Battle of the Beltway Predictions

The Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles are going head to head for 4 games this season; twice at Nationals Park and twice at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

The first game has concluded with the Orioles taking it 6-2 from 2 RBI from Nick Markakis and Yamaico Navarro as well as RBI from Matt Wieters and Adam Jones.  Manny Machado had 3 hits for the O's and he scored once while Chris Davis had 2 hits and scored twice.  Jason Hammel had a great showing, allowing 8 hits and 2 runs over 8 innings while striking out 4 men, 8 times including Stephen Lombardozzi 3 times and Tyler Moore twice.  For the Nats, Ryan Zimmerman and Tyler Moore had RBI and Gio Gonzalez pitched 5.2 innings allowing 4 runs on 8 hits and 4 walks.  He struck out 3.

Tonight at Nats park the pitching matchup is rookie Kevin Gausman for the O's making his 2nd career start, with an 0-1 record and a 7.20 ERA vs. Nationals rookie Nate Karns making his MLB debut.  Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth and Danny Espinosa are still out of the lineup for the Nats and Tyler Moore and Roger Bernandina don't do nearly the job that Harper and Werth do, giving the Nats a short hand.  I think Karns will have a hard time in the wet weather in his first start and the O's will take it.

Wednesday the matchup is going to Camden Yards in Baltimore.  Jordan Zimmermann is going against Chris Tillman in this one and Zimmermann has had an excellent year so far, 8-2 with a 1.71 ERA.  Tillman has also been productive this season but Zimmermann is going to deliver a great performance and the Nats will take game 3.

Thursday is the last day of the series.  Dan Haren is going up against Freddy Garcia.  Both pitchers have a losing record this year, Haren is 4-5 while Garcia is 1-2.  Both pitchers have an ERA higher than 4.50 with Garcia having a 4.61 and Haren holding a 5.43.  This will be a game with many runs but the O's are a better batting team and will jump on Haren early leading them to a victory.

Overall I think that the Orioles will win the series 3-1 over the Nationals.  The Orioles have too much firepower in their lineup and the Nats won't be able to matchup.

Ace on the Nats rotation? Jordan Zimmermann

  Stephen Strasburg.  Sports Illustrated has had him on 2 covers in his career, labeled "National Treasure" and "Mr. October."  Jordan Zimmermann.  No fame at all.  No Sports Illustrated covers and when he was 4-1 and Strasburg was 1-4, and Gio Gonzalez was 1-2, ESPN said that Jordan Zimmermann is pitching great and he is "only the third best pitcher on the Nationals".  Wrong.  Currently he is the best.  Of course, Gio and Stephen have more of an upside.  If I was starting a franchise I would take Strasburg.  Currently, however in the 2013 season, Zimmermann is #1.  There is no arguing about that.  I don't care if Strasburg isn't getting run support.  He is pitching worse than Zimmermann.  Gonzalez is itching worse than Zimmermann.

   You don't have to go beyond the stat book.  Complete games by Nats pitchers this year: 2.  Complete games by Jordan Zimmermann this year: 2.  8 innings pitched by a Nats pitcher: 3.  Jordan Zimmermann: 1.  Stephen Strasburg: 0.  The wins by Nats pitchers are as follows; Jordan Zimmermann: 5, Dan Haren: 3, Gio Gonzalez, Tyler Clippard and Craig Stammen tied with 2, and finally Ross Detwiler and Stephen Strasburg with one a piece.  In the starting rotation, Jordan Zimmermann has the best ERA followed by Detwiler, Strasburg, Haren and Gonzalez.  In the starting rotation Jordan Zimmermann has the best WHIP followed by Strasburg, Gonzalez, Haren and Detwiler.  In the starting rotation, Jordan Zimmermann has the best WAR followed by Detwiler, Strasburg, Gonzalez and Haren. Jordan Zimmermann is not only leading his team, but he is 2nd in the Major League in wins and 1st in WHIP.

  With all these stats is it fair to call Stephen Strasburg a bad pitcher.  No way.  He is still a good pitcher along with Gonzalez and they deserve to be in a rotation that has potential to be the best in the big leagues.  But is it fair to Zimmermann to not mark him as the ace of the rotation this season? No, as he is clearly the best pitcher on the Nationals and one of the best so far this year in the MLB.

