Catching Up

I know it has been quite some time since the last time you have heard from me, my loyal readers, and for that I apologize. Since moving back from the left coast, I have been quite busy, preoccupied with "real-life" scenarios that I have avoided for the past few years, avoided as if they would cause me to contract leprosy. However, here I am, rested, relaxed and ready to type away on all things inconsequential. I missed you all very much, as I hope you missed me.

The Nats

So, the Nats are supposed to lose more games this year than any other Major league Baseball Baseball team in history. Their starting pitching was destined to be the worst rotation in a century; even more pitiful than a little league team of science nerds forced to play ball between science fairs. There was no hope for this season before it started and all of the Washington baseball fans were supposed to be patient and upset with our Nats as the floundered their way into the off season.

Yet, it is only April, the team has won four games and their starting pitching has been much better than any of us thought (except for me, of course). Their offense has shown signs of producing after an anemic start and maybe we can witness a sub-100 loss team this year, much to the chagrin of the so called experts. The Nationals will not break any records this year, especially for futility. 69-93 at the worst, loyal readers. They will not reach the century mark in wins or losses, no matter what. You can thank my lovely fiancee' for the recent winning streak over the weekend. Since Julia came to town, the Nationals won three of four. Can't wait until she moves here in time for next season. Maybe her luck will rub off on the Redskins and the Caps as well.

The Wizards

Jesus, just when it looked good, (as coined and probably trademarked by Tony Kornheiser) the "Curse of Les Boulez" strikes again. First they lose Antawn Jameson at mid season, then Caron Butler for the last month of the season and the first round of the playoffs, and then the "DAGGER!!!" (copywritten by Steve Buckhantz) they lose Gilbert Arenas for the rest of the season, playoffs and the summer. This town can't catch a break. Ernie, We need help!

The Caps

Another season of learning and growing, another season of losing and frustration. Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin showed they are special players that could be the center pieces to a good team in the future. Olie Kolzig got hurt and showed how important he really is to this franchise. And the Blackhawks won the NHL Draft Lottery although the had the fifth worst record and the slimmest chance to move up to number one. The Caps of course dropped from number 4 to number 5. The NHL lottery is fixed. The Penguins have won it twice in the last 5 years, and have picked no lower than #5. The Caps might be able to pick a good player if James van Ryms-Dyck (actual name) is still available. For a team that used to have a goalie named Pete Peeters, Van Rims Dyck is the logical pick. Can you imagine if he was on the same line as Semin?

On a sad note, former Cap and 14 year NHL veteran Gaetan Duchesne died suddenly on Monday. He was drafted by the Caps in 1981 and played over 1000 games in the NHL for the Caps, the Nordiques, the Sharks and the Panthers. It was reported he collapsed while working out at the gym. He was 44. Although he was never a super-star, he is perhaps most remembered in this town for being traded to Quebec for Dale Hunter before the 1986-87 season. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Gaetan, we hardly knew you.