Is the Masters great, or what? They always say that the best golf tournament in the world doesn’t get started until the back nine on Sunday. How true. The duel between Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose was riveting, to say the least. The last few holes were as good as it gets. And even that wasn’t enough, as the tourney went to sudden death. I am so happy for Sergio Garcia. He was the best player in the world who had not won a major. That monkey has now been lifted off his back. Never again will the Spaniard be called a golfer who can’t win the big one. The Masters never disappoints. It’s four of the best days on the sports calendar. What a tournament!
• Just once I want to make it to Augusta. It’s the only major sporting event I’ve wanted to go to in the US that I’ve never attended. And it’s not like I haven’t tried. Like thousands of others, I put in for tickets in the Masters’ public lottery each year. I just haven’t been fortunate enough to have my application selected. Tickets on the secondary market go for over $1500 for a single day at the Masters. That’s too rich for my blood. Here’s to hoping I finally get lucky in this year’s lottery.
• The Pens open the NHL playoffs at home this weekend against Columbus. This will be a tough and physical series. I like the Pens’ chances. I still don’t think Pittsburgh can win back to back Stanley Cups without Kris Letang, but I do think the Pens are more than capable of going a few rounds deep. Hopefully Evgeni Malkin is back in the lineup when the Pens open the series this week. The Pens need Geno, both for his scoring and his proven experience in the playoffs. I like the Pens in six in the opening round.
• If Sidney Crosby isn’t the NHL’s MVP there is something wrong. Crosby was dominant in the World Cup, and despite missing the opening games of the season with a concussion, has dominated play since returning to the lineup. He’s been a prolific goal scorer all year long, and has continued to amaze with his highlight reel assists. His between the legs assist to Conor Sheary against New Jersey last week was one of the best I’ve ever seen. There are some incredible young players who could be “the next one”. But right now, Sidney Crosby is still the man.
• Have we seen the last of Marc Andre Fleury? Unless Matt Murray struggles or gets hurt in the playoffs, Fleury may never see the ice again in a black and gold uniform. I’m not pulling against Murray, but I would love to see The Flower not only get playing time, but also make a meaningful contribution in the playoffs. Fleury has been an all-time great Penguin. I’d love to see him go out a winner just one more time.
• I’m glad I didn’t buy a ticket to the Pirates’ opener. I could have, but chose to take the day off and watch the game on television. Wise move. Tickets for the always sold-out event were plentiful on the secondary market after it got cold and snowed. Kudos to those who braved the elements. I’m glad I settled for the big screen and warmth of my mancave.
• After a tough start in Boston, the Buccos sure looked a lot better once they returned home to PNC Park. You had to love the come from behind win over the Braves on Sunday, which gave the Pirates a sweep of Atlanta. You have to hand it to the Pirates for coming back to tie it in the ninth, and coming from behind again in the tenth to win it on Starling Marte’s homer. Wins like that over Atlanta are what will bring the fans back.
• Gerrit Cole is off to a rough start for the Pirates. The Pirates’ ace was roughed up in Boston when he melted down in the fifth inning. He was roughed up in the first inning against Atlanta over the weekend. Cole could very well be 0-2 at this point. The Pirates’ number one starter was never healthy last year and struggled all season long. He appears to be healthy again, and is throwing in the high nineties. Hopefully Cole is just starting slowly, because the Pirates sure need him to be the pitcher he was two years ago when he looked like one of the best young pitchers in the game.
• I got to meet Michael MacCambridge prior to his lecture at St. Vincent College the other night. Michael was on hand to discuss his book about Chuck Noll. If you’re a Steeler fan you should read this great book. Michael reveals things about Noll that many friends of the coach never knew. Joe Gordon, the longtime Steeler PR man who worked closely with Noll for 23 years, said he learned more about Noll by reading the book than he ever did in working with the man. That says something. Congrats to Michael for a terrific read.
• It will be a shame if NHL players don’t actually play in the next Olympics. As of now, the NHL says the case is closed. I’m not 100% convinced a deal won’t be worked out allowing the world’s best players to go to South Korea. Hockey is one of the Winter Olympics’ marquee sports. It would be a shame if guys like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin don’t get to represent their country. I’m holding out hope that a deal can still be reached. I sure hope that’s the case.
• Ben Roethlisberger confirmed he will return to the Steelers next year. Wow, talk about a shocker. Now that Big Ben’s return is settled, it’s time to concentrate on the hundreds of mock drafts that have the Steelers drafting so many different players it makes me laugh.
