Time to provide an update on DC Pro Sports, in terms of, who is UP and who is DOWN. DC Pro sports is in high gear with the Washington Wizards looking much sharper and defeating top level teams.  They've won 14 of their last 23 games, 11 of their last 15 against teams with a .500 record or better, and have won 7 of their last 9. 

Consistency is now the key.  The Caps have won five of their last seven and sit just 4 points out of the Southeast Division lead.   Down in Viera, Florida, the Washington Nationals are underway in the Grapefruit League.  Good stuff going on in DC sports world.  Here we go . . .

STOCK UP:

G Bradley Beal:  The young 19 year old rookie has been an instrumental part of the Washington Wizards resurgence.  He also has played a critical role in the Wizards winning 7 of their last 9 games.  In 3 of the last 4 games, Beal has scored over 20 points.He was also 6 for 12 from three point range.  The rookie is continuing to pile up points and assume more of a leadership roll on this young Wizards team.   

SF Trevor Ariza:  Ariza has been playing quite well and giving 110% effort off the bench for the Wizards.  He has shown some great hustle and put up 18 points off the bench against Houston and 16 against Denver.  These are the type of bench contributions you need to win basketball games. 

Goalie Braden Holtby:  Holtby has helped propel the resurgent Washington Capitals with some pretty nifty goal tending for the Caps  In his last four games, Holtby has stopped 126 of 133 shots (.947) and posted his career fifth shutout last night against the Carolina Hurricanes.  Holtby has won five of his last seven starts and is set to start his eighth consecutive game tonight, snatching the full starting job for the Caps.  Holtby was also rewarded yesterday with a two year contract extension, paying him $3.7 million. 

F Alex Ovechkin:  Ovechkin is heating up as the season progresses, nothing a terrific 4 point night and a hat trick against New Jersey.  He has 5 points in his last two games and five goals in his last 8 games.  The captain's performance is rising as he continues trusting in bench boss Adam Oates and his move to right wing.  

F Mike Ribeiro:  Is there any hotter Cap on the ice than Ribeiro?  The answer is, no!  Ribeiro has just had a great month of February, putting up 5 goals and 9 assists.  After snapping a five game scoring streak against Tampa Bay on February 14, he has now strung together another 4 point game streak.  Over the last four games, Ribeiro has contributed one goal and four assists.  Some of those assists have been nothing short of pure beauty.  

OF Bryce Harper:  Think he missed baseball?   The kid is not only guaranteed a roster spot, but is one of the most prolific stars on the team.  When he could be resting in the Grapefruit League, instead, he insists on playing.  What a great start to the spring.  In 3 games, Harper has 6 hits in 8 plate appearances, including 2 doubles and 2 runs scored.   

3B Anthony Rendon:  Listen, Rendon is not going to make the opening day roster.  We know that.  However, Rendon is also showing why he is the number one prospect in the system and one of the most bat ready prospects in baseball.  Rendon has appeared in all four games and has 4 hits in 10 at bats.  Of the four hits, count one as a double and one a home run.  He has added three RBI.  The kid is fun to watch and could be one infield injury from the DC roster.   

STOCK DOWN:

GM Ernie Grunfield:  What a horrific trade deadline day for the Wiz.  Wiz unloaded Jordan Crawfford and got a 7'0" center, Jason Collins, who is nearly irrelevant, and Leandro Barbosa, who will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.  Boston ripped Washington for a player than can make a difference in exchange to Washington for players that won't make a damn difference at all.  A tpyical bad move by Grunfield, but an unfortunate, but expected outcome from Washington faithful with Gunfield in charge. 

G John Wall:  The good thing is, the Wiz are winning with John Wall struggling.  The bad thing is, John Wall is struggling.  Over the last four games, Wall has a .288 field goal percentage,. making just 13 of 45 from the field.    He has scored under 15 points in each of those four games. 

F Jan Vesely:  Vesely is not only flirting with the term 'bust' but may have earned the word 'bust'.  The 2011 6th overall draft pick has not played a game for the Wizards since February 8.  Hard to get on the floor when the coach has no confidence.  In the month of February, Vesely has played just 7 minutes.  Another good move by Ernie Grunfield.

F Wojtek Wolski:  Wolski signed with Washington in the off-season to get his hockey career back on track, having it derailed by injury.  The Caps were hoping Wolski would infuse some offense as well.  Instead, Wolski has yielded just 2 points in February and has not recorded a point since February 3 against Pittsburgh.  He has just one goal on the season.   

Now that the combine is behind us, on to free agency! But before we address that, a new 7-round mock draft. As a baseline for player availability, we use Matt Miller's projections. Miller is the NFL Draft lead writer at the Bleacher Report. Ironically, with the Redskins first round selection (St.Louis) Miller has the Rams taking Florida International safety Jonathan Cyprien, who is the favorite of the month of 'Skins "experts". If you are keeping track (I am), that would be three potentially elite defensive backs taken with Washington's original picks from "the trade". The 2014 first round pick will be the final payment for that deal. Who were the DB's with those picks in the '12 draft? LSU corner Morris Claiborne and former Florida Gator corner Janoris Jenkins.

