Lefty, Ginobli, Lincecum. 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 2010 Masters Champion, Phil Mickelson. Lefty earned his third Green Jacket with a stunning array of clutch, fearless shots down the stretch at Augusta.

---I have never been a huge fan of Mickelson, but one cannot help but feel happy for the guy after his triumph on Sunday. Ever since his wife was diagnosed with cancer, Lefty has handled himself with distinguished grace and class. This win was for her.

---Mickelson's third Masters victory and fourth major championship overall puts him in very esteemed historical position. Welcome to the Top 15 of all-time, Lefty.

---As for Tiger, well, his comeback was both fascinating and predictable. It was undeniably compelling to watch Tiger's return to golf, but did anybody actually expect him not to contend at Augusta? The guy remains one of the greatest athletes of all-time. No sex scandal can change that.

---However, one thing is really starting to bother me about Mr. Woods, and that is his aloof, distant nature. It's about time Tiger starts showing some genuine charm and good humor to his millions of loyal fans across the world. I'm getting tired of the cold, charmless Tiger, the guy who throws clubs after every errant shot. It's time for Tiger to undergo a personality transformation. The game of golf, and the world of sports, would be better for it.

---One last golf note: Don't sleep on young Anthony Kim. This guy has a huge future ahead of him. He will undoubtedly be donning a few green jackets in the future.

---On to the NBA now, where the Lakers are falling faster than Jesse James' popularity.

---Sure, the Lakers have already clinched the top seed, but in the stacked and loaded West, they cannot be happy with the way they are playing as the playoffs approach. That sound you hear, it's the sound of the entire metropolis of Los Angeles holding its' collective breath.

---The Western Conference portion of the playoffs is bound to be one for the ages. I can't recall the last time so many teams had a legitimate shot at reaching the Finals. In addition to the Lakers, you've got Dirk and the Mavs, Carmelo and the Nuggets, D-Will and the Jazz, Nash and the Suns, Roy and the Blazers, Ginobli and the Spurs, and Durant and the Thunder. Buckle up, folks. We are in for one hell of a ride.

---The team that has impressed me the most in recent weeks has been the surging San Antonio Spurs. Weeks ago I declared Gregg Popovich's team old and dead, but Manu Ginobli has led the team back into contention. Even if the Spurs land the 8-seed, they will push the Lakers to six or seven games.

---Out East, a Cavs appearance in the Finals is no longer a certainty. LeBron maintains his brilliance, and Cleveland still has the best team, but the Magic are knocking on their door. I smell a preview of last year's Eastern Conference Finals. We are going to have a super showdown out East.

---Baseball is back, and I am giddy with excitement regarding the superb start of my San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum has been brilliant in his first two starts, new acquisitions Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff have made strong first impressions, and Edgar Renteria has been on fire to start the season. Goooooooooooooooo Giants!!!!!!!!!!! (Now back to regularly scheduled, unbiased programming).

---One team that has every reason to worry is the Los Angeles Angels. The Halos have been the class of the AL West for almost the last decade, but this year poses serious danger for Mike Scoiscia's team. Despite the welcome addition of Hideki Matsui, the Angels appear to be the worst team in the division right now. One can safely assume that the Angels will be able to eventually surpass the A's with relative ease, but I'm not sure they will be able to keep up with the Mariners and Rangers in the AL West race.

---I'll end on an NFL note: The Philadelphia Eagles are absolute morons for trading Donovan McNabb to the division rival Washington Redskins. Need I say more?