October 8th: Lord Stanley's Return

One of the greatest Stanley Cup Playoffs in recent history left a nation waiting for October. Now, the NHL is ready to drop puck once again, allowing hockey to get back on track as the country’s fastest growing sport.

This season, the Blackhawks look like the juggernaut to beat in the West, with the Stanley Cup winning Kings not far behind. The Bruins lead a weak East, while the Penguins and Canadiens refuse to be forgotten.

The Zoot Perspective: Left Fielder has been waiting for months for this. Here is the 2014-2015 forecast for just a few of the things you’re going to see this year.

Player to watch: Anze Kopitar, C, Kings

Kopitar had a coming out party in the Kings’ Stanley Cup run last year. He received some much due spotlight, and is about to make the jump into the upper echelon of the league. This prediction isn’t necessarily that his numbers will change much, but he will receive far more air-time as an elite level playmaker in the NHL.

Team ready to reach the next level: Minnesota Wild

The “State of Hockey” is ready to become something big. Last season’s success, coupled with off-season acquisition of Thomas Vanek vault this team into serious contention for the West. Come late April, it wouldn’t surprise me if we were talking about the Blackhawks, Kings, and Wild as the major threats to represent the Western Conference.

Team that will fall from grace: New York Rangers

The defending Eastern Conference Champs are about to sink like a stone. In hockey, making the playoffs isn’t nearly enough if you’re going to get ousted in the first round. That may be the fate for the Rangers this coming year. Having the greatest goalie in hockey helps seal some wins, but this team looked like they were riding more momentum than talent last season. Momentum doesn’t usually do too well across the off-season.

Western Conference Final prediction: Chicago Blackhawks over Los Angeles Kings

This is the best matchup in hockey going forward. At the end of last season’s clash, the entire hockey world was saying that these two teams squaring off is good for the sport. Well, each team is just as deep as they were a year ago, and the Blackhawks would love nothing more than revenge. I give the edge to a Blackhawks team that features two of the best young stars in the game, and a supporting cast who can make it all come together once again.

Eastern Conference Final prediction: Boston Bruins over Pittsburgh Penguins

This makes me uncomfortable. I don’t think these are the best two teams in the conference. Not even close. I think it is the best team and maybe the fourth or fifth best. But, with the playoff structure implemented last season, it looks like the far better Atlantic division will be forced to beat each other up, leaving the Metropolitan division with an opportunity to skate a little bit. That being said, I think the Bruins will edge the Lightning to go to the Conference finals where they will meet the far underqualified Penguins. The Bruins, who are the deepest team in the East, will make the Penguins look lame. Once again, Pittsburgh will have to answer to the question: what good does star power do if you can’t win championships?

Stanley Cup prediction: Chicago Blackhawks over Boston Bruins

The epic 2013 Stanley Cup Final rematch will happen this year, with the Madhouse on Madison rocking again. The Blackhawks will have their hands full with a tough goalie, but nothing they haven’t done before.

Hockey is one of the few sports where any team can beat anyone on any given night. Yet over the course of the playoffs, the cream rises to the top. The talent, depth, and experience of the Blackhawks will lead them to their third cup in six seasons, and official dynasty status.

October 6th: The Patriots Still Lost

Alright, Mr. Belichick. We get it. You're on to Cincinnati.

After a horrible Monday night loss to Kansas City, the New England head coach was anything but warm to the media who asked him about his game plan moving forward. He repeatedly refused to answer questions directly, instead citing his team's desire to look forward.

You would think, then, that when the Patriots beat down the Bengals on Sunday night, Bill would warm up a little. But alas, it was not meant to be. In another grouchy interview, Belichick refused to answer any direct questions once again, rudely shrugging off any attempts by reporters to, ya know, gain information.

I have some bad news for you, Bill. While you may think your job is to win football games, it isn't. You may think a Super Bowl is all you play for, but it's not. You play because you are in the entertainment industry. Fans come to games to see your team, to watch them win, and to listen to you tell them how it happened. Your selfish form of football, where you are too embarrassed to face the media like a man, is a glaring example of a career's worth of inability to understand that access is all that football is really about.

You have also thoroughly abused reporters who are there to do their jobs. The reporters aren't trying to get you fired. They aren't trying to ruin your day. They are simply attempting to get a quote so that they can do their own jobs. By refusing to give them anything to write, you are making their lives more difficult. Imagine if they took away your headset. Or your hoodie.

