Glover, Federer, Pujols, and 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 U.S. Open Champion Lucas Glover. Glover prevailed in the rain and wind of Bethpage Black to capture his first major. With Phil Mickelson making a late charge, Glover maintained his composure all the way to victory. Very impressive.

---I've long been a Mickelson critic, but no one can fault Lefty's play on Monday. Dealing with some extraordinary stress in the wake of his wife's diagnosis of breast cancer, Mickelson somehow found a way to contend at this this year's U.S. Open. Throughout most of Monday's final round, Lefty was at the top of his game. He did not win, but he carries a nice wave of momentum heading into next month's British Open.

---The same cannot be said of Tiger Woods. It is not time to panic---Woods remains the most dominant athlete on the face of the earth---but there is reason for concern. Woods has been rusty this year in the wake of his knee surgery. Lets hope that he is a strong contender at the British Open. When Tiger is in the hunt, it is great for golf and great for sports.

---Even with all the inclement weather, this year's U.S. Open was still a memorable one. Monday's final round made for compelling television, thanks in large part to Lefty's charge and the rabid golf fans that endured Mother Nature at Bethpage Black.

---The question of who is the best player in baseball is not even a question. Albert Pujols wins in a landslide. Pujols, who hit two more home runs including a grand slam on Sunday to up his total to 26, is the most well-rounded player in the game, with Alex Rodriguez a distant second. Look for teams to start giving Pujols the Bonds treatment and intentionally walk him as the season progresses.

---Pujols has helped propel the Cardinals to first-place status in the NL Central. It'll be a tight race between St. Louis and Milwaukee the rest of the way, but Pujols will be the difference. The Cards will win the Central.

---Somebody break up the Colorado Rockies. As a diehard Giants fan, it is a little unnerving to see the third-place Rockies on such a tear. Since the firing of manager Clint Hurdle, a move I foolishly criticized, the Rockies have been on a roll, winning 17 of their last 18 games. Something tells me they aren't missing the bat of Matt Holliday very much right about now.

---Speaking of the Rockies, I will be on hand at Dodger Stadium next week when they take on the hated blue. It will be my first trip to Dodger Stadium, and by the time next Wednesday rolls around the talk of Manny's return will be at a fever pitch. And in true Dodger fan fashion, I plan on arriving in the sixth and living in the eighth.

---Wimbledon is underway, and Roger Federer is looking to win his sixth Wimbeldon title. However, this year he will be without his great rival Rafael Nadal. It is unfair to Federer to say that Nadal's absence at Wimbledon taints a potential Federer victory, but Nadal's absence does take away some of the glamour of the tournament. I will still gladly watch, but there will be something missing.

---Big trade today in the NBA, as the Milwaukee Bucks sent Richard Jefferson to San Antonio in exchange for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas, and Fabricio Oberto. While the Spurs are losing a key defensive stopper in Bowen, they pick up an outstanding player. Jefferson is a talented and athletic shooting forward who provides the Spurs with another significant scoring threat.

---The NBA Draft is right around the corner, and TJB's Sports Universe is the place to be on Thursday night. I will be live-blogging the ESPN broadcast of the NBA Draft, so tune in!

---And no, I have not forgot. Congratulations to your 2009 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers. They deserve the title. The Magic were no match for the Lakers.