Column by Ken Cohen
What can we expect in two thousand thirteen?
It won't be Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens coming clean.
The Hall of Fame will pass them by
As long as they think it's better to lie.

Who do I like between the Irish and the Tide?
It means nothing to me until a real playoff is tried.
Not the four-team invitational that will just add to the mess
But a full 16-team tournament similar to March Madness.

I thought the Giants and Pats would replay the Super Bowl
But it appears New York has dug itself quite a hole.
I'm still going with New England to win it all
Though Green Bay is playing some inspired ball.

I'm not convinced by the Knicks great start
If the shots start missing, they could fall apart
The Miami Heat are still the league’s best I suppose
Watch out for the Bulls if they get back Derrick Rose

There's nothing to say about the dormant NHL
No one really misses it as far as I can tell.
For great professional hockey, take 17 west
To Binghamton where $15 is all you need to invest.

Kentucky has brought in another stellar freshman class
They'll be there in March once they learn to pass.
I love the way Indiana plays for coach Tom Creen
Hard-nosed, smart basketball and nothing in between.

Can a special three-year old give chase to the Triple Crown?
Or will three races in five weeks force another horse down.
Shanghai Bobby seems to have what it takes
To win the Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

The Angels are loaded as teams head to spring training
But baseball is changing and moneyball is gaining
I like Tampa, Oakland, Cincinnati and Baltimore
Move aside big spenders and make way for the poor

Is there anyone better than Rory McIlroy?
Two majors already and he's still just a boy.
Louis Oosthuizen may be his only peer
The wee South African will have a big year

Can Roger Federer eke out one more Grand Slam win?
He'll have to rely on guile, guts and lots of topspin.
Novak's power and Nadal's speed will be too tough
And the 32-year-old great will have to say enough.

Ohio State plays for real under Urban Meyer
They should be number one wire to wire
But all eyes will be on Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel
As he tries to break the back-to-back Heisman spell

Finally, the NHL will probably be ready to play again
Hopefully the fans will pay little attention.

Ken Cohen brings 30 years of publishing experience, many covering sports and working for sports companies, His column, “Further Review” will appear every Friday.