Here it is! My first Weekend Football Preview. Enjoy it.
Starting with NCAA, the Maryland Terps take on the No. 19 Virginia Cavaliers/Musketeers/Wahoos/a-holes/whatever you want to call them at Byrd Stadium at noon. This has become a pretty intense rivalry since Ralph Friedgen took over at Maryland, mainly because the Terps don’t lose every game against UVA like they used to. It’s also Maryland’s homecoming game.
The Terps are 2-2 (1-1 ACC), and the Hoos are (3-0. 1-0), with all their games coming against joke teams. (Don’t believe me? Their ACC win is against Duke, and their non-conference wins are Western Michigan and Syracuse. That’s a suckfest.)
The Terps have lost a couple of tough games against Clemson and West Virginia, with the defense taking most of the blame. The offense has been solid behind quarterback Sam Hollenbach, thanks in large part to Vernon “Duke” Davis being the most unstoppable force in the history of athletic competition.
Maryland’s running game hasn’t really been sorted out, but it’s becoming clear that Mario Merrills, who was slated as the team’s starter going into the season, has lost the job and is not the answer. Keon Lattimore rushed for 76 yards and a score against Wake Forest last week, so he seems to be the favorite, but Lance Ball should get some carries, also. The Terps NEED to establish a rushing game this week. They haven’t done that yet this season, and that has been the recipe for success during the Fridge era. Bruce Perry, Chris Downs, and Josh Allen were all good backs, but no one has emerged as the star on this year’s team.
The Terps D toughened up last weekend, holding a potent Wake Forest rushing attack in check and scoring a touchdown on a fumble recovery to aid in the 10-point victory.
On the Virginia side, they have a mobile quarterback in Marques Hagans, which is a complete change of pace from what they saw in Wake’s Benjamin Mauk last Saturday. This means the Terps will have a tougher time getting pressure on the QB, which could in turn mean that the weak secondary will be exposed. We keep hearing about Maryland’s defensive speed, and they’re going to need to use every bit of it to keep the reins on Hagans.
On the ground, the Hoos will probably start senior Wali Lundy, who’s battling a foot injury but always seems to torch the Terps. Maryland couldn’t stop the run at all in the first three games, but had some success against Wake. They’ll need that to continue.
(Homer) Prediction: Terps 27, Cavaliers 17.
Maryland has home field advantage, Virginia hasn’t been tested, and I’ll give the Terps the benefit of a few more points because it’s homecoming.
On to the NFL, where the Redskins (2-0) play host to the Seattle Seahawks (2-1) on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
The Redskins are riding real high after a win over Dallas two weeks ago, but everyone keeps saying not to get too amped over Mark Brunell’s two passes. The ‘Hawks are riding a pair of victories after an season-opening loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they have to come to FedEx Field, where you KNOW the fans are going to be completely bonkers to congratulate their team on a rare win in Dallas.
The Seahawks combine solid defense with solid offense (ranked second and eighth, respectively), whereas the ‘Skins have only been bringing it on the defensive side of the ball so far. In the loss to Jacksonville, though, the Seahawks let Jimmy Smith run loose for 130 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Redskins don’t have Jimmy Smith or Byron Leftwich, but they do have Santana Moss, and you can bet he’s looking to continue what he started in the fourth quarter against Dallas.
Clinton Portis hasn’t scored yet this season, and I’m not sure Seattle’s rushing defense is going to allow that to happen this week, either.
Seattle has some serious offensive weapons on their side, with Matt Hasselbeck under center and Shaun Alexander running the ball, but the Redskins are as strong as anyone on defense.
I may look bad for doing this, and it’s not really like me at all, but I think Brunell’s got a good season left in him (and I’m not even a big ‘Skins fan), and I think he may lead the ‘Skins to the playoffs. The Redskins are favored by 1.5 points, which I’m not quite sure about.
If Brunell can come out early and prove that two amazing passes in Dallas weren’t a fluke, it will really keep the Seattle defense from teeing off on Portis, which should mean nothing but good things for the Redskins. So unlike last week, I think we’ll know after the first quarter how this game is going to go.
