Quick Notes

1. The Masters
The Masters was set up so perfectly for Tiger Woods to roar back on the final day from 6 behind and capture his 5th Green Jacket, but the drama really never came. And it had nothing to do with great play from the leader, Trevor Immelman, and everything to do with Tiger simply failing to dazzle. The stage was set for Tiger to go low to win the tournament and I'm sure he thought he'd need more than only a 68 to win the title. But on Sunday, a day no longer associated only with God but now with Tiger as well, Tiger was average. Granted, there was a handfull of guys who shot under par during the 4th Round and none of them were in contention, but this is Tiger Woods. We have come to expect greatness from him, and in Majors prior he has shown signs of mediocrity. In last year's US Open he had a chance on Sunday to pass Angel Cabrera, and in last year's Masters he finished runner-up to Zach Johnson. If there is one fault with Tiger's career it is that he has never won a Major when trailing heading into the final round. I noted earlier that Tiger would sooner miss the cut than finish 2nd; but Tiger has struggled when entering round 4 off the pace, and until he finds a way to conquer those devestating Major courses on Sunday, he will have to settle for second place finishes.

2. The NBA Playoffs are about to start and if there's anything that is certain, it's that there will be 4 can't-miss series on the West and maybe one in the East, which is really a shame given that the first round lasts 2 weeks. The Lakers secured the top spot last night but not even they are a given to reach the second round, especially if they have to face the Mavs in the Round 1. The Western Playoffs will be a downright doozy, the headliner obviously being Suns Spurs if things stay how they are right now. That is a matchpup for the ages now that The Man Hired To Stop Tim Duncan is playing great basketball at the right time. There are legitmately 6 teams that could come out of the West if the chips fall properly, with the Mavs and Nuggets being the only two squads I couldn't see reaching the finals against the Celtics. But other than that, and probably the Rockets who lack the necessary firepower, the West is wide open. I had the Spurs winning it, but just like picking USC to reach the Final Four, it's increasingly difficult to pick a team that has to play a great team in every round. Whoever squares off against the Nuggets in Round 1 gets my vote to reach the Finals...teams need a gimme series in the playoffs, and that's the only one I see.

3. Who saw the Office or 30 Rock last week? I was kinda hoping they were still on strike throughout both episodes. So weak. So awkward. So lacking of funny moments. I thought the whole gimmick about the Office was that it was supposed to resemble a reality series; well how the hell did cameras get in Michael's condo. Stick to your guns and quit trying to find new ways to make people laugh...give me a few lines from Dwight and Creed and believe me, the laughs will come.