Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Congratulations to your 2009 Masters Champion Angel Cabrera, who defeated Kenny Perry on the second playoff hole to win his first green jacket.

---I know Perry was the sentimental favorite, but you have to feel good for Cabrera. Cabrera has an infectious personality, and he isn't afraid to express some genuine emotion on the golf course, such as when he bounced his ball off a tree on the first playoff hole.

---Thanks to the exciting three-man playoff between Cabrera, Perry, and Chad Campbell, and the spectacularly compelling game of anything you can do I can do better between Tiger and Phil, this was a Masters for the ages. Anybody who says that golf is devoid of drama just isn't paying attention.

---Break up the ...........San Diego Padres??? After sweeping my beloved Giants over the weekend, Bud Black's team spoiled the Mets' home debut at Citi Field earlier tonight with a 6-5 victory. I think reality will soon set in for Brian Giles, David Eckstein, and company, but San Diego is clearly out to send a message at the start of the year.

---Ladies and gentleman, start respecting the Rays. The Yankees and Red Sox have more marketable names in the likes of David Ortiz, Derek Jeter, Jonathan Papelbon, and Mariano Rivera, but Tampa has just as much talent with Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena, and B.J. Upton. Last year was no fluke. The Rays are here to stay at the top of the AL East.

---One week into the regular season and we already have a magnificent web gem, courtesy of Cubs outfielder Reed Johnson. Johnson leaped over the wall at Miller Park and took away what would have been a game-tying grand slam from Prince Fielder. The mighty Fielder tipped his cap in appreciation, but deep down he must have been angrier than Lou Piniella after a blown call.

---The final week of the NBA regular season is upon us, and there are some potential playoff series that have me brimming with excitement. If the playoffs started today, Dwayne Wade and the Heat would face off against the criminally underrated Atlanta Hawks, Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams and the Jekyll-and-Hyde Jazz would battle Kobe and the Lakers, and Chris Paul would lead his Hornets against Yao and the Rockets. Something tells me we'll be seeing a lot of seven game series come playoff time.

---Loyal readers know that I'm a big fan of Skip Bayless and his wildly entertaining, occasionally infuriating opinions, but how in the world can he not be impressed by LeBron James? What in the world does the best player on the planet have to do to gain Skip's respect, go for 110 points, 46 assists, and 57 rebounds?

---I'll end this abbreviated edition of Random Observations on a somber note: Harry Kalas, the great Phillies broadcaster and voice of NFL Films, and Mark Fydrich, legendary Tigers pitcher, both passed away today today. The game of baseball, and the sports world in general, will sorely miss these two sports legends.