Top five sports-related events for 2014

5. Olympics: The only thing that could have made the Miracle on Ice better is the miracle of HDTV. The winter spectacle was exciting even when the action was viewed on a black-and-white TV -- there always was plenty of snow in those days, even at the Summer Games -- but today's high technology nearly makes the action a five-sensory experience. With high def and camera angles what they are, viewers of the Sochi Games (Feb. 7 to 23) are advised to bundle up and wear protective head gear. Can't wait for the downhill skiing.

4. NFL Draft: Super Bowls are won on draft days (May 8 to 10), which are like Christmas Day for fans. Everyone has a wish list and there are plenty of shiny, new players for all -- with the exception of that somebody who wanted a really, really shiny player a couple years ago and sacrificed future shiny players. Thanks to the Rams' lucrative trade that allowed Washington to take the No. 2 overall pick (Robert Griffin III) in the 2012 draft, St. Louis sits in the exact same position in 2014 draft at No. 2 overall. The high pick, which also came along with Washington's first-round picks in 2012 and 2013, came courtesy of RG3 falling short of expectations in a horrendous 2013 season that got Redskins coach Mike Shanahan fired. St. Louis also has the 13th overall pick.

3. MLB's Opening Day: The boys of summer can't get here soon enough. The arrival of MLB is yet another signal that we've been freed from the hands of Old Man Winter. Good news for Cardinals fans: The National League champions are back in action March 30 (they historically begin in April) against the Reds in Cincinnati. It will be the first chance for the St. Louis faithful to get a look at two major offseason acquisitions -- shortstop Jhonny Peralta and center fielder Peter Bourjos. If all goes well, top prospect Oscar Taveras also might be on display. The days after Opening Day aren't too bad either -- unless you're a Cubs fan.

2. Masters: Golf is all about the majors. They don't give out green jackets in putt-putt golf -- or for that matter, the events leading up to this April classic. There's nothing quite like the scent and sight of azaleas, lightning quick greens, Amen Corner and professional golfers gasping for air on the back nine at Augusta National. Are there any majors left in Lindsey Vonn's boyfriend? If there are, he better get working at it on April 10.

1. Kentucky Derby: It's been called the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports, and I won't disagree. It's the start of the Triple Crown series that includes The Preakness and Belmont Stakes. The world has been waiting to crown the next superstar horse for 36 years. While that may not seem long to a Cubs fan, it is for the rest of us. Racing immortality is elusive, and it only remains a possibility for whichever horse wins this race on May 3 at Churchill Downs. The world of sports is never so alive as when the field makes the turn for home and the track announcer's pulse quickens as he bares the moment, " ... And down the stretch they come!"