Baseball

Cheating, betting, and scandals have been a part of sports ever since the beginning, whether it's to gain a competitive advantage over an opponent, rake in some extra cash, or a temptation that was just too hard to resist.

The only thing worse than all of those things, though, is lying about it. Sooner or later the truth will come out, and when it does, get ready.

These 10 sports figures lied to millions of fans, and are worthy of being named the top 10 liars in sports history.

Fans of the New York Yankees are still in shock over the defending champs quietly-into-the-night finish in the 2010 ALCS. And while there are the Knicks to look forward to, the true pinstripe die-hards are already focusing an eye on what looks to be a busy offseason.

Alex Anthopoulos finally made it official by announcing the Blue Jays have hired John Farrell, the former pitching coach of the Boston Red Sox, to be the twelfth manager in Blue Jays history. Farrell was considered one of the best minds available. In fact, Terry Francona stated it was not a question of whether he became a bench boss, or even how long (he knew it would be this year), it was a question of where.

Despite winning a World Series last fall, Yankees GM Brian Cashman kept busy over the winter.

He acquired Curtis Granderson in a three-team deal that sent top outfield prospect Austin Jackson to Detroit along with lefty reliever Phil Coke, as well as starter Ian Kennedy to Arizona.

Now that the New York Yankees' dreams of a World Series repeat have ended, they enter the most uncertain postseason in recent memory. When they got on the bus at their hotel in Arlington, Texas, it wasn't taking them to Game 7. It was taking them home to face questions not about why they lost, but what they're going to do now.

NBC Sports Hardball Talk columnist Craig Calcaterra published a blurb asking if the idea of Derek Jeter leaving the Bronx for Boston would be such a bad thing. He even posted a picture of Jeter superimposed in a Red Sox uniform.

Not only does the ALCS Game 6 loss to the Texas Rangers end the New York Yankees' quest to repeat as baseball's World Series champions, but it may also signify the end of an era.

No, not the end of a dynasty that some have spoken of, that would require more than one World Series title in 10 years to be spoken of in such terms. The last Yankee dynasty ended in 2001, or 2003 if you're generous.

Prior to 2010 many people thought Billy Butler could take the next step in his development.  People hoped that the power, which was the one true drawback, would finally come around.  He had hit 21 home runs in 2009, with 51 doubles, so there was reason to be optimistic.

Unfortunately, he fell flat, regressing in both numbers:

“I get no respect, I tell ya.” – Rodney Dangerfield

Before the first pitch is thrown Wednesday night in Game 1 of the 2010 World Series, there will be plenty of talk about the lousy ratings this year's match-up will draw. It is likely there will be more talk about the ratings game than there will be about the baseball game.

While neither team boasts a huge payroll, or a dazzling history of postseason moments, there are still plenty of reasons to be excited for the 2010 Fall Classic.