As the Winter Olympics officially came to a close this past weekend, there was no doubt America’s focus would immediately shift to the two essential pieces our nation’s core falling back into place.

The first piece being The Ellen DeGeneres Show moving back to its original timeslot (though it’s no consolation for her being as grossly out-of-place as a judge on American Idol as Dennis Miller was on Monday Night Football for that dreaded two-season stint).

The second and more important piece is the dawn of Spring Training.  The Boys of Summer are coming back, and we’re less than one month away from Opening Day; however, before MOT gets into a full-blown preview of the 2010 season, it’s important to address the fallout from these chilly 2010 Winter Games.

Doing The Right Thing?

I won’t lie and act as if I was 100% into the Winter Olympics at all, but I did manage to catch a few of the competitions, and that alone should be a moral victory for Vancouver.  Egocentric as that last statement may be, I don’t know anyone who anticipates Winter Games as much as they do the “regular” Olympics.  You know … the ones that take place on dry, non-ice-capped land and in water?

Nevertheless, I’m one of those guys that will find more entertainment in seeing the athletes spill while skiing downhill, bodies flopping around like fish at the end of a baited hook, than an actual combative race between skilled rivals.  Call me a cynical asshole if you wish, but I still appreciate what these people do.  I’m just glad it occurs on a big stage level once every 4 years.

Anyway, the undoubted culmination of these games occurred Sunday afternoon during the Men’s Hockey Gold Medal game between North America’s finest.  It wasn’t quite US vs. Russia’s ‘Miracle On Ice’ in 1980, but it still delivered on a scale no one could have expected.  The USA team fell to a 2-0 deficit early on and rallied back in Mighty Ducks fashion to tie it up with mere seconds left in regulation, only to watch Sid the Kid kill all their hopes and dreams in OT shortly thereafter.  Somewhere, Emilio Estevez was shedding a tear of happiness.

What’s worse is the customary practice of having the Silver medal team remaining on the ice as the Gold medal winners celebrate.  This should fall under the most cruel and unusually punishing sports moments ever.  I mean, they might as well have had the Canadian team fornicate with all of the American team’s wives and girlfriends while they’re at it.  The US team looked like they just saw a herd of wide-eyed deer being slaughtered during that medal ceremony.  Let them take their puck and go home — no need to induce the potential for suicide, you heartless officials.

But, on the bright side, would USA winning the gold medal in hockey really help out our cause?  The rest of the free world hates us already, and it’s bad enough we brought home the most medals as it is.  I’m sure if Canada were to have lost the game, a drunken bevy of belligerent Canucks would have marched across that Northern border and ransacked us from above.  In that sense, I say any disappointed players and fans take this L on the chin and keep it moving.  Better to have lost impressively than to have won and suffered massive bodily injuries in the aftermath.

Let the Canadians have their hockey.  We still have baseball … hey, speaking of which … (segue central right there, buddy)

Who will topple the Evil Empire?

Let me be as blunt as possible:  Last year’s World Series was painful to watch.  No sugarcoating happening at all here, my friends … I’m as devout a Yankee hater as you will find.  Even sadder is I had them winning it all before the season started.  They say money can’t buy you happiness, but in the MLB, where salary caps are as realistic as vampires going to high school among red-blooded human beings, this assessment couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Yankees winning the World Series nowadays is the equivalent to Donald Trump winning the lottery.  Why do the rich need to get richer?  I could go on and on, but the message is clear:  someone needs to put an end to the richest team in baseball signing all of the best players and running roughshod on the league.   When one player (A-Rod, for example) makes more than an entire team (Florida Marlins) in a season, something has to be done.

Regardless, it’s time to break down how all the teams stack up this year.  (Note:  Betting odds are courtesy of Bodog Sportsbook).

[Already Home…]

New York Yankees – Goes without saying.  A-Rod, Jeter, CC, Tex, Rivera, Posada, Pettitte, and Girardi aka The Usual Suspects are all back for another go-round.  Add in newly acquired lead-off man Curtis Granderson, and you’re not going to find a more stacked lineup than this.  Although question marks may still arise from the pitching staff and exactly what they’re going to get from the likes of A.J. Burnett, Jaiver Vazquez, Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes, among others, the fact remains this team has and will always buy their way out of a jam.  Sickening, I know, but it’s the way of the baseball world.  Odds to win – 11:4.

Boston Red Sox – If the Yankees are the Evil Empire, the Red Sox have to be the Heinous Union (God, I love my thesaurus).  Although not as rich and powerful as the former, Boston is just as quick to dish out dough for the sake of winning.  Two World Series titles in four years after 88 years of nothing should prove that, but there is a bit more purity when it comes to the Nation (that’s about all the credit I’m giving them).  Key additions include John Lackey and Marco Scutaro, but lest we forget, this team was a powerhouse either way.  They should change David Ortiz’s nickname from “Big Papi” to “Big ?”, because we have no clue what to expect from him after last year.  Still, they’re a lock to threaten in the East.  Odds to win – 6:1.