I don’t think this is the Redskins’ week, though. A snap back to reality may be in order, and it will be a crushing one coming off such a big win.
Prediction: Seahawks 21, Redskins 20.
Seattle is far better on both sides of the ball than the Cowboys, and despite improvement from the Washington offense, I think Seattle’s got this one.
To the north, it’s the Ravens (0-2) at home to take on the New York Jets (1-2) at 4:05 p.m.
This is not a pair of teams headed in the right direction. Both teams are without their starting quarterbacks (which, in Baltimore’s case, may be a good thing), so don’t look for an high-scoring game.
The Jets lost Chad Pennington and backup Jay Fiedler for the year in last week’s loss to Jacksonville. Now they turn to rookie Brooks Bollinger, and look for the Ravens defense to foam at the mouth when they see him under center.
The Ravens are favored by seven points, and I’m not sure they make the spread, but I think they do take the win if only because of what should be a complete inability on the Jets’ part to move the ball.
On defense, the Jets have had trouble stopping tight ends, and Todd Heap should be able to take complete advantage of that. The Ravens play-calling has been disastrous, though, and I don’t even trust them to jump on such an obvious flaw by calling Heap’s number. At the very least, I think he’s good for a touchdown, but they should be looking to him all day long.
Jamal Lewis has been silent for the Ravens this season, but maybe the week off did him some good. The Ravens will hope that is the case, at least.
Both defenses have been mediocre to this point, but for the Ravens a lot of that has to do with constantly being on the field. Also, neither defense will need to bring their A-game to shut down these hapless offenses.
This one could be ugly. REAL ugly. But I think the Ravens will get touchdowns from Heap and Lewis, which should be enough to win if they don’t give up points on offense.
Prediction: Ravens 14, Jets 10.
That would have the Ravens winning without covering the spread. I just don’t trust their offense to drop more than 14 on anyone ... ever.
Friday, September 30, 2005
The Day in Sports: September 29, 2005
The Orioles got spanked by the Yankees again, and that was it for the local sports scene last night. Real exciting. Hooray. Tejada didn’t get an RBI, but Jay Gibbons did hit his 101st career home run.
In national baseball news, the big series starts tonight with the Yanks and “Sawx” (Mike Wilbon redux), and the Red Sox are a game back in the American League East standings. Get ready for hours of Peter Gammons analysis on ESPN!!!
In other sports, if you don’t have any plans tonight, I highly urge you to head over to the MCI Center and check out the Capitals preseason game against the Penguins. It will be televised on Comcast Sportsnet, but they have a great deal where for $25 you can get lower level tickets to tonight’s game (and there’s an FBI vs. Canadian Embassy game after), AND you get a voucher for free upper level tickets to the regular season game of your choice. That is a DAMN good deal. Plus you’ll be making your mama proud because the proceeds go to the Katrina Relief Fund. Or, if you're a cheapass and hate the Hurricane Katrina victims, there are $9 Eagle's Nest tickets available, also.
Also tonight, the Nationals take on the Phillies at RFK to begin their final series of the year. The Phillies still have (slim) playoff hopes that the Nats will look to crush, but the more interesting story is that Jimmy Rollins is looking to end the season with a 30-plus game hitting streak in tact. Right now he’s at 33, and tonight he’ll hit off of Livan Hernandez (15-9, 3.95 ERA, RHP), who’s been terrible lately. The Phillies counter with Eude Brito (1-2, 3.68 ERA, LHP).
Now here’s your recap. I’ll be back with some weekend football previews (they’re new, they’re shiny, and they’re guaranteed to impress ... OK I make no such guarantee) later.
MLB: New York Yankees 8, Orioles 4
Erik Bedard (6-8) did not end his season on a high note, the Orioles couldn’t hand Aaron Small (10-0) his first loss of the year, and the Yankees maintained their one game lead over the Red Sox. Get the hell out of town.
After eight games in less than two weeks against the Yankees, and Camden Yards being the Bronx, Md., for the last four, it’s time for them to leave. Finally. Now the Orioles finish off the year with a meaningless series against the Devil Rays.