Redskins Draft

   The Washington Redskins did not have any draft picks yesterday due to receiving Robert Griffin III last year.  They won't have any 1st round picks next year either.  This year however, they have 7 picks between the 2nd and 7th rounds.  They need some help in the secondary, and on the O-Line, and could use a WR aswell if someone lands in their lap.  Secondary is the main need and if they can get somebody like DJ Swearinger in the 2nd or third round that would be good as well as someone like Desmond Trufant, the Skins would have a successful day 2.  Lastly, if wide receivers, Justin Hunter, or Robert Woods drops to them at 51st I say grab him.  The Skins have good receiver but nothing spectacular.  Help RGIII all you  can!

Redskins Schedule Overview

  Today the Washington Redskins schedule was released.  They have a schedule on the easier end at 18th this year.  This is not too surprising as the NFC East wasn't too great last year.  I don't expect them to be too much better this year.  They also have to face the NFC North and AFC West.  The AFC West has one good team in the Broncos, as the rest of the teams are the Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders.  The NFC North is very competitive and they have one primetime match up with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, November 7th.  The Redskins have won their last two games on Thursday, last year on Thanksgiving against the Dallas Cowboys and in the 2007 season against an NFC North team, the Chicago Bears.  The Redskins also have 4 more night games this year.  They are against their 3 division rivals and the San Francisco 49ers. The Skins are playing the Eagles on a Monday Night, opening week, at FedEx Field.  The last time these two met in a Monday Night party at FedEx, the Eagles blew the Redskins out 59-28 led by Michael Vick's 4 passing and 2 rushing touchdowns.  The Redskins played the Cowboys twice on a national stage last year, once on Thanksgiving day and one in week 17 on Sunday Night.  The Skins took both of those.  The Redskins also played the Giants once on Monday Night last year, coming away with a win.  The Redskins are also playing the San Diego Chargers this year.  Overall, the schedule is exciting and everyone is ready for another electrifying Skins team this year.

Nationals: 6-2 start, What does it mean?

   The Nationals are off to a 6-2 start.  What does that mean in the MLB? Absolutely nothing.  Last year at this time, the division leaders at the time were different than the division leaders at the end of the season in exception to one, the Detroit Tigers.  And the World Series Champions, San Francisco?  They were 1-4, at the bottom of their division coming off a 17-8 loss to the Colorado Rockies.  In fact the best team at the time, the Los Angeles Dodgers didn't even make the playoffs.  That shows something about the beginning of the season in the MLB.  With a 162 game season, 5-8 games into the season means absolutely nothing for all teams and fans.  Especially sorry to those fans in Kansas City as it would be a miracle if the season ended today and they were in the playoffs.  

Predictions for rest of NCAA Tournament

More predictions for the rest of the tournament.

Elite 8:

Duke Blue Devils vs. Louisville Cardinals--I picked Duke to lose in the last match up against Michigan State but they proved to be dominant winning by 10.  Seth Curry lit it up with 29 and they shutdown the Spartans. The Cardinals won by 8 in their Sweet 16 matchup against Oregon a 12 seed.  They proved to be good but not dominant unlike Duke was against a 3 seed in Michigan State.  Another classic coaching match up is in place with Coach K against Rick Pitino and this one is going to be a treat.  VERDICT: Duke by 7

Michigan Wolverines vs. Florida Gators--Adrenaline.  That is the key to this game.  Michigan has too much behind them and in the last game, the Gators played sloppy against, luckily, a sloppier Florida Gulf Coast team.  Trey Burke will put his team on his back and solidify his case for POY.  VERDICT: Michigan by 11

Final 4:

Wichita State Shockers vs. Duke Blue Devils--Coach K is going to prepare for this game like his life depends on it.  (He will do this for the National Championship too but that is besides the point.)  This is going to be exciting in the first half as the Shockers will lead early but Duke will complete what Ohio State was so close to doing.  VERDICT: Duke by 5

Syracuse Orange vs. Michigan Wolverines--Syracuse is going to play incredible defense.  We all know that. The question is whether Michigan can shoot on their zone and not put up numbers like Marquette.  This I am shaky about and I think that Syracuse will score early with Brandon Triche getting hot and then their defense will prevail for the rest of the way to put the Orange in the National Championship game.  VERDICT: Syracuse by 9

National Championship:

Syracuse Orange vs. Duke Blue Devils--For the 3rd time in 4 games, Mike Krzyzewski will be in a classic coaching match up.  Duke won't be able to go inside to Mason Plumlee all game, and they will result to they will start shooting.  I can easily see Duke getting cold and therefore the athleticism of Syracuse will prove too much for Duke.  VERDICT: Syracuse by 4


NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: SYRACUSE ORANGE

Predictions for NCAA Tournament

   I am taking a bend off of DC sports and making my predictions for the Sweet 16 games in the Indianapolis and Texas region as well as the Elite 8 in the Los Angeles and Washington DC regions.

