Big Weekend Redux

Excellent bounce back win by the Nationals last night against the Braves.  Timely hitting by Wilson Ramos and of all people John Lannan, plus nice defense in particular by Ian Desmond and a nice game from Lannan and the pen.

So we are half way there in terms of winning the series from Atlanta and thusly getting the second half off to a great start.  Today's game will be tough as we have 5 starter Tom Gorzelanny matched up against All-start and NL leader in Js Jair Jurrjens. 

GO Nats!

But the big story today will the women's World Cup final.  Great piece in the NY Times today on Abby Wambach and her proclivity with headers.

Not sure what this means, but interesting to note that the on-line version of that article is "Abby Wambach Stands Tall for U.S." while the print edition article's title is "Playing Head Games."

Finally, check out my latest blog: Fire Butch Davis (http://firebutchdavis.blogspot.com/).  I'm used to having a dozen readers for CHB, but am curious if FBD and the associated Facebook page will pick up momentum.

Break Up the Nats!

How about our hometown Nats, winners of 6 of their last 10, 7 of 11, 9 out of 14, and three in a row including two come from behind wins. The last two wins were pretty exhilarating thanks to two 8th inning, opposite field bombs from clean up hitter Adam Dunn.

The recent streak gives a Nats fan some legitimate hope for the future. As Evan and I discussed this morning, with this core of Zimmerman, Dunn, Gonzalez, Willingham, Morgan and a hopefully healthy Flores behind the plate, and a maturing and talented pitching staff led by John Lannan, Craig Stamman, Jordan Zimmermann, the Nats could actually be a 500 team next year, or at least win a semi-respectable 75 to 80 games. Once you do that - and if the pitching continues to improve - in two years they could win 85 to 90 games, or better yet become the next Tampa Bay Rays and get really hot.

And I haven't even mentioned number one draft pick Steven Strasburg! Of course, the Nats will still need to sign or develop a closer. I can't imagine they think Macdougal is the solution there. But this kind of dreaming and scheming is just another great reason to follow and love sport.

Go Nats!

A Few Random Thoughts

• Good article today in the N&O on how much ol' Roy is enjoying the latest Tar Heel championship. As Heels fans, we need to step back and enjoy it too. This may be our golden age; the talent and results from the Dean Dome are spectacular and unparalleled in college hoopdom. And as great as watching a national championship team and guys like Hansbrough and Lawson on the court, I am giddy with anticipation for the upcoming season. The Noel team of 2006 was great fun to watch (it's funner to watch a team that is the defending national champ), and I expect this year's Ginyard team to be equally fun.
• One Greek soccer note: Panathinaikos defeated Sparta Prague 3-0 yesterday in Athens to advance to the round of 32 in the UEFA Champions League. The Greens lost the first game of the two-game series 1-3, but advanced due to away goals and aggregate goals scored. I was hoping to watch the game on the Dish Network, but we are having problems with our Greek sports channel (trouble that is supposed to be resolved today, a day late).