My First Weekend Of Spring

     

Despite it being officially "spring" for the past couple of weeks, I've yet to reap the benefits of it.  As a night worker, I don't get to enjoy the lovely evenings.  Then the weekend rolls around and it gets chilly or stormy.  So I am happy when I get a weekend like this past one. 

Saturday was filled with chilling with my wife [what I live for] out and about with our "God-children".  Did a little mowing too.  On Sunday, well...my wife threw a bridal shower for her best friend so I just sat home and played video games [that FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 3 is nice] and enjoyed the weather.  And the sports on TV....

HEFTY LEFTY IS ON FIRE.  Phil Mickelson has truly found himself, as the guy who lost his first 42 majors has now won 3 of his last 9.....including two Masters titles.  The guy who was known for not getting it done on the biggest stages has just joined a group of 16 multiple winners of the Masters.....and has won a major in each of the past three years.  He also became the 5th guy to win the Masters and the tournament held prior to the Masters. 

He did it dominantly....but without flair.  He was consistently good....not overpoweringly so.  And he did so with Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods and Fred Couples in his rear view mirror.  Ah, Tiger Woods.  And what golf fans have clammored for is coming to pass.  A real foil to Tiger Woods.  Not an evil rivalry, but a guy that can win....no....beat Tiger in a major.  Sure, Tiger had mistakes down the stretch....but he was still in the hunt.  Phil didn't make those mistakes, something that had marred him in his previous 42 majors. 

So, in one of the most interesting and sporting events around [imagine the past Super Bowl champion coach awarding the trophy to the one that just won it]....we saw Tiger Woods put the Green Jacket on Mickelson just one year after Mickelson placed it on Woods' back.  These two have won 5 of the last 6 Masters and 6 of the last 10.  And we may see this site for quite a while.

RICKY'S LAST STRAW:  I've heard rumors both ways.  One, that Williams may actually win his appeal for a positive drug test and get back onto the field this summer........and two, that he's gonna be gone for quite a while.  On the surface, this determines the next season for Ricky Williams....but, in reality, this determines his career.  A promisingly great career that he stopped to smoke the hippie lettuce two years ago.  He came back last season [cough....money] and showed his skills as the year went along making him a bit valuable.  Then this happens.  This could mean that Williams has missed 36 of his last 48 games as a Dolphin....and that his promises are worth garbage to anyone.  Also, next season he'll hit the dreaded 30 year old mark....which is usually a milestone that means a steady decline in production. 

BRETT FAVRE NEEDS TO MOVE ON:  And stop having news conferences in which you aren't giving us any news.  Look, Favre can do what he wants with his life.....but the Packers need to know if he's honestly thinking of coming back so they can make preperations for a season without Favre.  In my opinion, he should retire.  Why?  Not because he can't still bring it....but if, in April [4 months after taking his last snap], he's still toying with his decision then he's ready to move on.  In many player's cases....the sole reason to make this decision is health.  They either can't or don't want to go thru the grind anymore.  Many guys late in their careers have that retirement feeling right when the season ends....but get recharged in the offseason to make another run.  Everyone was cool with his indifference.  But now it's getting to the point where it has become tedious.  Like standing at a McDonald's with a kid that's trying make a decision whether they want a Coke, Sprite, Root Beer or Hi-C to drink with their Happy Meal. 

BASEBALL STAT GEEKS:  Please, please, please spare me from the "on-pace" stats that you love to throw out there.  Don't do the "Chris Shelton is on pace to hit 135 HRs and drive in 243 RBIs this year" take.  Curt Schilling isn't going to win 54 games this season.  It's stupid.  Don't do it!

BASEBALL'S HOT STARTS:  Oh, and while I'm at it....while it's nice to see your team sitting pretty right now....it is still pretty early, guys.  I am a Reds fan...and it sure does look nice to be 4-2 right now [4-1 yesterday] I am pretty sure that it won't last.  I mean, the Cardinals, Yankees and White Sox are a combined 7-11 this year.  It won't last.  Neither may the Brewers and Tigers hot starts.