The Nationals picked the right year to finish last

A 100+ loss season is never easy to swallow. It wasn't for me in 2008 when the Nationals lost 102 games and finished dead-last in the majors. Sure, I was optimistic afterward: the team played much better down the stretch, Dukes and Milledge emerged as top young players, John Lannan played fantastic, etc. The team had injuries and was young. They cut dead weight (for the most part) and would not have the same repeat performance in 2009, I told myself. The additions of Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham would help stabilize the rotation and outfield. Oh, and Jim Bowden resigned and the team signed Adam Dunn, who has been the best player in World Baseball Classic, with 2 home runs at (I think) 4 walks in 2 games (on base all but one time).

But still, it's hard to be totally optimistic when the team you love just lost 100+ games and everyone is predicting yet another last-place finish. The outlook just got a whole lot sweeter, however, when I read this article on ESPN.com.

The article talks about Stephen Strasburg, who is projected to go to the Nationals with the first overall pick. It talks about his 100-mph fastball that has movement on it, his 94-mph slider that is filthy, and mechanics that should not lead to further injury like fellow top prospects Mark Prior and Kerry Wood.

They call him the best prospect...ever. Ever. Ever. As a college junior, one scout says he is better than A.J. Burnett, who just signed a 5-year, $80 million deal with the Yankees and was ranked the #2 free agent pitcher available. Oh yea, and Strasburg was the only college player on the 2008 U.S.A Olympic baseball team.

Wow. Just wow. I suddenly became much more optimistic about the Nationals' future. He sounds like the Nationals' version of the Caps' Alexander Ovechkin. The Nationals can't pass on him. They won't. Not a chance.

Oh, and the Nationals also have the 9th overall pick (really 10th, because of the non-signing of Aaron Crow). Ohhhh baby. June is going to be a good month.

A Few NFL Thoughts Before the College Basketball Storm

No need for an explanation. The next two weekends are paradise for college basketball fans. Before that, I do need to address some NFL thoughts that are bouncing around in my head. By the way, after Wednesday, I will be posting on this blog at least twice a day about the commencement of March Madness.

1. Somehow, the Ravens did okay for themselves. Sure, they lost McAlister, but he didn't play last year anyway. They replace McAlister with Domonique Foxworth, who, while looking premier cover skills, is one of the fastest cornerbacks in the NFL and won't get beat deep. They lost Jim Leonhard, but make sure you remember that Jim Leonhard was a backup last year to a very capable Dawan Landry, who got injured in the second week of the season.

Losing Bart Scott hurts, but the Ravens have an eager group of linebackers waiting to be the next Scott (or Adalius Thomas or Ed Hartwell or Jamie Sharper). Tavares Gooden is especially exciting. They lost Jason Brown, who received tackle money for being a center, but replaced him with Matt Birk. Granted, Birk isn't as good or as young as Brown, but he's an established player who will keep Flacco off his butt until the team finds a long-term replacement. Finally, they got Ray Lewis back, so he can retire as a Raven and tutor his replacement.

2. T.O to Buffalo? Really? When I first heard the news, I was simply floored. Other than the 49ers, Ravens, Eagles and Cowboys, Buffalo was about the least place I could imagine Owens (pictured, left) ending up. A small market team up north with an inexperienced, "jury is still out" quarterback?

... That being said, I think it will work - at least for the one year. After that, it never does. Owens always does well in his first stint with a team. He'll play for pride and for a big contract next year. I'm not saying the Bills are now the team to beat in the AFC, but because the Bills haven't made the playoffs in 10 years and are in need of a few fans, I think it's a smart move on Buffalo's part.

3. What will LT do? As I'm writing this, talks are going on between Tomlinson and the Chargers as to Tomlinson's future with the team. They're trying to restructure his contract, and the team has said that if it doesn't happen by the end of today, it's not going to happen. Although many teams could use Tomlinson (New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Jacksonville come to mind), he, like Ray, belongs in San Diego. I've said it before on this blog, so of course I'll say it again, the franchising of Darren Sproles was just stupid. I know they wanted to keep him on their team because of what an X-factor he can be, but he's not a featured running back in this league, and they just ridiculously overpaid for him. If Tomlinson were to resign, there is no doubt that he would still be "the guy." He needs to get the deal worked out today, get healthy this offseason, and focus on next season.