But first, the details. The Yankees scored four times in the first inning, once in the second, once more in the fifth, and twice in the seventh to go up 8-0 before the Orioles even plated a runner. Jason Giambi and Hideki Matsui both homered for the Yanks.
The O’s made a mini-rally late, scoring twice in the seventh and eighth innings to make it 8-4, but the game was over. Javy Lopez hit his third homer in three games, and Jay Gibbons homered again, also.
Bedard only went two innings, giving up five runs on five walks to up his once-sub-3.00 ERA to 4.00. Disappointing.
Tonight, John Maine (2-3, 5.54 ERA, RHP) faces Doug Waechter (5-11, 5.41 ERA, RHP) at 7:15 in Tampa Bay to kick off the three-game series that no one is talking about.
Is the season over yet?
Don’t forget to check back for the football previews. AND GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE CAPITALS GAME to benefit the Hurricane Relief ... and to get free tickets to a regular season game! Here, I’ll even link you straight to the ticket interface. Now you have no excuse.
In national baseball news, the big series starts tonight with the Yanks and “Sawx” (Mike Wilbon redux), and the Red Sox are a game back in the American League East standings. Get ready for hours of Peter Gammons analysis on ESPN!!!
In other sports, if you don’t have any plans tonight, I highly urge you to head over to the MCI Center and check out the Capitals preseason game against the Penguins. It will be televised on Comcast Sportsnet, but they have a great deal where for $25 you can get lower level tickets to tonight’s game (and there’s an FBI vs. Canadian Embassy game after), AND you get a voucher for free upper level tickets to the regular season game of your choice. That is a DAMN good deal. Plus you’ll be making your mama proud because the proceeds go to the Katrina Relief Fund. Or, if you're a cheapass and hate the Hurricane Katrina victims, there are $9 Eagle's Nest tickets available, also.
Also tonight, the Nationals take on the Phillies at RFK to begin their final series of the year. The Phillies still have (slim) playoff hopes that the Nats will look to crush, but the more interesting story is that Jimmy Rollins is looking to end the season with a 30-plus game hitting streak in tact. Right now he’s at 33, and tonight he’ll hit off of Livan Hernandez (15-9, 3.95 ERA, RHP), who’s been terrible lately. The Phillies counter with Eude Brito (1-2, 3.68 ERA, LHP).
Now here’s your recap. I’ll be back with some weekend football previews (they’re new, they’re shiny, and they’re guaranteed to impress ... OK I make no such guarantee) later.
MLB: New York Yankees 8, Orioles 4
Erik Bedard (6-8) did not end his season on a high note, the Orioles couldn’t hand Aaron Small (10-0) his first loss of the year, and the Yankees maintained their one game lead over the Red Sox. Get the hell out of town.
After eight games in less than two weeks against the Yankees, and Camden Yards being the Bronx, Md., for the last four, it’s time for them to leave. Finally. Now the Orioles finish off the year with a meaningless series against the Devil Rays.
But first, the details. The Yankees scored four times in the first inning, once in the second, once more in the fifth, and twice in the seventh to go up 8-0 before the Orioles even plated a runner. Jason Giambi and Hideki Matsui both homered for the Yanks.
The O’s made a mini-rally late, scoring twice in the seventh and eighth innings to make it 8-4, but the game was over. Javy Lopez hit his third homer in three games, and Jay Gibbons homered again, also.
Bedard only went two innings, giving up five runs on five walks to up his once-sub-3.00 ERA to 4.00. Disappointing.
Tonight, John Maine (2-3, 5.54 ERA, RHP) faces Doug Waechter (5-11, 5.41 ERA, RHP) at 7:15 in Tampa Bay to kick off the three-game series that no one is talking about.
Is the season over yet?
Don’t forget to check back for the football previews. AND GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE CAPITALS GAME to benefit the Hurricane Relief ... and to get free tickets to a regular season game! Here, I’ll even link you straight to the ticket interface. Now you have no excuse.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
The Day in Sports: September 28, 2005
Baseball. Lots and lots of baseball. It’s been a slow week.
I think that was a haiku.
Anyways, the Nats won, and that guarantees that they won’t finish below .500. Combined with the Mets loss, it also put them in sole possession of third place in the National League East.
