#1: The analog controls in MLB '11: The Show will be a monumental success and will surpass what 2K has done with analog controls thus far.

Christian McLeod: Fiction. Like the overall game or not, it's tough to knock 2K when it comes to the implementation of analog controls, particularly the pitching, in MLB 2K. MLB 11's analog controls will breathe new life into a series that has been beyond stale controls-wise for the last three years. While this will translate to monumental success for the series in my eyes, 2K's solid job thus far with analog implementation makes it difficult for me to believe that MLB 11 will be adding anything that is leaps and bounds better.

Dustin Toms: Fiction. Christian is absolutely correct. The analog controls should be a huge improvement for the game, but they won't be up to par with what 2K has been doing the past few years. For example, The Show could conceivably experience issues with their controls for awhile or even need an early patch. In the long run, it is a great move for them, but I don't expect it to be outstanding from the outset.

Caley Roark: Fact. Given The Show's hesitancy to jump on board the analog-control-scheme train, I think the developers' first try will be a calculated effort aimed to get it right. After all, this is not a gimmicky addition to boost sales -- 2K is not really a major competitor at this point, especially critically speaking. The first attempt might not be earth shaking, but it will be successful and more natural than 2K's efforts.

#2: EA Sports will make a baseball game as soon as 2K Sports drops the exclusive license.

Christian McLeod: Fact. Actually, if there were something that was more fact than the word fact, that would be my answer. Let's just say this, while at an EA event last year a former developer of the MVP series was all too eager to discuss the MVP franchise with me, knowing I was such a fan of MVP 05. This person was also extremely coy with me when I asked point blank when MVP was coming back. If ever I needed confirmation that MVP was high on the EA priority list, this was it. Trust me when I say that EA is counting down the days until the MLB exclusivity agreement expires (or is dropped by 2K).

Dustin Toms: Fiction. EA will make a MLB game again, but don't expect it to be as soon as humanly possible. EA has been known for mailing it in from time to time, but I don't expect the company to rush the game out to coincide with the exclusivity agreement ending. And if people need a reason why I feel EA will take its time, just look at NBA Elite 11 -- the company decided to make the right choice and pull it off the calendar to further develop it. That move right there makes me believe that EA will put MVP into development when the license drops, but we won't see a retail product for a couple years.

Caley Roark: Fact. It's not really a leap to say that EA likes the easy dollar. This is not a shot at the games released by the company, rather just a comment on past strategies. If the folks at EA see a hot sports market that they can exploit, they don't waste time or worry about risks (see: EA MMA). I think as soon as its possible, an MLB series will be back in the fold at EA.

#3: 2K Sports will not make a baseball game after the MLB exclusivity agreement ends.

Christian McLeod: Fiction. Even though Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick came out and lambasted the MLB exclusive license, the key point that needed to be understood was that 2K continues to lose money because of the MLB exclusive license, not because 2K Sports makes a MLB game. There is a possibility that 2K may shy away from the simulation baseball market once the exclusivity license expires, but count on seeing more casual/arcade baseball games made. The Bigs is a perfect example -- no way 2K walks away from baseball.

Dustin Toms: Fiction. 2K would be dumb not to continue to make a rapidly improving title. The MLB 2K series has arguably shown the most improvement of any sports series the past two years. (If you consider the fact that this series is one of the culprits that jump started the "$60 roster update" comments, the "most improved" comment becomes even more impressive.) Now with the new mechanics in place, especially the pitching, 2K might eventually give The Show a run for its money in a couple years.

Caley Roark: Fiction. I'll say fiction, but I'll agree with Christian. I predict 2K will drop the improving, but still relatively mediocre, simulation franchise, and intensify efforts on the arcade front. Maybe the studio will even tap into Power Pros again. The Bigs and Power Pros represent the best that Take-Two has been able to offer during its time with the license.

#4: At least one team from last year's World Series will get back there this year.

Christian McLeod: Fiction. The Giants caught lightning in a bottle last season, and the Rangers lost too many key components to their playoff run (in other words, Cliff Lee). In the AL, the Red Sox are going to be the sexy pick to win the pennant, especially with the additions of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez. In the NL look for the Phillies pitching staff to dominate. I like the Phillies this year a lot -- my bet is on them hoisting some hardware come November.

Dustin Toms: Fiction. The Giants barely made the playoffs last season. Their offense was horrid. To be honest, I was shocked by the fact they even made it to the second round. Unless their offense improves, which it has on paper, they won't be returning next year. As for the Rangers, they're even worse off. Cliff is gone. That's all you need to know. Without Cliff they would not have made it to the Series. Besides, we all know that the Seattle Mariners will be holding up that trophy at season's end.

Caley Roark: Fiction. As a Phillies fan, it would be blasphemy to pick against them. Irrational too, as their pitching should dominate the NL. I like the Red Sox to take the AL. Actually, I don't think the Rangers or Giants will even make the playoffs.