My 2009 Sports Wish List

February - Pitchers and catchers report for MLB Spring Training.  I have mixed expectations for this season.  My Minnesota Twins were fairly conservative this offseason and haven't really inspired me to think that they've solved their obvious holes - a third baseman anyone?  That said, they have a whole lot of pieces to the puzzle and can make an exciting run this year.  They were only one game away from winning the division last year.  

The Cubs are another story.  I was really high on this team last year and was let down when they flopped in the playoffs.  Yeah, I know, its the flippin' Cubs - I should have expected that outcome.  If the Cubs manage to move around enough pieces to entice the Padres into trading them Jake Peavy, it will be tough for me not to get on board the bandwagon here again.  

I'd also like for the start of the year to bring me a competitive Super Bowl.  

March - Both California and Minnesota earn NCAA tournament births.  At the start of the NCAA basketball season, this would have been an outrageous wish, but both of these teams have gotten off to fairly hot starts and have made appearances in the top-25.  Maybe I can even throw in a bonus wish that one of them wins a game in the Big Dance.  

April - The baseball season officially arrives.  My goal every year is to see both the Twins and Cubs in person.  Last year I was able to catch the Twins a whole bunch of times, this year it looks like it will be just the opposite.  

May - August - I would like to catch a smattering of college and minor league games this year as well as add to my list of 10 MLB ballparks visited.  

September - September 19th features the California Golden Bears versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis.  I'd lie, cheat and steal to be at that game.  September is like heaven for a sports fan.  Football has arrived and baseball races are coming down to the wire.  

October - The Cubs or the Twins win the World Series.  I watch it on TV because I'm poor.  A guy can dream, right?

October is guaranteed to feature USC at Memorial Stadium taking on Cal.   

November - November 21st will be the date California takes on Stanford for the Axe in Palo Alto.  I hope to make the short trip to the game.  

December - As far as the NFL goes, I'm a Minnesota Vikings fan.  I was pleased to have watch them win the NFC North Division this year, but I'd like to see them make a deeper run in the playoffs this upcoming season.  Heck, the they have many of the pieces they need, including the best running back in the game, Adrian Peterson - why not hope for them to make it to the Super Bowl?  They just need a quality player at quarterback.