Angel Cabrera Ready to Defend Masters Title, Wants Tiger to Play

In a pre-tournament press conference yesterday, Angel Cabrera said that he is working hard on his game, but there is still some work to do in his preparation for an Augusta defense.  His game has appeared on form in several tournaments this year.

The two-time major winner emphasized the need for preparation and a self-assessment of one's game before hitting the first tee at Augusta.

"Augusta is a special tournament you have to prepare mentally, physically.  You can't just get to the Tournament thinking you have to play.  You have to know really exactly how your game is and what you want and the way you want to challenge the course."

Perhaps as Masters champion, Cabrera's words present a truth pointed in the direction of Tiger Woods. Rumors persist that Woods' first tournament of the year may be this one.

It was clear that Cabrera wanted Woods to be there for his title defense, saying so on multiple occasions.

"Obviously Tiger is the best and I want him to be back but the Masters will all be the Masters with or without Tiger."

Cabrera was asked how he celebrated the win last year.

El Pato responded, "It was a calm night in many senses. I was with my friends. We had to fly the next day to Argentina. There were a few Argentinians with me and we just celebrated all the way."

Alan Shipnuck's insider recount of the celebration lent a peek into what happened that night and into the morning: singing of the soccer chant "Ole!" and the cheers of "saco verde" - green jacket - to the tune of Happy Birthday (which should be a public domain song).

In accordance with tournament tradition, the Argentinian will set the menu for the Champions Dinner.  Provided the quality of beef in his native country, the menu is a no-brainer for Cabrera.

"Obviously there's not a lot to think about:  A good Argentina asado, some good beef."

The celebration will be forgotten come first thing on Masters Thursday.  When asked what he might feel on that day, introduced as Masters champion, he said, "I know it's going to be something special at the moment that it comes but at this time I can't really tell you."