‘Crash the net’
courtesy of ‘brianmka’
Capitals
Record: 43-21-6
Last Two Weeks: 3-3
Place: 1st in the Southeast, 3rd in the East
The first half of March wasn’t very kind to the Caps. Four straight losses (to Florida, Carolina, Toronto and Pittsburgh) put the hurt on the Caps record pretty fierce. But, the Caps rallied on their short road trip, beating Nashville and the Flyers, and followed it up with a shoot-out win over the Hurricanes.
There are just 12 games left for the Caps, and they’re about to start a 5-game road trip. Joining them from Hershey will by Brian Pothier and Simeon Varlamov. Pothier is returning to the Caps after a 14-month absence after a severe concussion last January, which left him with blurry vision. He just completed a four-game tune-up with the Hershey Bears.
‘Caron Butler at the line’
courtesy of ‘afagen’
Wizards
Record: 16-51
Last Two Weeks: 2-7
Place: Last in the East
The Wizards losing ways continued through the last two weeks, putting them now 37 1/2 games out of first, and pretty much the most pathetic sports team in the greater DC area. Caron Butler missed last night’s game against the Kings (a rare victory) with a hamstring issue that’s got him headed for the MRI scanner. The Wizards are off to the West for the next week, taking on the Jazz, the Clippers, the Nuggets and the Suns, not to return until next Monday. There are just six home games left in the season, so if you want to get out to Verizon Center, your time is limited.
Nationals
The Nats are just three weeks away from their home opener, and just two weeks away from Opening Day against the Marlins. They’ve gone 7-7-2 down in Grapefruit League ball, and things haven’t been all great. Colin Balester’s been getting roughed up. We still have a million outfielders. Adam Dunn’s been spending all his time with the World Baseball Classic Squad.
So, let’s be honest, as a fan, I can’t have expectations this year. Last year was pretty bad, and the retooling done by Bowden and Kasten isn’t all that detailed. Pitching is lackluster with the Nats right now, despite the signing of Julian Tavarez. Hitting, well, we’re not sure yet. New coaches can breathe new life into an offense, but it’s going to be a bit harder to turn this squad into a winning team.
The Tournament
The Terps are in! So’s AU! Wait, VCU is in?! Look for our Tournament coverage later this week.
I live and work in the District of Columbia. I write at We Love DC, a blog I helped start, I work at Technolutionary, a company I helped start, and I’m happy doing both. I enjoy watching baseball, cooking, and gardening. I grow a mean pepper, keep a clean scorebook, and wash the dishes when I’m done. Read Why I Love DC.
One postscript I should add, via Nationals Journal
“Why did I sign with the Nationals?” Tavarez said told a group of reporters. “When you go to a club at 4 in the morning, and you’re just waiting, waiting, a 600-pounder looks like J. Lo. And to me this is Jennifer Lopez right here. It’s 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. So, Nationals: Jennifer Lopez to me.”