As this year gets closer to ending, info on the new anime awaiting us next year has started to flow, starting with something of a surprise. Kyoto Animation will be completing their original OVA series, Munto, as a TV anime starting in spring 2009. Sorry Haruhi fans, but you'll have to wait a bit longer. Those who haven't seen the OVAs (yes, they are licensed) shouldn't need to worry about being lost, as the TV anime will include a "director's cut" of the OVAs with new content.
Next up, AQUAPLUS's Tears to Tiara will be starting spring 2009 as well, lead by director Tomoki Kobayashi of Utawarerumono (also based on a game made by Leaf/AQUAPLUS) and animated by WHITE FOX. The cast for the consumer PS3 release of the game (including Yuko Goto, Mai Nakahara, Ai Shimizu, Rie Tanaka, and others) will remain the same for the anime.
The third season of Minamike will start in January, made by the staff of Minamike ~okawari~ studio Asreed, but with some changes — Hiroshi Ogawa will be director and Rie Koga will handle series composition. I'm hoping that it won't be an okawari of okawari.
Other anime starting in January of next year include the second season of Tetsuwan Birdy: DECODE, a new Hajime no Ippo anime, Kurokami The Animation, Slayers EVOLUTION-R, and VIPER'S CREED.
[Thanks to MOON PHASE for the info]