As for the O’s, the misery is almost over. Tonight is the last home game of the season, so if you haven’t been to many/any games this year, hit up Camden Yards lest you go five months without Boog’s Barbecue and Uncle Teddy’s Pretzels. I am planning on going, so you might even see me! (Gasp.)
In non-area baseball news, Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies (who the Nationals will start a series with on Friday) got a hit in last night’s 16-6 rout of the Mets to extend his hitting streak to 33 games. That puts him 23 games away from Joe DiMaggio’s record of 56 set in 1941. Rollins’ streak would have to extend 20 games into the 2006 season to reach 56, and breaking the record with a split-season streak would be crappy. The thing is, we don’t have to worry about this because 23 games is still a loooong hitting streak. It would be an interesting cliffhanger for the offseason, though. The Rollins streak is the longest since Luis Castillo compiled a 35-game hitting streak for the Marlins in 2002.
Caps and Recaps were in a boat. Caps fell out. Who was left? RECAPS!
MLB: Nationals 11, Florida Marlins 7
The Nationals completed a sweep of the Marlins last night and scored 11 runs for the second game in a row. The win puts the Nats three games over .500 (81-78) with three games left (all against Philadelphia).
Last night’s game was a slugfest, with Esteban Loaiza (12-10) benefiting from Preston Wilson’s 3-for-5, five RBI game. Loaiza gave up six runs on 10 hits in six innings, but got the win thanks to the offense.
Wilson and Nick Johnson both homered, and they combined for nine of the teams 11 RBIs.
Marlins pitcher Brian Moehler only lasted 3.1 innings, giving up seven runs on six hits.
Washington has the day off today before taking on the Phillies at RFK Stadium for a weekend series. The first game is Friday at 7:05 p.m., with Livan Hernandez (15-9, 3.95 ERA, RHP) slated to face Eude Brito (1-2, 3.68 ERA, LHP), with the Phillies still clinging to wild card hopes.
MLB: New York Yankees 2, Orioles 1
How do you play a 17-9 barnburner one night, then turn around and play a 2-1 pitchers duel the next? I have no idea.
Daniel Cabrera (10-13) and Shawn Chacon (7-3) kept the bats quiet for the most part last night. Cabrera worked into the seventh inning, giving up two runs on six hits, while Chacon worked 6.2 innings, giving up one run on four hits.
The Orioles only run came on a second-inning solo homer from Javy Lopez, his 14th of the year and second in as many games. Alex Rodriguez hit a solo shot also, his 47th homer of the season, which tied the game at one.
Derek Jeter broke the tie in the seventh, hitting an RBI single off of Todd Williams (not literally) that scored Jorge Posada.
Mariano Rivera worked the ninth inning for his 43rd save.
The Red Sox got thumped by the Blue Jays last night, so the Yankees now have a one game lead in the American League East with four games remaining. After tonight’s game with the Orioles, the Yankees head to Fenway Park for a division-deciding, season-ending, three-game set with the Sox.
But first things first, tonight is the last game of the season at Camden Yards, with Aaron Small (9-0, 3.25 ERA, RHP), who has been the subject of a couple of my recent rants, facing Erik Bedard (6-7, 3.74 ERA, LHP). I would love to see the Orioles hand Small his only loss of the season.
I think that was a haiku.
Anyways, the Nats won, and that guarantees that they won’t finish below .500. Combined with the Mets loss, it also put them in sole possession of third place in the National League East.
As for the O’s, the misery is almost over. Tonight is the last home game of the season, so if you haven’t been to many/any games this year, hit up Camden Yards lest you go five months without Boog’s Barbecue and Uncle Teddy’s Pretzels. I am planning on going, so you might even see me! (Gasp.)
In non-area baseball news, Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies (who the Nationals will start a series with on Friday) got a hit in last night’s 16-6 rout of the Mets to extend his hitting streak to 33 games. That puts him 23 games away from Joe DiMaggio’s record of 56 set in 1941. Rollins’ streak would have to extend 20 games into the 2006 season to reach 56, and breaking the record with a split-season streak would be crappy. The thing is, we don’t have to worry about this because 23 games is still a loooong hitting streak. It would be an interesting cliffhanger for the offseason, though. The Rollins streak is the longest since Luis Castillo compiled a 35-game hitting streak for the Marlins in 2002.