4. Houshmandzadeh to the Seahawks; where does Michael Crabtree end up? The "lock" of the upcoming NFL draft is no longer a lock. Houshmandzadeh is definitely a good pick-up for Seattle; they had the cap room and now they can pick up a player of equal value at perhaps a greater need with their number four pick.

The question now obviously becomes how far Michael Crabtree (pictured, left) will fall. I can't see it being out of the top 10. Both Oakland and Jacksonville (picks 7 and 8, respectively) have huge need at WR, and would not pass on him.

Don't be surprised to see a lot of movement around this spot, too. There are plenty of receivers in this year's draft, and if the Raiders do not think Crabtree represents a significant upgrade over, say Darrius Heyward-Bey, but the Bears covet Crabtree, Chicago may be willing to give up their first and a second round pick for the spot.

And now that that's off my chest, bring on the madness.

Individuals Making NBA, NHL More Fun

Time for a quick break from the college basketball and NFL free agency talk you've been hearing on the show and reading on here. And no, this isn't Tyler. This is Tony, and I want to talk some hockey.

I've never had a problem with hockey. In fact, I used to play hockey. As I got older, though, I learned a hard lesson: There are only so many hours in a day. With sleep requirements, eating requirements, and school requirements, there simply was not enough time in the day for me to rationalize caring about hockey - especially when the Ravens were preparing for the draft and the Terps were making their annual end-of-season bubble push. Hockey just wasn't ... fun enough. 

Then, Alex Ovechkin (pictured, left) and Sidney Crosby came along. Their almost-daily highlights on ESPN followed shortly behind. Intrigue followed that, because I couldn't watch this and not think it's one of the coolest things you've ever seen in your life. They play each other, and it's on NBC, and I watch a period. I read about it after the game and learn that Ovechkin thinks Crosby is a whiner; Crosby thinks Ovechkin is a dirty player. Now I want to watch another game between them, this time all the way, and hopefully I see them go at it. During the process, I see another Ovechkin goal and I start checking the "NHL" page on ESPN.  

Wait, did I just become a hockey fan again?

I still don't follow the Capitals, or any other hockey team, religiously. But if I flip through channels and a hockey game is on, I'll probably stop to watch, especially if it's Ovechkin. Such has one man completely changed my perspective on a sport I thought I didn't have time for. 

It's really the same type of deal for the NBA. There is one notable difference, though. I still loved the game of basketball. I have never not been a college basketball fan. The NBA to me, though, was a completely different sport. There was no teamwork. Traveling was allowed. Players really didn't care until the playoffs started. 

Enter LeBron James. 

Remember that Ovechkin goal? Try this play, and you'll find they're about on the same plane. You have to get excited. Go a few days, and you see LeBron puts up something silly like 38, 13, and 11 or something. You think to yourself, "Man I have to see if he's for real." So you tune in to a Cavs game one night, but it's not on because they're showing the end of a Lakers game, and you watch as Kobe Bryant hits a fade-away three to beat the buzzer. You've never cared about the NBA, but instantly you are going to watch the next game because you want to see LeBron top that.

Like it not, you care about the NBA now. 

The NFL and MLB are undoubtedly the top two professional leagues in America, but both the NBA and NHL are surviving. It's now no wonder why. Individual players are driving both of these leagues, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, as long as you know what you're getting when you go in. So, for the next few months, enjoy Ovechkin and LeBron singlehandedly will their teams on their championship runs. These are once-in-a-generation players, so don't miss them. 

Feature Presentation

A big thank you goes out to Doug McKinney, who was TnT Sports' inaugural guest today. McKinney runs college basketball website FeaturePresentationOnline.com and called in to talk about Maryland's chances for the NCAA Tournament and where they stand with 2 regular season games remaining. Look for McKinney to make an appearance again next Monday as well. I encourage TnT Sports fans to check out his website, it has some great basketball analysis.

