Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson turns 70 years old today.  After winning the franchise's first division title last year and first playoff appearance, Johnson was given a one year extension to manage the Nationals for the 2013 season.  On behalf our readers, we wish Davey a very happy birthday!!!

Other news --- Gio Gonzalez

As you learned yesterday, Nationals' star pitcher Gio Gonzalez has been engulfed in a new performance enhancing drug story.  The story originated from a Miami news article yesterday that named Alex Rodriguez, Melky Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, and Gio as customers of a Miami based Biogensis, which has been under investigation by the DEA and Major League Baseball. 

Since that story broke, Gio Gonzalez has emphatically denied involvement via his Twitter account. 

“I’ve never used performance enhancing drugs of any kind and I never will,” Gonzalez wrote. “I’ve never met or spoken with tony Bosch or used any substance ... Provided by him.anything said to the contrary is a lie.”

And finally, here is the statement from Major League Baseball.

“We are always extremely disappointed to learn of potential links between players and the use of performance-enhancing substances,” the statement read, in part. “These developments, however, provide evidence of the comprehensive nature of our anti-drug efforts.  Through our Department of Investigations, we have been actively involved in the issues in South Florida.  It is also important to note that three of the players allegedly involved have already been disciplined under the Joint Drug Program. ….

The notation by Biogenesis indicated a $1000 sale of zinc, MIC and Aminorip.  When reviewing the MLB Banned Drug list, none of these ingredients appear on the list.  Even at that, Gonzalez denied purchasing anything.  His father, Max Gonzalez, did indicate that he purchased products from Biogenesis in an attempt to lose weight, but his son purchased nothing.

In an off-season of relatively good news for the Washington Nationals comes a troubling report that Nats' 21 game winner Gio Gonzalez could be linked to performance enhancing drugs.  We caution that it is just a report and that Gonzalez has not been disci-plined in nayway by Major League Baseball. 

Alex Rodriguez, Gio Gonzalez, Nelson Cruz, and Melky Cabrera are among the players connected to performance-enhancing drugs in an investigative report by Tim Elfrink of the Miami New Times, which was published on Tuesday. Records from a South Florida clinic called "Biogenesis" show those players (and more) received various substances from Anthony Bosch, the clinic's chief who is already under investigation by MLB and DEA. There are different levels of implication throughout the report.

Here is a link to the main breaking story. 

There's also the curious case of Gio Gonzalez, the 27-year-old, Hialeah-native, left-handed hurler who won 21 games last year for the Washington Nationals. Gonzalez's name appears five times in Bosch's notebooks, including a specific note in the 2012 book reading, "Order 1.c.1 with Zinc/MIC/... and Aminorip. For Gio and charge $1,000." (Aminorip is a muscle-building protein.)

Gonzalez's father, Max, also appears on Bosch's client lists and is often listed in conjunction with the pitcher. But reached by phone, the Hialeah resident insists his son has had no contact with Bosch.

"My son works very, very hard, and he's as clean as apple pie," the elder Gonzalez says. "I went to Tony because I needed to lose weight. A friend recommended him, and he did great work for me. But that's it. He never met my son. Never. And if I knew he was doing these things with steroids, do you think I'd be dumb enough to go there?"

Not sure what to think of the story right now.  Obviously still digesting it. 

I simply can not understand why players would pursue this route after all the publicity of PEDs and the major investigation by Congress and Major League Baseball.  We hear time and time again the criticism levied on those that use PEDs.  Most recently, we witnessed somewhat judgment with Hall fo Fame voting a few weeks ago, when MLB writers had their first opportunity to have say on the status and judgment of those involved or reproted involvement in the steroid scandal. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemons, and Sammy Sosa were eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time this year.  None of them received over 35% of the vote. 

UPDATE:  The one huge positive Gio has going for him is the notes indicate a purchase of Aminorip.  According to multiple sources, if that is the case, then Gio may be fine.  There are no indications that any ingredients in Aminorip are on MLB's ban list.  Seems like the bigger pieces in this puzzle belong to Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera. 