Philadelphia Phillies – After years of oppression from a championship team in any sport, Philly has absolutely nothing to complain about nowadays.  They are the Kings of the NL, and barring any injuries, should be right back at the top once again this season.  If there was one mistake they made, it was getting rid of Cliff Lee after his dominant run in the postseason last year to bring in Roy Halladay, although you can’t go wrong either way.  It’s like trading Corvette for a Ferrari – you’re riding in style no matter the price tag.  Odds to win – 6:1.

[They’ll Be Comin ‘Round The Corner When They Come…]

St. Louis Cardinals – Tony LaRussa is one of the best managers in the game, and he proves it every season by having his squad in the thick of the playoff hunt year in and year out.  With Albert Pujols aka Jesus in baseball uniform closing in on 100% health (he put up MONSTER numbers with an elbow that was shredded beef the past 2 seasons) you can expect more of the same, especially with Matt “My Favorite” Holliday protecting him now for a few more years.  Chris Carpenter is healthy again as well, and Adam Wainwright is turning into a consistent Cy Young threat.  Not much else needs to be said.  Odds to win – 13:1.

Los Angeles Dodgers – After coming up short against the Phillies the past 2 seasons, something has to give for Torre and Co.  Unfortunately, it looks like it was their pitching staff.  Clayton Kershaw is slated to start on Opening Day, and while he’s a very promising young arm, the onus of making him the ace of their staff after only 2 seasons could prove costly if he’s not up for the task.  Positive note?  Matt “Mr. Rihanna” Kemp and Andre Ethier continue to get better every season, and with Manny Ramirez looking to continue his career after this season, it would be hard to see him not give everything he has left in the tank during his contract year.  Odds to win – 14:1.

Los Angeles Angels – Whether or not this team still has the “Of Anaheim” moniker need not apply.  They no longer have Vlad “No Knees” Guerrero or John “I’m Not Your” Lackey anymore, so this is definitely a new-look Angels team, compared to what we’ve been accustomed to for the past few years.  Nonetheless, Mike Scioscia keeps this team prepared no matter the circumstances, and this year will probably be no different.  An outstanding young infield (Kendry Morales, Howie Kendrick, Brandon Wood and Erick Aybar) from positions 3-6 respectively make this team a heavy sleeper.  Odds to win – 15:1.

Seattle Mariners – Rainy days haven’t stopped this city from being a potential breakout menace the past few years, but after landing Cliff Lee from Philly during the off-season, it looks like King Felix may have the “2” to his 1-2 Punch combo.  Or is Lee the “1”?  Whatever the case, would you want to face these two arms in a 7-game series?  Probably not.  Odds to win – 16:1.

[Do We Look Like Mattresses? Then Why Would You Sleep On Us…?]

Minnesota Twins – As much as I hate to admit it, this is a very solid team.  They always hang around long enough and close enough to make that final push in the last couple months of the season when they’re seemingly out of the hunt.  On top of that, the addition of J.J. Hardy and Orlando Hudson to their infield not only helps their defense up the middle, but improves their lineup significantly.  And as long as Joe “You Ain’t Scoring” Nathan is the closer, this is a very scary team.  Odds to win – 20:1.

San Francisco Giants – The turnaround from cellar-dweller to stellar-compeller last season most definitely was not a fluke, not as long as Tim “The Freak” Lincecum and Matt Cain are leading the pitching staff.  Pablo “Kung-Fu Panda” Sandoval is a legitimate batting champ in the making, and the much-needed bat of Aubrey Huff gives this team pop from the left side, something they haven’t had since a guy named Bonds … Barry Bonds.  Shaken not stirred.  Odds to win – 20:1.

Tampa Bay Rays – The storybook season a couple years back crash landed back down to Earth last year, but don’t tell this group of guys they can’t contend.  Aside from Carlos Pena and Pat Burrell, this team is filled with nothing but young studs who may continue to improve in years to come, led by Evan “Remember The N” Longoria.  Now, if they can only figure out away to get out of that dreaded AL East division.  Odds to win – 20:1.

Chicago White Sox – The baseball media is abuzz over Ozzie Guillen’s new Twitter account, and the South Side’s skipper wouldn’t have it any other way.  As long as there isn’t any negative criticism going on about his team, Ozzie is glad to take the heat.  But this team is full of guys looking to prove something, after forgettable years from several former All-Stars looking to rebound (Jake Peavy, Carlos Quentin, Alex Rios).  Boasting more quality pitchers than your town’s favorite brewery, the Pale Hose are looking for nothing less than another championship to put on their outspoken leader’s mantle.  Odds to win – 25:1.