Bowden Resigns

As a Nationals fan, I felt weird when I read that general manager Jim Bowden resigned early today. He was the only general manager the Nationals have had and despite his questionable moves over the last four years, he's still the man who has been in charge as long as I have been a fan. Bowden claimed that he had become a"distraction" to the team and was disappointed in the media reports that criticized him for the FBI investigation into possible bonus money skimming (an investigation that has yet to file any charges).

I really don't think Bowden began to feel that he was a distraction. I think this was more of the Lerners and Stan Kasten telling him to resign to save face. Now, Bowden wasn't fired, the Lerners/Kasten can't say they fired him just because of allegations, the the team can now promote assistant general manager Mike Rizzo or find someone outside the organization. Either way, both sides come out looking fine. Most media opinions believe this is a giant step forward for the franchise, and I agree with them, mostly because Bowden's reputation had begun to preceed him in baseball circles (at least according to quotes and rumors from around the league over the last year).

Still, Bowden did do a lot of good for the franchise. It's not like he was an awful general manager. He acquired Alfonso Soriano for next to nothing, and then used the compensatory draft picks to add to the solid farm system that he helped build in fewer than 3 seasons. His acquisitions of Elijah Dukes and Lastings Milledge look like robberies and the trade that brought the team Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen this past offseason also looks like it will benefit the Nationals greatly. He also traded for Alberto Gonzalez, who should be a backup this year, and Anderson Hernandez, who may very well breakout this season at second base. If not for some unlucky breaks and injuries, the team could be in much better shape and possibly could have competed last season. Oh, and he signed Adam Dunn this offseason. Say what you want about Dunn, but 40 home runs do not lie.

His drafts have been more than solid. Ross Detwiler and Chris Marrero both had setbacks last year, but Detwiler came on strong in the Carolina League playoffs and Marrero looks extremely good in spring training, especially considering he was injured for half the season in single-A Potomac. Jordan Zimmermann (pictured, left), a 2007 second-round pick, may start the season on the major league roster after skyrocketing through the minors in 2008. His manager in double-A Harrisburg said he could dominate the majors for the next ten years. Bowden also signed thought-to-be-unsignable Jack McGeary in 2007, who had first-round talent but was a second-round pick. Michael Burgess won the 2008 single-A home run derby. The farm system took a step back this past year after 9th overall pick Aaron Crow refused to sign with the franchise, but a strong year from Detwiler and Marrero puts them back on the map. And with two top 10 picks (1st and 9th), they should land two blue-chippers.

Bowden may or may not be found guilty of bonus skimming. But I am in the belief that he did not deserve all the hatred he received over the last two seasons. Sure, he made some poor moves and decisions, but the team still has a bright future, in my opinion. One injury-plagued season caused many in the media to think this team was built poorly. Bowden wasn't a great GM by any means, but he wasn't the worst in history. Either way, Bowden is gone, and Mike Rizzo may be the next Washington GM. If he is, it will be interesting to see what he does with the outfield situation and how he improves the team.

In 4.3 seconds, a stock skyrockets

The NFL Combine may be the single most overrated event in professional sports. The fact that some people sit on their couches to watch guys in t-shirts and shorts run, jump, and weigh in is ridiculous. If you're lucky, you'll see a QB throw some easy routes to a wide receiver. Exciting stuff.

That said, it's still important. The 40-yard dash is the biggest aspect of the combine and can make or break a draft prospect's chances. Penn State WR Derrick Williams, for example, ran a 4.58, much slower than many expected and a time that will hurt his stock (he was a borderline day one pick as it was). His teammate, Deon Butler, ran sub-4.4, and may be picked before Williams.

On the other hand, Maryland's very own Darrius Heyward-Bey clocked in at 4.30, the fastest by a WR this year and the second-fastest since 2000. A 40-time doesn't single-handedly make a reciever a lower pick. Absolutely not. But it can really help a guy like Heyward-Bey.

Think about it from a GM or scout's point of view. Here is a guy who is 6 foot 3, 200 pounds. He's a big wide receiver, no doubt. He's also known for his speed. 2 years ago he burned Miami for 2 touchdowns on go-routes. The problem is, he doesn't have anywhere near the numbers of a guy like Crabtree or Maclin. Still, the size and possible speed is hard to ignore. There are lots of reasons for the low numbers - Maryland's offesne, a weak-armed QB, no other threats in the passing game, etc. You project him to be around 20-32 in the draft.