Caps and Recaps were in a boat. Caps fell out. Who was left? RECAPS!
MLB: Nationals 11, Florida Marlins 7
The Nationals completed a sweep of the Marlins last night and scored 11 runs for the second game in a row. The win puts the Nats three games over .500 (81-78) with three games left (all against Philadelphia).
Last night’s game was a slugfest, with Esteban Loaiza (12-10) benefiting from Preston Wilson’s 3-for-5, five RBI game. Loaiza gave up six runs on 10 hits in six innings, but got the win thanks to the offense.
Wilson and Nick Johnson both homered, and they combined for nine of the teams 11 RBIs.
Marlins pitcher Brian Moehler only lasted 3.1 innings, giving up seven runs on six hits.
Washington has the day off today before taking on the Phillies at RFK Stadium for a weekend series. The first game is Friday at 7:05 p.m., with Livan Hernandez (15-9, 3.95 ERA, RHP) slated to face Eude Brito (1-2, 3.68 ERA, LHP), with the Phillies still clinging to wild card hopes.
MLB: New York Yankees 2, Orioles 1
How do you play a 17-9 barnburner one night, then turn around and play a 2-1 pitchers duel the next? I have no idea.
Daniel Cabrera (10-13) and Shawn Chacon (7-3) kept the bats quiet for the most part last night. Cabrera worked into the seventh inning, giving up two runs on six hits, while Chacon worked 6.2 innings, giving up one run on four hits.
The Orioles only run came on a second-inning solo homer from Javy Lopez, his 14th of the year and second in as many games. Alex Rodriguez hit a solo shot also, his 47th homer of the season, which tied the game at one.
Derek Jeter broke the tie in the seventh, hitting an RBI single off of Todd Williams (not literally) that scored Jorge Posada.
Mariano Rivera worked the ninth inning for his 43rd save.
The Red Sox got thumped by the Blue Jays last night, so the Yankees now have a one game lead in the American League East with four games remaining. After tonight’s game with the Orioles, the Yankees head to Fenway Park for a division-deciding, season-ending, three-game set with the Sox.
But first things first, tonight is the last game of the season at Camden Yards, with Aaron Small (9-0, 3.25 ERA, RHP), who has been the subject of a couple of my recent rants, facing Erik Bedard (6-7, 3.74 ERA, LHP). I would love to see the Orioles hand Small his only loss of the season.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
The Day in Sports: September 27, 2005
Well then. That was a lot of runs. The Nats and O’s combined for 28 runs in their games last night, and both teams won!
Jay Gibbons hit his 100th career homer last night in the fourth inning off of Al Leiter. It was a two-run shot that put the O’s up 8-7. Congratulations are due to Gibby.
In hockey news, the Capitals sent five more players to the AHL, including Chris Bourque (Ray Bourque’s kid), who was an interesting training camp story because he’s only 5-foot-7 and plays possessed. None of the moves are surprising, though.
Time for recaps!
MLB: Orioles 17, New York Yankees 9
YES!!!!!! The Orioles have clinched fourth place in the American League East!!!!
With a 17-9 win over the Yankees last night, the Orioles accomplished a number of things. They ended a nine-game losing streak, they kept the Yankees and Red Sox tied for the division lead, they guaranteed that they can’t fall behind Tampa Bay in the standings, Jay Gibbons hit his 100th career home run, Miguel Tejada knocked in his 96th, 97th, and 98th runs of the year, and the O’s beat the Yankees on a day when Gary Sheffield homered twice (including another grand slam) and knocked in six runs.
Take that.
The O’s offense exploded early on Mike Mussina, scoring five runs in the first two innings and knocking him out of the game after just 1.2 innings. The Yankees came back on Bruce Chen, though, scoring twice in the third inning and then getting the grand slam in the fourth to make it 7-5, Yankees. But the Orioles rallied with three runs in the bottom half of the inning to go up 8-7, then added five more in the fifth, thanks in large part to two bases-loaded walks.