Football fans want to experience the game through the eyes and minds of the players. Derek Jeter, when he retired, started a website dedicated to allowing sports stars to open up to the fans. He understood the value of transparency in sports, and how important it is to allow the fans to see into the game. Belichick clearly doesn't.

You said in your interview after this week's win that you felt satisfied with the team's performance. Well, I most certainly not satisfied with yours.

October 2nd: NFL Week 5

The Zoot Perspective: Left Fielder blew it last week. I went 5-7 picking games (I picked after the Giants win against the Redskins). This week, teams have had the chance to show whether they’re the real deal, or just hanging on.

Vikings at Packers

The win against the Bears last week seemed to prove that the Packers are back. The Vikings aren’t sitting ducks, but the Packers’ punter isn’t going to see any action for the second week in a row.

Bears at Panthers

Two teams that struggled mightily last week, the Bears and Panthers both attempt to take control of a winning record. The Bears offense has gotten their running game together, which makes them a big threat, while the Panthers are limping after catching the injury bug.

Browns at Titans

I haven’t picked the Browns yet, but maybe it’s time I started. The Titans aren’t looking good, while the Browns seem to have the creativity to find ways to win. They have remained competitive in each of their first three games, something I hadn’t thought possible.

Rams at Eagles

After being held to exactly zero offensive productivity, the Eagles will be playing angry. The Rams will see their lack of a decent quarterback catch up to them.

Falcons at Giants

This is my bold prediction of the week. I think the Giants are about to click, while I think the Falcons are a prime candidate to get knocked off. No promises, but I think Eli could start to flourish in his new system.

Buccaneers at Saints

New Orleans must be in full-blown panic mode. Luckily, they have the Buccaneers to beat up on this week. The Saints will play with a chip on their shoulder, while the Buccs will be too busy celebrating last week’s surprise win to know what hit them.

Texans at Cowboys

The Lone-star showdown features two teams with 3-1 records, something of a surprise to most. The Texans have been fun with J.J. Watt and all, but I think the Cowboys are starting to show people that they are the real deal. I’m going with Big D.

Bills at Lions

The Lions look like they’re poised to take advantage of the NFC North. Their offense is dominant and their defense is passable. Kyle Orton is not a franchise changing quarterback, and the Bills look like they’re pretty much done for the season.

Ravens at Colts

Andrew Luck is in full-blown dominant mode, while the Ravens are coming off a big win against Carolina. You can’t guarantee that Steve Smith will play like that again, though, and the Colts look like they could be the real deal. I’m thinking AFC Championship game for the Colts. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Steelers at Jaguars

You would think this would be the second straight chump game for the Steelers, but apparently they bungled that last week. Blake Bortles will get a good crack at things, but I think the Steelers will find a way to scratch out a win. That doesn’t mean Pittsburgh shouldn’t start panicing.

Cardinals at Broncos

The Broncos lost two weeks ago, and have had to sit and wait for redemption. The Cardinals are a great team, but they should be squirming, knowing how much Peyton has been watching them for a fortnight. This is going to be fun to watch. Well, if you’re a Broncos fan, anyway.

Chiefs at 49ers

Both had telling wins last week, but the 49ers couldn’t stay away from the drama. The Chiefs have been so up and down thus far, and I think things are about to get very good in San Francisco.

Jets at Chargers

The Chargers are one point away from undefeated. The Jets are falling into the old “if you have two quarterbacks you have none” adage. The Chargers get the victory and the Jets get a new quarterback.

Bengals at Patriots

Poor Tom Brady. Said nobody ever. Well, at least until this week. After an embarrassing beat-down and benching, the Patriots don’t get any easier with the Bengals, who look like their trying to win all of the playoff games before they even get there.

Seahawks at Redskins

Everyone wants to be the ones to knock off the Seahawks. Instead, the Redskins have to be beaten down by them. Apparently we found out exactly how far Kirk Cousins will take them...Week 4.

October 1st: American League Position Breakdown

The playoffs have begun, and we’re down to the four teams in each league who are leading the charge. At this point, any player could be the difference maker. The Zoot Perspective: Left Fielder looks position-by-position, ranking the position players for each representative per team. Take a look at the best the American League has to offer.

Catcher:

1. Salvador Perez

Fun-loving and fun to watch, Perez’s bat and attitude lead the Royals.

2. Alex Avila

Can’t seem to get his batting average up, but he has been there before, so he gets an edge.

3. Chris Iannetta

Has split time with Hank Conger, but will need to handle this staff through the tough lineups of the playoffs.

