Stan Kasten = Village Idiot, Nats Beat Sawwwks

Nationals Team President Stan Kasten spoke to the National Press Club today and called himself a village idiot while addressing the current rebuilding situation here in the district. While fielding a 100-loss team doesn't make him a genius, there are plenty of other people that have resided in the District the last several years that might deserve that title more. Anyway, our inept Nats smacked around John Smoltz in his Red Sox debut tonight (currently leading 9-1) in the eighth. We may suck now, but with Z-mann and company, Kasten might not be a village idiot in a few years...if he can last that long. In his last 4 outings, Zimmermann has given up 5 earned runs (22 2/3 IP). We'll get there one day.

Wiz Pick No. 5 Early, Get Randy Foye, Mike Miller

So they've finally done it. The Wizards have dealt the number five pick in tonight's draft, and may not participate at all (after trying to deal #32 also). The Wiz sent #5, Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila, and Oleksiy Pecherov for Randy Foye, Mike Miller, and cash. Somewhere, Brendan Haywood is smiling. While this doesn't hold the luster that the potential Amare deal did, it should be a solid move for Washington (although it needs to be paired with another move or two). Let's take a closer look at our half of the deal and what we're getting in Foye and Miller:

Foye: A relatively streaky shooter that can put up points when needed. He's not a great passer, but he's a solid scorer off the bench. Foye has had a banged up knee since injuring it during the 07-08 season, and hasn't fully recovered since. He's had the stigma of the Brandon Roy trade hanging over him since his rookie year, so you might say he was set up to fail with the Timberwolves. His value in the trade will be dependent upon his health, but the Wizards could let him walk after this season if they choose not to give him a qualifying offer. Oh and his guts are flipped.

Miller: Miller is a former rookie of the year (2000-2001) and sixth man of the year (2005-2006) that has now coming to his fourth team. He is known for his nice range (career .401 3 pt %) and overall shooting consistency (.462 career FG %). Miller had a statistically terrible year last year, but most people attribute it to being a part of a TERRIBLE Minnesota team. He has decent size at 6'8" at 218 lbs, but he won't kill you on the boards. Like Foye, he should benefit from a new team and will fit well with Flip Saunders here in DC.

The only way to grade this trade will be on the moves that come next. By losing relatively big-guys in the deal, the Wiz have to trade again for a physical big. Blatche, Haywood, McGee, and Jamison can't hold down big duties without reinforcements. Grunfeld says the team will try and deal the 32nd pick in another move, so look for a guard (Mike James anyone?) to be on their way out of town for a big man. Keep your collective fingers crossed!

No Classic for the Caps in 2010

Image Courtesy of the NHLPA

According to ESPN's EJ Hradek, the Caps and Jose Theodore (above) will not be participating in this year's Winter Classic. Hradek reports that the league has settled on the Bruins and Flyers at Fenway Park as the first part of a double header, with the second game being between the Leafs and Flames in Calgary. Hradek also reports that the reason the Caps were kept off the bill was to set up a New Years Day 2011 Matchup against the Rangers at the new Yankee Stadium. League sources are expected to meet and give final approval on the lineup tomorrow. Looks like Jose Theodore won't have another chance to start in an outdoor game, unless he goes to the KHL (here's hoping).

Tech Sells Allotment. Surprise, surprise!

It was announced yesterday that my beloved alma mater had sold out it's 30,000 seat allotment for the 2009 Season opener against Alabama. Jim Weaver states the obvious in saying that "Hokie Nation has responded in typical fashion." Hokie Nation responded to Weaver's statement with a collective middle finger and demands to release 'Stick it in' from life without parole. At least he didn't tell Tide fans that they could just keep all of the tickets for themselves. Only 73 days left until kickoff...wooooooooo (thanks FBS for the counter).

Not the Good Type of Block

You'd think an offensive line coach always loves a great block. Well not this kind. Tech Coach Curt Newsome underwent double-bypass surgery on Friday morning. Here's to a speedy recovery, and a big "thank you" to Billy Hite (Mr. "Come on out to the NRV Superbowl!") for bugging Newsome about going to the doctor. Glad this was preventible. Maybe the o-line can pick up where his cholesterol left off after the surgery and Newsome can stay nice an healthy. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Happy last day of school!