Gibbons went 3-for-4 with four RBIs, Tejada had three RBIs, and Melvin Mora added five RBIs.
Mora hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning, his 24th. Gibbons also now has 24 homers on the year.
Aaron Rakers (1-0) worked 2.1 scoreless innings to get the win.
Since this is the “Go Gibbons” blog now, here’s some more about the O’s player rep. Jay is now batting .278 with 24 homers, 74 RBIs and a very solid .826 OPS. Ideally he would walk more and get his on-base percentage up, but any questions about whether or not he’ll have a regular spot in the 2006 Orioles outfield should be answered.
Game three of the four-game set is tonight at 7:05 at Camden Yards, with Daniel Cabrera (10-12, 4.58 ERA, RHP) facing Shawn Chacon (6-3, 2.89 ERA, RHP).
Nationals 11, Florida Marlins 1
The Nationals are also trying to keep from finishing in last place, and they helped their cause last night by shellacking the Marlins, 11-1. The Marlins and Nationals are now tied in the cellar of the National League East at 80-78. The Mets are 80-77.
The Nats scored four runs in the second inning, two in the third, three in the fifth, and one each in the sixth and seventh to go up 11-0 before the Marlins scored in the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Nats got to 22-game-winner Dontrelle Willis (22-10) early, scoring nine runs (five earned) on nine hits in four innings to knock him out of the game. Reliever Jon Rauch started for the Nationals but only pitched three innings, so Mike Stanton (2-1) got the win for his two scoreless innings.
Marlon Byrd went 4-for-6 with a homer and two RBIs for Washington, and Cristian Guzman continued to raise his batting average now that the season is over, going 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI. Guzman is now batting .217.
The series finale is tonight at 7:05 in Florida, with Esteban Loaiza (11-10, 3.63 ERA, RHP) set to face Josh Beckett (15-8, 3.38 ERA, RHP).
Tonight’s game will determine who is in last place in the NL East heading into the final series of the season.
Jay Gibbons hit his 100th career homer last night in the fourth inning off of Al Leiter. It was a two-run shot that put the O’s up 8-7. Congratulations are due to Gibby.
In hockey news, the Capitals sent five more players to the AHL, including Chris Bourque (Ray Bourque’s kid), who was an interesting training camp story because he’s only 5-foot-7 and plays possessed. None of the moves are surprising, though.
Time for recaps!
MLB: Orioles 17, New York Yankees 9
YES!!!!!! The Orioles have clinched fourth place in the American League East!!!!
With a 17-9 win over the Yankees last night, the Orioles accomplished a number of things. They ended a nine-game losing streak, they kept the Yankees and Red Sox tied for the division lead, they guaranteed that they can’t fall behind Tampa Bay in the standings, Jay Gibbons hit his 100th career home run, Miguel Tejada knocked in his 96th, 97th, and 98th runs of the year, and the O’s beat the Yankees on a day when Gary Sheffield homered twice (including another grand slam) and knocked in six runs.
Take that.
The O’s offense exploded early on Mike Mussina, scoring five runs in the first two innings and knocking him out of the game after just 1.2 innings. The Yankees came back on Bruce Chen, though, scoring twice in the third inning and then getting the grand slam in the fourth to make it 7-5, Yankees. But the Orioles rallied with three runs in the bottom half of the inning to go up 8-7, then added five more in the fifth, thanks in large part to two bases-loaded walks.
Gibbons went 3-for-4 with four RBIs, Tejada had three RBIs, and Melvin Mora added five RBIs.
Mora hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning, his 24th. Gibbons also now has 24 homers on the year.
Aaron Rakers (1-0) worked 2.1 scoreless innings to get the win.
Since this is the “Go Gibbons” blog now, here’s some more about the O’s player rep. Jay is now batting .278 with 24 homers, 74 RBIs and a very solid .826 OPS. Ideally he would walk more and get his on-base percentage up, but any questions about whether or not he’ll have a regular spot in the 2006 Orioles outfield should be answered.