SWEET 16:

Louisville vs. Oregon--Oregon has made a great run up to this point, upsetting Oklahoma State and Saint Louis.  They have convincingly beaten those 2 teams.  However, Louisville has been steam rolling as well beating North Carolina A&T and Colorado State by a combined 57 points.  I don't see Louisville dropping this one either.  VERDICT: Louisville by 12

Duke vs. Michigan State--Duke are back in Indianapolis where they have won 2 National Championships in the past.  Probably the best coaching match-up so far in the NCAA Tournament with Mike Krzyzewski and Tom Izzo.  Michigan State has a great offensive rebounding team, a team which Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly are going to have a hard time containing.  I take Michigan State with Plumlee and Kelly getting into foul trouble early.  VERDICT: Michigan Sate by 7

Kansas vs Michigan--Michigan had a hard time towards the end of the season, dropping to a 4 seed when they were expected to be a 1 or 2 throughout.  Kansas has played relentlessly in their comeback win vs North Carolina and Michigan blew by VCU in the round of 32.  They both have extremely solid teams but I think Jeff Withey is going to take over in this one and Kansas will slip by.  VERDICT: Kansas by 4

Florida vs Florida Gulf Coast--No one expected FGCU to be in this situation in the sweet 16.  Just about every one's brackets have been busted.  FGCU, is making it look like they are a top 5 seed.  They have been winning rwally well, winning by 10 vs Georgetown and San Diego State.  Florida has had considerably easy games and they have blown by them.  I think Florida is going to take an early lead and the clock is going to strike 12 on FGCU.  VERDICT: Florida by 13

Elite 8:

Ohio State vs. Wichita State--The Shockers are looking great.  They have blown by Pittsburgh and La Salle and they beat Gonzaga by 6.  They are playing great.  On the other hand, Ohio State has beaten both Iowa State and Arizona on final second shots, with both games almost going to the opponent.  Ohio State has a great will to win and they are the better team but watch out for the Shockers as they are a win away from the Final Four.  VERDICT: Wichita State by 2

Marquette vs Syracuse--The Golden Eagles slipped by Davidson and Butler but they convincingly beat Miami and they have finally hit their stride at  the perfect time.  Syracuse has been dominant throughout.  They beat Montana by 47, and they beat California by 6.  Then they beat a favorite, Indiana by 11.  That was a good score for Indiana.  Syracuse dominated from the start and they are looking way too strong.  VERDICT: Syracuse by 9

Redskins in FA

     There are some big name free agents out there that could help the Washington Redskins and they are known for luring in the big fish to DC.  The Skins need help in the secondary? There are names like Darrelle Revis and Nnamdi Asomugha.  The Redskins need O-Line help? There is Jake Long available.  So what are they doing lazing around?  Unlike people might think, they don't have much money to spend on free agency as they are cutting it close to the cap.  They have restructured Santana Moss's contract so that is a plus but they still don't have the money necessary to sign the big fish.  So, they will have to stick with their current roster and a couple of 2nd-7th round picks this year or maybe a couple of small free agents.  But as of right now, they are in no shape to sign the big fish.  And just to let you Skins fans know, the Cowboys are in the same situation so they won't be hurting us this season again.

World Series or Bust. Does DC have it in them?

      The talk in the MLB world about the Washington Nationals has been simple.  World Series or Bust.  For the first time in Washington Nationals history, they are considered a playoff team during spring training forget the world series.  They have a roster boasting 4 2012 all-stars, 1 2012 gold glove winner, 3 2012 silver sluggers, the NL Rookie of the Year, and the NL Manager of the year.  That list includes Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg twice, Ian Desmond twice, Bryce Harper twice, Adam LaRoche twice, and Davey Johnson.  A star-studded lineup s obviously in place for 2013 so this season the Nationals will most definitely win the World Series.  Right?
      
