The Top Sports Teams of 2007

While veiled in controversy and wrongdoings, it is easy to forget the team accomplishments of the 2007 season. From the amazing run of the Colorado Rockies, to the excitement of the Phoenix Suns, to the current undefeated streak of the New England Patriots, 2007 has been a year to remember. But where do the teams ranks in terms of top teams of the year? Let's take a look.

10.) Arizona Diamondbacks
MLB - National League Champions (90-72)

Of all the division champions in baseball, no squad exemplified the world "team" more than the D-Backs. Given their lack of rotation depth behind ace Brandon Webb and the fact that they were the first team to ever win a division with a negative run differential, being outscored by 20 runs on the season, Arizona had no business winning a division, let alone pushing itself to the National League Championship series. However, what it shows is that the Diamondbacks, while being on the wrong end of some blowouts, pulled together and won the close games, accomplishing an amazing 32-20 record in 1-run contests. Not a team to sit on one year's success, the young Arizona squad closes out 2007 by completing trades on December 14th with Oakland for ace Dan Haren and with Houston for Chris Burke and Chad Qualls, fortifying the team's young players with solid veterans that could propel them to the next plateau.

9.) Anaheim Ducks
NHL - Stanley Cup Champions (82-48)

Never in the history of the NHL had a West Coast team brought home a champion. And while they are no longer mighty, the Ducks of Anaheim were the first to accomplish the feat in 2007. It took 14 years for the Ducks to win their first championship, when they beat the Ottawa Senators in five games to take home the cup. The team featured a healthy mixture of both young players and veterans, giving them an exciting squad that could score goals but also played a bruising defense. Probably the biggest take-away from the Ducks season is that it was the ended the streaks of 12 or more seasons without a title for six different players on the team. A feel good story is always great, but when it can be shared with six different players, that's what makes it truly special.