Who Will Rule the Next Decade of Sports?

As projections are one of the least certain and most fun exercises, I thought I'd give it a whirl.  Here is my list of the top five players that will rule the MLB, NFL, and NBA landscapes for the next decade.

MLB

Go Medical Science!

1. Stephen Strasburg: As unfortunate as it is that he has to have Tommy John surgery, most guys that throw huge heat have to undergo it at some point.  My hope is that he comes back even stronger from this surgery.  If he does, he will be embarrassing hitters for at least the next ten years. 
2. Albert Pujols: He still has some huge years left and we may see him take down some serious baseball records over the next decade. 
3. David Price: Here's a great young pitcher who has faced adversity and pulled through it.  A huge talent and a smart guy, Price should be a Cy Young candidate for years to come.
4. Jason Heyward: The hype was huge for this young man and while he isn't having the best debut season of all time, he is hitting .270 with 14 home runs.  He's only 21-years-old and should continue to improve each year.
5. Joe Mauer: Mauer is having a down year by his standards, but he still has the sweetest swing in the majors and a rock solid approach.  He may have to switch positions to prolong his career, but he is as good of hitter the game has seen in years.

In the Discussion: Ryan Braun, Joey Votto, Phil Hughes, Matt Latos, Evan Longoria, Robinson Cano, Bryce Harper, Felix Hernandez, Tim Lincecum, Miguel Cabrera, Adam Wainright, Josh Johnson, Carlos Gonzalez

NFL

Go Green Bay!

1. Aaron Rodgers: With a great head on his shoulders, all the skills in the world, and a rock solid organization at his back, the sky is the limit for the real A-Rod.  Having Jermichael Finley doesn't hurt either. 
2. Patrick Willis: Ten years from now we will be saying about Willis what we currently say about Ray Lewis.  Willis is unique in his athleticism, work ethic, and passion for the game.  He may be off to the best three year start of any player in the league's recent memory. 
3. Darelle Revis: Already the best corner in football at age 25, Revis incredibly has time to improve.  Once his contract is settled he can get back to what he does best, stifling receivers.  His style of play is more reliant on technique than speed, so even as Revis' physical abilities decline, he will still be able to compete at a high level. 
4. Matthew Stafford: At only 22-years-old, the kid already has a full season of starting experience under his belt.  Stafford may have the best physical tools of any passer in the league and has an improving core of young talent around him. 
5. Jake Long: In two seasons, Long has made two Pro Bowls at the league's second most important position as it protects the livelihood of by far the most important player, the QB.  Long will thrive blocking for a blossoming talent in Chad Henne and for an old school coach that likes to run the ball.

In the discussion: Jermichael Finley, Calvin Johnson, Vernon Davis, Matt Ryan, Ryan Clady, Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Ndamukong Suh, Mario Williams, Nick Mangold, Joe Thomas, Ray Rice, Phillip Rivers, DeSean Jackson, DeMarcus Ware

NBA

Go Away!

1. LeBron James: He will be 35 in another ten years, and while I contend that once his athleticism goes, his game is not refined enough to maintain his greatness, he still has plenty of legs left.  He will do a lot of winning and a lot of stat stuffing over the next ten years. 
2. Dwight Howard: All he needs is a great player beside him to share the burden.  He needs a prolific scoring sidekick so that he can focus on blocking shots and vacuuming the boards.  I think with the right cast around him he can be the most important player in the league. 
3. Kevin Durant: This may be the only list he appears third on for a while.  He will be 31 in ten years and he already has a scoring title and a second place finish in the MVP race.  He will get some MVPs with the Three Kings sharing the spotlight in Miami, and some more scoring titles too. 
4. Russell Westbrook: This guy might be the most athletic point guard in the league.  He's a better shooter than Rajon Rondo or Derrick Rose, though he still needs to work on his stroke.  Playing with Durant, he could rack up lots of wins. 
5. Kobe Bryant: He probably won't be playing ten years from now, but he has the potential to add a couple more rings and an MVP title or two in the next five years.  That would be good enough to carry him to Player of the Decade honorable mention.

In the Discussion: Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, Deron Williams, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, Brandon Jennings, Brandon Roy, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Tyreke Evans

--from Adam 

(first two images from espn.com, third image from zimbio.com)