        The Nationals are ready for anything. They have a star-studded rotation and starting lineup adding Dan Haren to the starting rotation, a 12 game winner, and adding Denard Span to their lineup a .342 OBP compared to Michael Morse's .321 OBP whom they have lost from last year's lineup.  The Nats also added Rafael Soriano a 42 save closer to add to their bullpen.  So what can possibly go wrong?  They have experience after last year's heartbreaking first round exit to the St. Louis Cardinals, they have the stats, they have the chemistry, and they have the talent.  But is the city right?  This is an interesting way to look at this situation but you have to stop and think.  Every year when it is DC's year entering the playoffs, when was the last time it was DC's year exiting the playoffs?

          An interesting take on the Nationals can only be described as true.  The last time a DC hockey, basketball, football, or baseball, team won a championship was in 1992 when the Redskins took home the Lombardi Trophy.  Since then, DC sports haven't been too good but we have had our chances.  The Washington Capitals have been at the top of hockey (not including this year) in the past 5 years.  They have never even made it past the 1st round.  The Washington Redskins have never exactly been at the top of the league, but they have made the playoffs 5 times since the '92 season and they haven't gotten past the Divisional Round.  The Washington Wizards have made the playoffs 5 times since '92 and haven't made it past the conference semifinals.  In fact they are 6-15 in the first rounds since '92 and 0-4 in 2nd round games.  The Washington Nationals made it to the playoffs for the first time since moving baseball back to DC in 2005 and had a 1st round exit.  See what I mean?

          On paper, all signs point to World Series or bust for the Washington Nationals.  Looking at history however, is it fair to put so much pressure on a DC sports team?  I would love if this worked out in the Nationals' favor and in November we are celebrating a World Series for the Nats, but is it realistic?  I am not at all worried if the Nationals are ready to be World Champions.  I am questioning if DC is ready. 

           

The Importance of John Wall

          4:56 left of the first quarter and John Wall was playing in an NBA game for the first time since April 26th of 2012, 8 months and 17 days before John Wall returned to a crazy Wizards crowd.  He dazzled with his limited minutes and the Wizards showed why they were so excited to have Wall and rookie Bradley Beal controlling the backcourt together.  John Wall had 4 assists, and 3 of them were to Beal.  Best of all, the Wizards won their 6th game of the season and 2nd in a row.  Tonight they take on the Orlando Magic while John Wall looks for his 2nd win.  

  

           John Wall was drafted 1st overall in the 2010 draft and there was suddenly hope in Washington.  We were all looking for someone to compliment Gilbert Arenas and become a superstar and lead Washington back to the playoffs.  In the 3rd game of the 2010-2011 season there was a game when everybody thought this would be true.  The Wizards were up against the 76ers and they pulled off a 116-115 overtime victory.  John Wall rocked DC with a 45 minute, 29 point, 13 assist, 9 steal performance.  He sported the swagger the DC hadn't seen since Hibachi was Hibachi and when Gilbert Arenas was having months where in 12 out of the 16 games he had 30+ points including one 40+, one 50+, and one 60+.  Yes that was 4 years before John Wall started rocking DC.

           Then injuries plagued the Wizards and John Wall was looking less and less like the next superstar like he promised.  John Wall has never had that incredible stat line that we have been looking for with his career high being 38 points.  He has continuously disappointed with his dismal 23.6% 3 point shooting including a 7% sophomore year.  He has never had a stat line like 60 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists which overshadowed Kobe Bryant's 45 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists.  Yes, Gilbert Arenas could do that and with one overtime could help his team score 147 points to beat the LA Lakers by 6.  Gilbert Arenas could shoot 27 free throws in a single game.  He has never had a stat line like 54 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists which overshadowed Steve Nash's 42 points, 3 rebounds, and 12 assists.  Yes, Gilbert Arenas could do that and with one overtime help his team score 144 points to beat the Phoenix Suns by 5.  Gilbert Arenas could dare to attempt 37 shots in a single game.  Because Gilbert Arenas was a superstar.  

Wall is not necessarily the next Arenas but he gives the Wizards a chance.

