In one of the coolest features I’ve seen compiled in a long time, RealClearSports.com put together a list of the top 10 erroneous columns of 2008.

1. Pats Can’t Lose

“Crown them Now. Pats Can’t Lose” – Jay Mariotti, Chicago Sun-Times

“…[I]f you’re expecting a Super Bowl…please be aware that the New England Patriots already have won their fourth Vince Lombardi trophy in seven years. They clinched it Sunday, while sitting around their TV sets, watching the only team that possibly could have beaten them, the Indianapolis Colts, lose at home to the San Diego Chargers … Beyond a mass kidnapping, nothing will stop the Patriots from their destiny. They’ve overcome close calls with great escapes, and now, just two wins short of the greatest season in American team sports since the Bulls’ 72-10 title year, no opponent in this solar system will beat them … Crown them. We know exactly who the Patriots are: the perfect football team.”

Sorry, Jay. Take solace in the fact that you were one of millions who was very, very wrong. Unfortunately, your words got printed.

I love when Jay Mariotti is called out. I don’t know, it just makes me feel all warm inside.

Some of the other erroneous columns discussed:

“Mets Won’t Collapse Again” – Mike Vaccaro, New York Post
“Rays Won’t Make Playoffs” – Mike Vaccaro, New York Post
“Picking Ryan ‘Highly Debatable’” – Terence Moore, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Lakers Will Win Title” – Michael Ventre, NBC Sports
“McNabb’s Reign Likely is Over” – Ashley Fox, Philadelphia Inquirer

With a 7-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, the Tampa Bay rays clinched their first playoff spot in club history. And with their 5-4 victory over division rival St. Louis, the Chicago cubs are once again NL Central Champions.

The Rays’ Division Series playoff destination will shake out in the final week of the season. Assuming the Rays win the AL East and Boston wins the Wild Card, the Rays will open at home against the Central winner, either the White Sox or Twins, while the Red Sox would open at the Angels, who have the AL’s best record. Should Boston win the East and the Rays get the Wild Card, the Rays would open at Anaheim, while the Red Sox would host the Central Division champion. The Division Series is a best-of-five set.

What a magical run the Rays had this year. Finally, all of their young, exciting position talent came together and the pitching staff held up for an entire season. Too bad they don’t sell out in Tampa, because fans are missing one hell of a ride.

If the standings hold, they will host the Wild Card-leading Philadelphia Phillies on Oct. 1-2 in the first two games of a best-of-five National League Division Series. Games 3 and 4 (if necessary) would be in Philadelphia on Oct. 4-5. If the series goes to a decisive fifth game, it would be Oct. 7 at Wrigley Field. Philadelphia is only a half-game behind the Mets in the East, so the first-round opponent could easily change.

Teams from the same division cannot face each other in the Division Series. If Milwaukee, Houston or St. Louis wins the Wild Card, the Cubs, if they don’t blow their seven-game lead atop the NL standings, will play the NL division champion with the worst record. The West-leading Dodgers are Chicago’s likely opponent in that scenario, since they are 6 1/2 games behind the East-leading Mets.

How long before all the curse talk begins? Wait, it’s already started? The Cubs have the most balanced lineup in the NL and if Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden can stay healthy, the club also has an excellent 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. But obviously the major question surrounding this team is whether or not they can get over the hump. They certainly have enough talent to make a World Series run, now it’s all about execution.