Colorado Rockies – Those who thought the Mile-High ball club’s run back in ’07 was a stroke of luck need to look no further back than last year where history repeated itself, and the unlikely crew battled back from the bottom to make another playoff run.  But the team is a product of how well their leader Troy Tulowitzki plays, so another slow start for him this year may mean another big wall to climb late in the season.  The good thing is, when Tulo is on, he’s as good as anybody else in the game.  Period.  Odds to win – 22:1.

[Don’t Feed Our Egos Too Fast, We Tend To Choke…]

Chicago Cubs – I find it hard to believe Bodog gives this team the credit they do, but to each their own.  They’re a favorite every year, and every year they fumble down the stretch.  I see nothing different happening this season, especially with Alfonso Soriano getting up there in age, and no true staff ace to rely on in a crucial game.  Prove me wrong, Captain Lou, prove me wrong.  Odds to win – 20:1.

New York Mets – Again, three years in a row they were the NL East favorite, and all 3 years they managed to let those lofty expectations get the better of them.  Johan “Don’t Call Me Carlos” Santana is not the same ace he was with the Twins, but he’s still got plenty of years left in the tank.  He’s just going to need a lot more help from his friends.  David Wright can’t do it alone, and no one knows what to expect from Jose Reyes after he missed the majority of last year.  This all without addressing the always problematic bullpen issues this team goes through as well.  Odds to win – 20:1.

[Providing False Hope For Those Loyal Fans Who Don’t Know Better…]

Detroit Tigers – Miguel Cabrera’s binging sprees aside, Jim Leyland’s crew is capable of bouncing back this year, at least for a couple months.  Justin Verlander can only carry this pitching staff so far, and Rick Porcello wasn’t exactly a beacon of stability last season.  Aging veterans like Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen and free agent signee Johnny Damon don’t exactly give this team a bright future, either.  Odds to win – 28:1.

Atlanta Braves – One thing this squad always provides is solid pitching, and this year’s rotation, if healthy, can be one of the best in the MLB.  Too bad there’s little to no offense to provide run support.  There’s always that possibility that Troy “Lip” Glaus and Chipper can resurrect their bats, but even with promising young players like Nate McLouth, Matt Diaz and Yunel Escobar, I just don’t see them hanging with the Phils.  Brian McCann is the only sure-bet offensively.  Odds to win – 22:1.

Houston Astros – These are the anti-Twins.  They always make a late-season surge, but by then they’re already too far back to see the finish line.  Call them the Danica Patrick of the NL Central.  Crash and burn, baby.  Odds to win – 75:1.

Florida Marlins – There isn’t a more resilient team in the MLB than these scrappy fish.  They’re like what the Oakland A’s used to be – a team that develops great talent through their farm system, hangs tough throughout the season, then ends up losing their best players because they can’t afford to pay them.  Those Damn Yankees.  SMH (that’s shaking my head, for those who are out of the loop).  Odds to win – 30:1.

Milwaukee Brewers - Two of the best hitters in the game (Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder) but no pitching to match.  Yovani Gallardo is the only sure thing in the Brew Crew’s rotation.  Randy Wolf had a career year with the Dodgers last seaon, but something tells me that success won’t be duplicated in 2010, at least not to that extent.  You never know, though.  Odds to win – 40:1.

Texas Rangers – One of the few lineups where any batter from 1-9 can provide pop.  Again, though, there’s little to no pitching.  Rich Harden helps out that cause, but we all know what happens to good hurlers who go to Arlington:  they kind of start sucking.  Odds to win – 25:1.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Brandon Webb is this team’s key to success, plain and simple.  He and Dan Haren provide the classic top-of-the-rotation studs any team needs to survive, but can they get quality production from Edwin “No Relation To Michael” Jackson without the second-half collapse he suffered in ‘09?  Only the season will tell.  Justin Upton is the only sure-fire stud offensively.  Odds to win – 35:1.

Cincinnati Reds – If there’s one thing Dusty Baker is good at, it’s working the hell out of young pitchers until their arm strength is the equivalent to a wet noodle.  Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and Edinson Volquez are all historical examples of this theory, so if highly-touted Cuban import Aroldis Chapman has any wits about him, he may want to attempt getting himself traded.  That, or look into becoming ambidextrous.  Odds to win – 50:1.

[Better Luck Next Year…  Or The Year After… Or Not In This Lifetime…]

These teams don’t even deserve explanations on why they have no chance, so yeah.  I offer my condolences to the poor fans of the following franchises:

Oakland Athletics – 55:1.

Cleveland Indians – 75:1.

Kansas City Royals – 85:1.

San Diego Padres – 90:1.

Baltimore Orioles – 100:1.

Toronto Blue Jays – 100:1.

Pittsburgh Pirates – 125:1.

Washington Nationals – 150:1.

Sorry, no Doggie awards this week.  Maybe I’ll double them up next time around, maybe not.  Until then, I wish you peace, love and soul food … except grits.  How can anyone eat that stuff?  It’s like a combo of rice and flavorless oatmeal.  Damn, I’m rambling now … MOT signing out.