4. Caleb Joseph

When Matt Wieters went down, the Orioles decided to go with Joseph. He’s been fine, but “fine” won’t cut it in the postseason.

First Base:

1. Miguel Cabrera

He was the best player in baseball the past two years. This year? Not that far off. He will hurt opposing pitchers.

2. Albert Pujols

Pujols’ resurgent 2014 will put him in position to lead the Angels into the playoffs. He’s got a pair of rings, and will help contribute if he’s going to make it three.

3. Eric Hosmer

He’s working on becoming the guy the Royals dreamt of, but a playoff run will help his case.

4. Steven Pearce

He’s taken over for Chris Davis, but the Orioles will miss his pop in the middle of their line-up.

Second Base

1. Ian Kinsler

Kinsler was a great pickup for the Tigers. He has been hitting up a storm, and has playoff experience.

2. Howie Kendrick

Solid. Kendrick is straight up solid. Good table setter for the Angels big hitters.

3. Omar Infante

Infante is the only Royal with playoff experience. They need his leadership.

4. Jonathan Schoop

A soft hitter in an otherwise bopping lineup. Not thrilled by what he brings to the table.

Shortstop:

1. J.J. Hardy

One of the best offensive shortstops the past few years.

2. Erick Aybar

Aybar is holding down the fort in an otherwise weak position. He is, by no means, a liability on any side of the ball.

3. Alcides Escobar

Speed, defense, and a bat with flashes of solid contact. That’s a full package.

4. Andrew Romine

At best, he is a defensive placeholder. The TIgers will miss Jose Iglesias.

Third Base:

1. Mike Moustakas

After struggling early in the year, Moustakas has pulled together a fairly solid bat.

2. Nick Castellanos

A young guy who is going to be baptized by fire in the playoffs.

3. David Freese

He’s been the World Series hero before, but you wouldn’t know it from his regular season.

4. Ryan Flaherty

The Orioles have pop at a few key positions. This isn’t one of them.

Left Field:

1. Alex Gordon

He hits, he plays defense, he runs. Gordon has done everything they needed him to do.

2. J.D. Martinez

The biggest surprise of the season, J.D. Martinez is going to have the chance to come up big.

3. Colin Cowgill

Cowgill hasn’t played much this year, but he gets to play next to the league’s best.

4. Alejandro De Aza

Went from a loser to a competitor, but may not remember that with his play.

Center Field:

1. Mike Trout

The best player in baseball. Period. His star will shine brightly.

2. Adam Jones

If he was playing at any other outfield spot, he would be the best. As it is, he is the leader of a strong Baltimore club.

3. Lorenzo Cain

Fast feet and a solid bat, Lorenzo Cain represents what the Royals’ offense is all about.

4. Rajai Davis

Speed will help an otherwise slower Tigers offense, but his bat needs a little extra pop.

Right Field:

1. Nike Markakis

Markakis is one of the top 5 most underrated players in Major League Baseball. He’s a huge part of this Orioles team.

2. Kole Calhoun

Not a conventional leadoff hitter, but he is proving to be a big-time asset to the Angels.

3. Torii Hunter

He will do anything to get the Boston grand-slam image out of his head.

4. Nori Aoki

Slashing bat will get him on base, and his legs will help manufacture some runs.

DH:

1. Victor Martinez

A would-be MVP candidate, Martinez is protection for Miggy, protected by J.D.

2. Nelson Cruz

After the disgrace of last year, he’s come back nicely to lead the league in dingers.

3. Billy Butler

Butler can’t run worth a lick, but if he can hit it far enough, he won’t have to.

4. C.J. Cron

The young bat will be given the opportunity to produce along with Trout and Pujols.

Starting Pitching:

1. Tigers

Even with a rough past few months, you just can’t bet against three Cy Young award winners.

2. Orioles

You might not be able to name them, but they have been the silent assassins of the AL.

3. Royals

Young and inexperienced, the Royals have been reliable and kept their team in games.

4. Angels

Injuries won’t leave them alone, but they look to have an at least decent chance.

Relief Pitching:

1. Orioles

After the sixth inning, forget about it.

2. Angels

Who would have thought this would be a strength in June?

3. Royals

The three-headed hydra is a force to be reckoned with.

4. Tigers

This has been the sore spot all season for the Tigers, while it could be the most important part of a playoff run.

Average per team:

1. Tigers (2.27)

  T2.    Royals (2.55)

  T2.    Angels (2.55)

4. Orioles (2.64)