Wingo just tweeted that he was most looking forward to Raiders-Bills game this week. Was that a serious statement? Granted it looks like a great game but who really guessed that.
• Adam: One week in, and I’m already looking foolish. After their convincing win over the Steelers, I said the Ravens are “scary good.” I also said Tennessee fans should be concerned that Matt Hasselbeck might be throwing 30 times a game. Well, I’m eating a big plate of crow now, because Hasselbeck torched a Baltimore defense that looked old and slow for 358 yards. Needless to say, maybe we should wait a little longer before drawing any conclusions about both teams
• Shaun Hill is going in for the Lions. Stafford is NOT injured. This is a first. 
• Adam: The Colts can’t do anything about the quarterback position. There are no better options who can come in and learn the offense in time to make a difference. So you have to live with Collins’ ups and downs. What’s most troubling for the Colts is the defense, which is not getting the crucial stops. Top-tier teams can overcome a big loss by having the other units step up. The Colts are not a top tier team. 
• There are two Bills fans in my office. 50% of all the Bills fans in the world work in my office.
• The Patriots double tight end attack is genius. I hate Bill Belichick but that is just great drafting.
• Bob Sanders on the field against the Pats. Colts fans may want to tune in, just to find out what it is like.
• Tom Brady misses an open wide receiver in the end zone. I’m telling you the decline has begun. I know he threw for over 500 yards last week but I think that was a result of their coaching being that much better then Miami. Pats were ready to go. Dolphins were not.
• Then Brady goes and fires a beautiful touchdown pass into the endzone and I look like an idiot. Thanks Tom.
• Vince Wilfork with a great interception. There are few things I love more then watching nose tackles running with the football. Not going to lie. He looked pretty quick.
• Adam: Another team in a freefall: The Kansas City Chiefs. Good money on Todd Haley and Jack Del Rio becoming the first coaches to get axed.
• Jon Kitna comes in for an injured Tony Romo and throws a spectacularly bad interception. It was really glorious.
• Seriously how many years has Kitna been in the league? Can you say Vinny Testaverde?

 

• Brian Phillips wrote a piece for Grantland about how watching Novak Djokovic play tennis makes him uncomfortable; that he gets a feeling that Djoker is just one moment away from utter disaster. That is how I feel when I watch the Chargers.
• Again I do not like Bill Belichick but I love that he has the guts to go for it on fourth down more often then other coaches. All the statistics say, in the appropriate situations, it is correct play. Good luck convincing other coaches about that.
• To which Trey Wingo tweets, “I don’t get it.” What is there to get? There is an actual right answer and it is to go for it.
• I swear this new review-every-touchdown-call is just a reason for NFL games to have more commercials.
• Demarcus Ware gets his second sack of the game. That makes four already on the season.
• With 6 and ½ minutes left in the game, and a three point lead, the 49ers threw the ball twice on their series. I’m all for being aggressive but did they forget Alex Smith was their quarterback?
• It is weird to me that Ryan Fitzpatrick’s pending free agency is actually newsworthy. I mean he has played great. But really? Ryan Fitzpatrick?
• Well Tony Romo played a hell of a game. 345 yards, two TDs, threw the “game-winning” pass. All with a fractured rib. Nice follow-up to last week’s choke job.
• Adam: The Cowboys and new king of grittiness Tony Romo will get a lot of credit for their win v. San Francisco, and coming back from 10 down despite your quarterback’s cracked rib is no small feat. But let’s remember that we’re praising the Cowboys-supposedly potential Super Bowl contenders- for pulling out a game against the 49ers. The team led by Alex Smith. Just because it’s a win doesn’t mean it’s a good win.
• Adam: The Cowboys this week remind me of the Packers in Week one. A lot of positive coverage for a team that came very close to a bad loss.
• Adam: Speaking of Green Bay, their three interceptions v. Carolina masked major issues on defense. For the second consecutive week, they let a team hang around way too long because they couldn’t stop the pass. Drew Brees came within a yard of a tremendous comeback because the Packers let him march 80 yards on five completions in less than 1:08. This week, Newton came within six yards of tying the game with three minutes left in the fourth.
• There are so many Atlanta Mike Vick jerseys in the stands. Are there any actual Falcon fans?
• Eagles just tried a crazy wild-cat flee flicker with Vick starting at WR position. These are the kind of absurd plays I want to see the Eagles do more often. Obviously you do not want to go crazy but you have such unique play makers in Ronnie Brown, Desean Jackson and Vick. It has to be worth a shot.
• Cullen Jenkins just destroyed Matt Ryan. Pretty clear helmet-to-helmet contact. I feel like I have no idea what the rule is on this. Was that not a foul or did the refs just miss it?
• I love Mike Vick’s release. It seriously is a thing of beauty. It is the Ken Griffey baseball swing of quarterback motions:

• Does anyone remember the Ron Mexico thing?
• In 2004 the Falcon’s moved up from the number five pick to get the first overall pick. They traded their first round and fifth round pick in the ’04 draft and their third round pick in the 2005 draft to get Michael Vick. In 2011 the Falcons traded up from the 27th slot to the sixth to get Julio Jones. They gave up their first, second and fourth from ’11. And their first and fourth in 2012. FIVE picks for Jones. Just let that marinate.
• Vick fumbles twice in the first half. That is the risk of his athleticism. He can win or lose you a game faster then any player in the NFL.
• There are way to many reviews during this game. It feels like the 2007 USC vs Texas BCS Championship game. There must have been 15 reviews during that game.
• Dunta Robinson with a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit on Jeremy Maclin. That was as blatant as it gets. Expect a message from Roger Goodell.
• The inevitable just happened. Mike Vick has been knocked out of the game. Granted it was in the pocket but with a weak offensive line and a cavalier attitude it was only a matter of time before the Eagles had to turn to their backup quarterback. Injury does not seem to be long term but regardless. Philly is one big hit away from Mike Kafka starting. 
• It wasn't like I thought Nnamdi Asomugha was going to come to Philly and be terrible but I wanted to see him play in a defense where he wasn't the only good player. Being the best player on Oakland does not carry much weight. I'll shut up now.
• It took until the Sunday night game but we have the tweet of the day from Esquire/Grantland's Chris Jones "Hope the Philly trainers aren't drowning Mike Vick right now."
• How long until the Seahawks trade for Mike Kafka?
That will do it. Enjoy Giants-St. Louis on Monday Night Football.

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