Early January-to-infinity, Al Davis' next coach: There's no better way (or other way) to ring in a new year than hearing Davis trumpet his new coach and the Raiders' return to greatness. Of more pressing concern is Davis' health. He's been incognito the past month. Will he personally unveil his new coach? He won't have to if Tom Cable ditches his interim tag.

Late January, Monta Ellis' return: Just when you think the Warriors' season is on the brink of collapse, Ellis rides to the rescue. Rides? Poor word choice. But let's finally see that left ankle he shredded in August while riding, ahem, a "moped."

Jan. 31, Pro Football Hall of Fame: On Super Bowl eve comes the Hall of Fame selections, and current semifinalists include these ex-49ers and/or Raiders: Roger Craig, Richard Dent, Chris Doleman, Kevin Greene, Ray Guy, Charles Haley, Lester Hayes, Ken Stabler and Rod Woodson.

Feb. 1, Super Bowl XLIII: Kickoff is 3 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium, where the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-10.

Feb. 15, NBA All-Star Game: The Warriors go an impressive 14 consecutive seasons without being represented in the NBA's midseason jam-fest.

Feb. 15, See Lance Ride: Watch Lance Armstrong's comeback in the Amgen Tour of California's opening stage from Davis to Santa Rosa. Don't get too close, or he might impregnate you.

March 10, Barry Bonds Trial: The all-time home run king heads to federal court for his perjury trial. Wonder if he'll say his case like the home-run record is not tainted. At all. Period.

April 7, Giants' home opener: Step right up and see Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum (or Cy Young winner Barry Zito, or Cy Young winner Randy Johnson). While you're at it, pay respect to lame-duck manager Bruce Bochy (or lame-duck general manager Brian Sabean).

April 9-12, Tiger in the Masters: Tiger Woods' comeback should be ready for The Masters. Hey, Rocco Mediate, go get Tiger's green jacket dry-cleaned and into Butler Cabin.

April 16, Yankee Stadium: It's Opening Day at the newest penthouse for America's most overpaid athletes. Oh, wait, the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium doesn't open for another five months.

May 19, NBA draft lottery: Oh, sure, the Warriors' luck will finally change this time. Sure.

Late May, Stanley Cup finals: With the Sharks' luck, they'll finally get past the second round of the playoffs before seeing the NHL go bankrupt and shut down before the finals.

June 25, NBA draft: Will Chris Mullin, Don Nelson or long-lost mascot Thunder pick for the Warriors?

July 26, Rickey to the Hall: Rickey Henderson is sure to make Rickey's speech everything you expect from Rickey at Rickey's Baseball Hall of Fame induction.

July 31, MLB trade deadline: Time's up on the A's rental of outfielder Matt Holliday. But say hello to new prospects who'll be big-league ready by the time Cisco Field opens in, oh yes, Timbuktu.

Sept. 13, NFL openers: The 49ers and Raiders get started on their first playoff seasons since 2002. Or their seventh straight losing seasons. Doh!

Sept. 24-27, We see Wie: Michelle Wie's first year on the LPGA tour nears its end at the Longs Drugs Challenge at Blackhawk Country Club. Guarantee yourself a good view by buying a mansion now while the price is right.

Oct. 8-11, President's Cup: The world's best golfers descend on San Francisco's Harding Park. Please replace your divots until then.

November, World Series: Yuck. Enough said.

Dec. 5, Renew BCS debate: The Big 12 and Southeastern Conference championship games are this day, and someone will be clamoring for a college football playoff. Oh, yes, that'd be President Obama.

Dec. 31, 49ers groundbreaking: Grab your best shovel for the 49ers' new stadium in Santa Clara. After all, when they unveiled their plan in 2006, they pegged New Year's Day 2010 as the groundbreaking. Or was it 2020?

Contact Cam Inman at cinman@bayareanewsgroup.com