Game three of the four-game set is tonight at 7:05 at Camden Yards, with Daniel Cabrera (10-12, 4.58 ERA, RHP) facing Shawn Chacon (6-3, 2.89 ERA, RHP).
Nationals 11, Florida Marlins 1
The Nationals are also trying to keep from finishing in last place, and they helped their cause last night by shellacking the Marlins, 11-1. The Marlins and Nationals are now tied in the cellar of the National League East at 80-78. The Mets are 80-77.
The Nats scored four runs in the second inning, two in the third, three in the fifth, and one each in the sixth and seventh to go up 11-0 before the Marlins scored in the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Nats got to 22-game-winner Dontrelle Willis (22-10) early, scoring nine runs (five earned) on nine hits in four innings to knock him out of the game. Reliever Jon Rauch started for the Nationals but only pitched three innings, so Mike Stanton (2-1) got the win for his two scoreless innings.
Marlon Byrd went 4-for-6 with a homer and two RBIs for Washington, and Cristian Guzman continued to raise his batting average now that the season is over, going 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI. Guzman is now batting .217.
The series finale is tonight at 7:05 in Florida, with Esteban Loaiza (11-10, 3.63 ERA, RHP) set to face Josh Beckett (15-8, 3.38 ERA, RHP).
Tonight’s game will determine who is in last place in the NL East heading into the final series of the season.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
NHL News: Capitals acquire LW Jeff Friesen
In a surprising move (surprising because no one thought the Capitals were in the market for anyone), the Capitals have obtained speedy left wing Jeff Friesen from the cap-strapped New Jersey Devils for a 2006 conditional draft pick. This with just over a week before the beginning of regular season play.
Friesen, who has been in the league for 10 years but is only 29, is currently the team's second highest-paid player, making $2.28 million this year. Olie Kolzig is the only guy making more, and he's slated to bring in a shade under $5 million.
Check out the Washington Post article here.
See Friesen's stats from ESPN here.
The move comes while the Caps are having a hell of a time trying to extract another left wing, Alexander Semin, from Russia. Current predictions seem to be that he will be playing in Russia this season. Semin figured to be a big factor in the Capitals offense this season.
In the 2003-2004 season, Friesen scored 17 goals and totaled 37 points in 81 games for the Devils, but that was a down year. His best season was in '97-'98 with San Jose, when he scored 31 goals and accumulated 63 points. He is also widely considered one of the fastest skaters in the league, which means the new rules may suit his style very well.
The Caps are still hurting for defensemen, but this move does show that maybe owner Ted Leonsis will be willing to loosen the purse strings a little bit if he can nab someone for a good deal. Also, it was a heady move from general manager George McPhee to see a bargain from a team that has used up most of its cap room and take it.
Maybe this is a one-and-done thing, or maybe McPhee will seek out more steals prior to the season-opener against Columbus on October 5.
I certainly don't know, but you can read about 20 pages of speculation over at the Caps message board.
Friesen, who has been in the league for 10 years but is only 29, is currently the team's second highest-paid player, making $2.28 million this year. Olie Kolzig is the only guy making more, and he's slated to bring in a shade under $5 million.
Check out the Washington Post article here.
See Friesen's stats from ESPN here.
The move comes while the Caps are having a hell of a time trying to extract another left wing, Alexander Semin, from Russia. Current predictions seem to be that he will be playing in Russia this season. Semin figured to be a big factor in the Capitals offense this season.
In the 2003-2004 season, Friesen scored 17 goals and totaled 37 points in 81 games for the Devils, but that was a down year. His best season was in '97-'98 with San Jose, when he scored 31 goals and accumulated 63 points. He is also widely considered one of the fastest skaters in the league, which means the new rules may suit his style very well.
The Caps are still hurting for defensemen, but this move does show that maybe owner Ted Leonsis will be willing to loosen the purse strings a little bit if he can nab someone for a good deal. Also, it was a heady move from general manager George McPhee to see a bargain from a team that has used up most of its cap room and take it.
Maybe this is a one-and-done thing, or maybe McPhee will seek out more steals prior to the season-opener against Columbus on October 5.
I certainly don't know, but you can read about 20 pages of speculation over at the Caps message board.
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