The Washington Capitals are steadying themselves after an 0-3 start to the short season.  They have gained three points in their last two games and much credit has to go to the play between the pipes by Michal Neuvirth.  Let's not kid ourselves to believe the defense has completely fixed itself.  Neuvirth has been steady in goal and has quite frankly bailed out the blue line several times over the last two games.  As Stephen Whyno writes, starting Neuvirth is a no-brainer.  Head coach Adam Oates is going with the hot hand. 

"I mean, right now, yeah," Oates said. "Hopefully you get the luxury of maybe strategizing it a little different. But right now [Neuvirth is] playing very well. And he’s getting rest so it’s not like we’re killing him right now. So he’s good."

“More I play, I’m feeling more comfortable. I expect me to play even better,” said Neuvirth, who will make his fourth consecutive start for the Capitals when they visit the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. “I mean, I’m just trying to play my game, stay on the top of the crease and be patient. Try and stay positive the whole game.”

 

“I know from my experience, it’s a long season and you never know. I just want to work hard every day and, if I get the chance, I want to help my team to get a ‘W,’ ” Neuvirth said. “It’s tough to go with one guy the whole season, there’s always some up and downs but I’m trying to play the same way all season.”

Ultimately, it’s up to Ovechkin whether he changes his game or not. It wouldn’t be easy, but all he has to do is look at what Oates did for Ilya Kovalchuk last year in New Jersey to see the value of listening to the coach. It took his countryman time to adjust, but Kovalchuk stuck with it on the way to a career season.

Will Redskins special teams coach Danny Smith return for his tenth season in burgundy and gold? Or is he looking to wind up his career in his native Pittsburgh?

Smith, who will turn 60 when the season opens, has been granted permission to speak with the Steelers about their special teams coordinator job. Pittsburgh was denied a similar request two years ago.

The Wizards have been playing very well, winners of seven of their last ten. Wins over Oklahoma City and Chicago and at Denver are signs of real progress. But just how valuable is the club?

Forbes has released its current rankings and Washington is ranked #23. According to the business magazine, the Wizards are worth $397 million dollars, with a profit of $1.7 million. The average NBA team is worth $507 million, with the Knicks the most valuable team in the Association. New York surpassed the Lakers and is worth an estimated $1.1 billion dollars!

After starring out 0-3 and showing signs of struggling in a new system and lack of effort, the Washington Capitals responded with a three point weekend. 

Down 2-0 on Friday night against the New Jersey Devils, the Caps rallied to even the score and force overtime.  Though they dropped the decision in OT, at the least, they walked out of New Jersey with 1 point.  Despite falling in OT, the Caps had goalie Michal Neuvirth to thank for the point as he played absolutely splendid between the pipes, making some critical saves on pretty bad defensive lapses.   Mike Ribeiro and Mike Green tallied for Washington in the third period to lead the Caps to a point pickup. 

The Caps picked up their first win of the season.  Joel Ward scored his third of the season to tie the game up at 1-1 late in the first period.  John Erskine put the Caps up 2-1 in the second period with a bomb from the blue line.  Erskine tallied a helper in the overtime loss to New Jersey, so the Caps have a point streak going with Erskine in the lineup.  It was also Erskine's first goal since 2011.  Alex Ovechkin scored the game winner at the 5:11 mark in the third period.  If was Ovi's first of the season and came on the Washington power play.  Ovi had a second easy goal with an empty net, but misfired and hit the pipe. 

This weekend was all about getting back on track and some great goal tending from Neuvirth.  Caps head north to Canada for a two game road trip Tuesday and Thursday.  Tuesday they will face the Senators in Ottawa and Thursday they head to Toronto.

Of note, Marcus Johansson was a healthy scratch.  Bench boss Adam Oates decided it was best for Johansson to take a step back and watch after recording a -5 in the first four games.   

Here are your weekend multi-point scorers:

Mike Green:  Had 1 goal and 2 assists

Mike Ribeiro:  Had 1 goal and 2 assists

Joel Ward:  Had 1 goal and 2 assists

Jason Chimera:  Had two assists

Surprising word from NatsFest yesterday that Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa played through a torn rotator cuff in his left (non-throwing) shoulder late last season.