Then, he runs the fastest time of any receiver at the combine. He explodes to a 4.3 40-time. You also hear Michael Crabtree is out for 6-10 weeks (not like he'd slip a lot, still a top-10 pick). Oh, baby. Now scouts know he's not just fast, but blazing. Combine that with the fact that he's a big wide receiver and has no real injury history...you get a Randy Moss type wide receiver (I'm not saying he's as good as Moss, but the size and speed is similar). Heyward-Bey was faster than Percy Harvin, Hakeem Nicks, and many others who were more productive in their years in college.

In a mere 4.3 seconds, Heyward-Bey may have improved his stock from late first-rounder to mid-first rounder. To some, that may not be a big difference. I think it is. Before the combine, he was slated to go to a top NFL like Baltimore or Tennessee. Can you imagine Baltimore with a guy like Heyward-Bey? Flacco has a strong arm and can hit him in stride deep down the field. Cam Cameron likes reverses and Heyward-Bey is excellent at those. I don't even want to think about him in a Titans uniform. Now, however, he could rise to a team like Chicago, San Diego, or Minnesota, a mere four picks from Baltimore. An earlier team could feel a need to take a chance on a raw talent like Heyward-Bey's.

All scouts need to do is look at this video or this video.

A Good Move, A Bad Move, and a Risky Move

It's NFL off-season time. More specifically, it's NFL franchising time. Before free agency begins at 12:01 AM on February 27th, teams across the league have been slapping the franchise tag on some of their best players. For those of you unfamiliar, placing the franchise tag on a player means:

1. The player gets a one year deal, valued at the average of the top 5 paid players at his position.

2. The player is forced to accept the deal.

3. Each team can only use one franchise deal per year.

4. If a player gets franchised two years in a row, his salary for the second year will be valued at 120% of his value the first year.

5. A player can not be franchised more than two years in a row. 

Players typically don't like it because they want long-term deals with fat signing bonuses at the beginning of them. Here's a look at three players who have recently had the franchise tag placed on them by their respective teams:

Darren Sproles - RB - San Diego Chargers - $6.62 million in 2009

For Sproles: Scary Move ...  Sproles knows now that he is "the guy" in San Diego - at least for one year. He is still sort of an unknown commodity; if you remember, he really only came on at the end of last season into the playoffs. Even if he plays well this year, his contract now won't increase, and unless his production is off-the-charts, his pay will likely decrease after this year. 

For Chargers: Bad Move ... I understand wanting to keep Sproles around, especially with the uncertainty surrounding LaDainian Tomlinson and his future in San Diego. Simply put, though, they overpaid him. These small, speedster-type guys are often injury-prone, and teams can scheme against him. Despite what we saw in the playoffs, I am very comfortable in telling you that Darren Sproles is not the third best running back in the NFL. 

Terrell Suggs - DE/LB - Baltimore Ravens - $10.20 million in 2009

For Suggs: Good Move ... Why wouldn't this be a good move for Suggs? Not only is he getting paid off the charts because of the 120% rule, but it guarantees that he is going to be given a long-term deal after this year. Even if he gets injured, he is completely proven. Every single team in the NFL would want to pay Terrell Suggs.

For Ravens: Good Move ... They may be overpaying him slightly, but it's a good move for the Ravens because it got Suggs out of the way. They can now focus their time and energy to resigning Ray Lewis and Jason Brown to multi-year deals. 

Matt Cassel - QB - New England Patriots - $14.65 million in 2009

For Cassel: Bad Move ... When the Patriots did this, they guaranteed Cassel that one of two things were going to happen. He now knows he either going to be traded before the season begins, or he's going to be Tom Brady's backup again in New England this year. Even if the latter is true, he knows he will be signing a long-term deal next year with someone. All this did for Cassel was put off the inevitable. 

For Patriots: Good Move ... They guaranteed themselves Cassel if Brady is not ready to start the season. It'll be a great move if they're sure Brady will be ready to go. Then, they can dump Cassel and his high number on some other team, and pick up boat-loads of draft picks so they can start a new dynasty. Leave it to New England.