Talking Tiger, Thunder and Texas League Titles

Originally Published: Apr 6, 2011 5:51 PM CDT

My fearless pre-weekend predictions:

The Masters:  I have Nick Watney, Matt Kuchar and Zach Johnson in our Blitz office pool and I like my chances to win.  Watney and Kuchar are among the best putters on tour right now and Johnson has the experience.  But if the NCAA tournament is any indication of my current luck or powers of prediction, the three of them may miss the cut.

I say that Tiger and Phil will each be a factor, but in the end Rory McIlroy claims his first major.  Ian Poulter misses the cut and Tiger tells him about it.

The Thunder:  I thought they made a terrific statement with their win at Denver Tuesday.  The Thunder won on the Nuggets home court without great play from Russell Westbrook.  And they showed attitude.  Kendrick Perkins got into it with Nene, perhaps informing him that he needs to get a last name.  And Kevin Durant even got moderately physical with Danilo Gallinari.  Good win, even better statement.

I say the Thunder drill the Nuggets in OKC Friday and set the tone for a 4 to 1 series win in the opening round of the playoffs.

The Drillers:  I like the feel of this club.  They have three pitchers who are currently on the Rockies 40-man protected roster and that doesnt include Christian Friedrich.  Catcher Wilin Rosario is among the prized prospects in the Rockies organization.  And Duane Espy has been away from managing for 10 seasons, but has gained some perspective.  He worked with many of the players on the current Drillers roster as  hitting coach at Double-A Modesto last season.

I say the Drillers win the Texas League for the first time since 1998.