         Blame the Wizards woes all you want on John Wall, but it is not entirely his fault.  John Wall is not the same style of player that Arenas was and nothing can change that.  Wall is not a shooter.  He is a playmaker.   Everybody just has to give him a chance to develop his skills and take the Wizards far.  Additionally, where is Wall's support?  His best help has been Jordan Crawford who is as undeveloped as Wall is.  Let us look back at Gilbert Arenas.  That game vs the LA Lakers when he notched that stat line and 49 minutes, by his side was Antwan Jamison and Caron Butler who notched 43 and 46 minutes respectively.  They also scored a combined 52 points which always helps a man who is scoring 60.  That game vs the Suns when Gilbert played 48 minutes with that stat line?  His friendly sidekicks Jamison and Butler played 52 and 44 minutes respectively.  They combined to score 49 points and 22 rebounds to help out Arenas.  Now who is helping out Wall like this?  We are hoping it will be Bradley Beal, Jordan Crawford, and possibly a rookie in the future.  But all we can say is the future and that is why we have to keep hope in Wall.

          The Wizards are an extremely young team and have a bright future ahead of them with Wall at point.  Everybody needs to stay patient with this budding star and let him play his game.  With that and while keeping our current core, who knows what the Wizards can become.  I am not guaranteeing that Wall will ever score 60 in a game.  That doesn't mean however that we can be good.  Who knows? This season they were 5-28 without him and so far they are 1-0 with him.  We haven't lost a game with him and who knows what that means for the future, even if it is only one game.

The Hawks Fly Away With A Win

WASHINGTON REDSKINS:

       It was Saturday, January 8th.  The Redskins had won a playoff game for the first time since 1992.  The first home playoff game ever to be played in FedEx Field.  The Skins came out on top winners 27-13 over the Detroit Lions to take a trip to Tampa Bay in the divisional round.  This was in the 1999 season, the last time the Redskins had a home playoff game.  Until the 2012 season that is.  

     The Redskins were 3-6, down in the dumps, when Mike Shanahan, the head coach of the Washington Redskins said that he was already evaluating for next year's team.  That was when Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris the dynamic duo rookies for the Washington Redskins lit it up and led the squad to 7 straight wins and the NFC East crown.  Then it was Washington's first home playoff game since the '99 season with rookie QB Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks coming to town.  In the past decade this would be the Redskins' 4th playoff game and 3rd against the Seahawks.  

     The Skins were up 14-0 after the first quarter with RGIII throwing 2 touchdowns, one to Evan Royster, 2nd year running back out of Penn State,and Logan Paulsen the 3rd year tight end out of UCLA.  FedEx Field was rocking and it looked like the Skins were going to be playing the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome.  Then the Redskins offense collapsed and the defense started a collapse and RGIII didn't look like the pro bowler that he did in the Redskins first 16 and 1/4 games.  The Seahawks concluded the 2nd quarter with 32 yd FG for Steven Hauschka, a 4 yd TD pass by Russell Wilson and a 29 yd FG by Haushcka.  Slowly approached the 4th quarter when Marshawn Lynch broke out with a 27 yd TD run, and with a 2 pt conversion, the Seahwaks were on top by 7 and the Skins divisional round hopes were looking bleak.  Then after the kickoff, on the first play, RGIII was sacked.  Then the most devastating thing happened.  A low snap rolled in front of Robert Griffin III.  He reached for the ball but hurt his knee and was down.  The Seahawks recovered the ball inside the Redskins 10 yd line.    After that the Seahawks made a field goal, Kirk Cousins came in for Washington and this magical season was history.  The Redskins were eliminated.

      Many may ask the question, Why did Shanahan leave Griffin III in the game when he was injured after the first quarter?  I will give you an answer.  Because this is a playoff game.  No NFL coach who wants to win cares about ethics even when his star player says he is okay.  Your team's season is on the line and your quarterback wants to stay in the game, don't take him out!  Could Cousins do better than Griffin in the time when Griffin was hurt?  Yes, very possible although he didn't show it at the end with a 3/10, 31 yd outing.  This is ultimately nobody's fault as Griffin III wanted to put his all and Shanahan wanted to do what's best to win the game.  

      It was definitely a disappointing end to such a magical season but it was bound to end.  This is a team led by a rookie quarterback and running back without two of their best defensive players, Brian Orakpo and Adam  Carriker, out during this game.  What can you say? Of course we all wish we won and we couldn't believe it.  You just have to look at it positively and take it in stride as a learning lesson for this young team so they are ready to take this Washington Redskins team to Super Bowl 49.