Espinosa is one of the more underrated Nats, given he is the only backup shortstop behind Ian Desmond, in addition to his starting duties. Espinosa's versatility is also seen at the plate as a switch hitter, where he has shown consistency over the past two seasons since becoming the everyday starter in 2011. Espinosa is averaging 19 homeruns, 61 RBI and 19 steals and 159 games played, since becoming a full time player two years ago.

Danny needs to work on making better contact, as a career .239 hitter, he has struck out a staggering 355 times, while drawing only 103 bases on balls. Espinosa hurt the shoulder on September 8th, diving for a ball against the Marlins. Originally diagnosed as a bruise, doctors determined the rotator cuff tear following the playoffs. He hit only .188 following the injury and disappeared against the Cardinals, going 1-for-15 in the NLDS.

Espinosa isn't having surgery, opting instead for rehab. He didn't start swinging a bat again until this month, but promises to be ready for Spring training next month.

Who might the Redskins be targeting in the April NFL Draft?

Prospects that teams have a meeting with are a good indication of genuine interest.

Ten players have met with the 'Skins according to Charlie Campbell with WalterFootball.com

Sam Barrington, LB, South Florida (EW)
Marcus Davis, WR, Virginia Tech (EW)
Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson (SR)
Montori Hughes, DL, Tennessee-Martin (SR)
Bradley McDougald, S, Kansas (EW)
Brandon McGee, CB, Miami (EW)
Ty Powell, LB, Harding (SR)
Mychal Rivera, TE, Tennessee (SR)
Phillip Thomas, DB, Fresno State (SR)
Duke Williams, DB, Nevada (SR)

(EW)- East West Shrine

(SR)-  Senior Bowl
 

President William Howard Taft had several things about him to be known for, besides being Commander in Chief.  More than likely, the current fact most Americans may know about President Taft references his physical appearance.  The 27th President of the United States was also the largest man to occupy the office, weighing in at about 332 pounds.  President Taft was big enough that he had to have a custom made bath tub brought to the White House after he got stuck in one. 

President Taft also holds the lone distinction of being the only President to also serve on the United States Supreme Court.  Not only was President Taft appointed to the Court after his Presidency ended, but he was also appointed Chief Justice.  In that role, President Taft swore in two Presidents that followed him, Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover.

However, despite all that, President Taft likely will achieve his greatest accomplishment this Saturday afternoon.  According to Dan Steinberg, President Taft will be the fifth racing President to be added this season at Nationals Park.  President Taft joins Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt.  

“Teddy has handpicked the next president for the Presidents’ Race,” Nationals COO Andy Feffer said late Friday. “There was a great amount of banter and discussion back and forth, but Teddy won out with his recommendation.”

While the team considered all sorts of presidential options, this was actually an inspired choice. Taft avoids all the messy political subtext that virtually any post-war president would have created. He has an intimate connection with baseball, having
started the tradition of ceremonial first-pitch tossing with a 1910 delivery before a shutout win by Walter Johnson at Griffith Stadium. He’s also widely credited with having accidentally created the seventh-inning stretch.

Congratulations President and Justice Taft.  We welcome you to Nationals Park!

UPDATE:  Adam Schefter reports that Williams is not a suspectin the latercation.  He was a 'victim'.  Who the hell woudl pick on a Pro Bowl NFL offensive lineman.  Dude has guts!  Updated information that is out is that Williams was hit by a champagne bop0ttle and tasered by someone other than police.   According to the NFL, Williams is still on the NFC Pro Bowl team. 

Credit shouting out to Grant Paulsen who broke the original sotry. 

___

Perhaps one of the best investment the Washington Redskins could make this off-season is the placement of LT Trent Williams in anger management and common sense counseling.  Williams, who was set to play in his first Pro Bowl, was involved in an altercation last evening in Hawaii, and as a result, needed a few stitches.  As a result of that, he will be repalced due to the injury by Minnesota Vikings OT Matthew Kalil. 

The problem here is, this is not out of the ordinary for Williams.  Frequently this season, Williams was rough housing after plays and was fortunate he was not called for more personal foul penalties.  Williams behavior needs ot be controlled and he needs to put business first, the business of football.  Another dumb decision by Williams.