The Backup Plans

(A new band name)

Did you ever wonder what you would be watching if March Madness did not exist?
Though they may pale in comparison, there are actually some pretty good sporting events in the coming weeks:

• World Baseball Classic - USA is making a good run at the championship this year. The Americans have to contend with the 51st state (Puerto Rico), Cuba, defending champion Japan, and a surprise Netherlands team, led by Sidney Ponson and Eugene Kingsale.
• UEFA Champions League - The best soccer teams are clashing for world dominance. Today's match-ups included Manchester United-Inter Milan and Arsenal-Roma. Italy's squads came up empty-handed in the first knockout round. Quarterfinals don't start until April, but there's plenty of action to follow in the Premiership, as Chelsea and Liverpool try to close the gap with Man U. A good way to keep on the hottest metrosexual hairstyles, including fauxhawks and blonde highlights (not sure what's going on here between goalkeeper Manuel Alumnia and opposing striker Francesco Totti).
  
• Six Nations Championship - This one's a bit of a stretch, unless you're a die-hard rugby fan. England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Italy start squaring off this weekend.
• Dubai World Cup - The globe's richest horse race (on March 28th) features the frontrunners for the Kentucky Derby.
  
• St. Patrick's Day - Not an athletic competition persay, but requires an amazing display of endurance and fortitude. Guiness is a lot like Gatorade, with no electrolytes.