As we head toward the New Year we tend to look back and evaluate the past years.

Well, things are pretty good. The kids are all a year older and they survived flu, accidents and what-not. Mom got a new TV with love and I got a four-wheeler with the same.

Not everyone is happy about the past year, but us oldsters are happy we’re still here for another year and can’t complain.

When we think of this year, we usually compare it to the last one and wonder how the next one will turn out. While we as individuals may have taken a step up, our economy certainly didn’t and we’re hoping for a better 2009 with Barrack Obama.

Sports teams also have seasons and this year is judged against the past year and plans are made for the next year. They have an advantage over people, because of interchangeable parts, while we are mostly stuck with the same old allotment. In looking at a few Minnesota teams it appears that most have done well in 2008 and have reason to look forward to 2009.

Our Gopher basketball team is undefeated as I write this and it’s a little difficult when you try to compare years, as their seasons lap over the calendar year. However, when we look at last season, they have a winning record of 20-14 in Tubby Smith’s first year. But some of those wins came against lesser opponents and the team was 20-14 but 8-10 in the Big Ten. I think the best you can give them for last year is a mediocre rating, but they were better than the previous year and it appears that the upward climb is continuing. The Gophers are 10-0 with new recruits, ranked 23rd in the nation and it appears the team is headed toward the NCAA tourney and, to further stick my neck out, third in the Big Ten in 2009.

Our Minnesota Vikings, after a record of 8-8 in 2007, cannot finish worse than 9-7 and could be on the road to the playoffs. Anytime a NFL team is able to make the postseason, it has to be considered a good year.

The new parts certainly came into play with Jared Allen providing the biggest missing element in the 2007 defense and Bernard Berrian doing the same for the offense. The Wilf’s seem to want to spend money on their Vikings, an aberration from our other team owners, making the future look good.

After a losing 2007 season our Minnesota Twins contended down to the last day in 2008 and beyond. They didn’t make the playoffs, but they came as close as they could come. So in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year our Twins did well.

What’s in store for our 2009 Twins based on their play in 2008? Unlike last year, their 2009 edition is retaining their starting lineup, at least the lineup as constituted the last half of the season. The only move made during the offseason was to sign Nick Punto to a two-year 8.5 million dollar contract. While they could use a couple of interchangeable parts, perhaps it’s best they stop there.

That thought is based on their past offseason signings of Sidney Ponson, Jeff Crillo, Ramon Ortiz, Rondell White, Mike Lamb, Livan Hernandez, Adam Everett, Craig Monroe and who could forget Tony Batista.

The Twins’ front office has lived a long time on the A. J. Pierzynski for Joe Nathan, Francisco Liriano and Boof Bonser trade. It’s time for another successful move after years of contributing to the old, less than mediocre, washed up, players fund. However, as things stand, 2009 looks promising for the Twins if Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer remain healthy.

Nothing has been said about the Minnesota Timberwolves and It’s probably best to keep it that way.