Who the Redskins ultimately select will be greatly influenced by free agency, perhaps most importantly which of their own free agents that are brought back. This draft is extremely deep and Washington would be best served by trading back and acquiring additional picks. Obtaining a high pick next season (3rd round or higher) to offset the lack of a first rounder, should also be given consideration.

2013 NFL Draft (projected)

1st- (traded to St.Louis)

2nd- Phillip Thomas Fresno State FS- Eric Reid is the safety I love, but he projects high in the 2nd.

3rd- Darius Slay Mississippi State CB- Could be better pro than MSU first rounder Johnathan Banks.

4th- Tyrann Mathieu LSU CB- Could be nickel corner in opener and return all kicks.

5th- Shawn Williams Georgiia SS- Did you see him in the combine? 6'0" 220 with 4.4 speed!

5th- Terron Armstead Arkansas Pine Bluff OT- After the combine, I really think he gets picked higher than 5th.

6th-  Brad Wing LSU P- Not just a punter, this guy is a weapon and has chance to be best in the NFL.

7th-  Zach Line SMU RB- Skins need speed back, but Darrel Young could be cap casualty.

DISCUSS IN FORUMS

The Washington Capitals have recalled rookie goalie Phillip Grubauer from the Hershey Bears.  Grubauer was a fourth round draft pick of the Capitals in the 2010 NHL Draft.   

In 25 games this season with Hershey, Grubauer is 6-4-14 with a 2.10 GAA and a save percentage of .928.  He posted a record of 23-13-5 in 43 games with South Carolina (ECHL) last season. 

Grubauer participated in the optional skate for the Caps this morning and wears #31.

Grubauer was recalled because Michal Neuvirth is ill.  Grubauer will likely backup Braden Holtby tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Too bad it isn't regular season yet.  Washington Nationals phenom Bryce Harper is off to a stud of a start in the Grapefruit League.  In yesterdays 9-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves, Harper went 3 for 3 with two doubles and 2 runs scored.  Through the first four games of the Grapefruit League, Harper is 6 for 8 (.667) with 2 doubles and 2 runs. 

The game got away from the Nats in the 5th inning.  Ryan Perry was hammered for 6 hits, 2 walks, and 5 runs in 1.2 innings ptiched.  Ross Detwiler made his spring debut as starter, tossing 2.2 innings and allowing 5 hits, 2 walks, and fanned two batters.  Detwiler is gearing up to depart for the World Baseball Classic.

Ian Desmond was 2 for 4 yesterday is is 3 for 6 overall.  Anthony Rendon continues to swing an impressive bat, picking up two more hits, including a double.  Rendon is 4 for 10 (.400) this spring.   The Nats will hook up with Miami this afternoon at 1:05.

Here is more on Bryce Harper's spring tear.  Mark Zuckerman also writes on Harper's hot spring. 

Recaps:  U-T San Diego,  Wash Times,  CSN Washington,

Nats news links:

We have been keeping you updated in Nats Link on the progress of C Wilson Ramos, as he readys for the season after ACL surgery last year.  Ramos has one more hurdle to go.  He will be working on sliding.  It's just another personal challenge for Ramos. 

“It’s more mental,” Ramos said. “I was scared to block, but after blocking I felt great. Now I’m scared for sliding.”

Back in Viera, as he tied his shoes for a morning workout, Jayson Werth was asked if considered the Braves or Philadelphia Phillies a bigger threat. Werth, the former Phillie, did not hesitate.

"Phillies," he said. "I think everybody is writing them off. They played good in September, when they were healthy. They're not going to roll over, that’s for sure."

And about the Braves? "Yeah, the Braves got the Upton brothers," Werth said. "But they lost [Martin] Prado and Chipper.

Ryan Mattheus doesn't care the Nats only have one lefty at prent in the bullpen.  He is ready to face left handed hitters.  More on Mattheus new role.

Baseball Prospectus thinks Adam LaRoche and Gio Gonzalez arer in for let downs in 2013.  This article is via our Bloguin partner, The Nats Blog. 

It's the stupid craze.  So why not have Nats doing it as well.  Here is Jayson Werth and Adam LaRoche doing the Harlem Shake. 

Steve Lombardozzi and Tyler Moore are playing alot, but there rosters spots are pretty locked.  Not so for Carlos Rivera.  He can make the roster, but needs to earn it. 

More on the potential spring training move by the Nats.  This writer says the move doesn't make sense. 

Pro Bowl special teamer/linebacker Lorenzo Alexander isan unrestricted free agent and the Washington Redskins are over the salary cap. Those two facts being the case, it should come as no surprise that contract negotiations may prove difficult. Alexander has rejected Washington's first contract offer and it now seems likely he will test the free agency waters next month. 

“They offered me a deal but obviously at this point I’m not going to jump into it and sign right away,” Alexander said. “There’s a lot of stuff going on. At this point we’ll play the waiting game and be patient and see what’s the best thing to do for myself and my family. Hopefully that’s with the Redskins . I don’t expect them to outbid anybody but from what I’ve done and sacrificed and what I’ve earned on the field, obviously that’s going to bring a certain dollar amount. There will be interest from other teams. But you really know when free agency starts what your value is.

Don't count the Washington Capitals out of it just yet.  After the Caps 3-0 shut out of the Southeast Divison leading Carolina Hurricanes tonight, the Caps have pulled themselves to within four points of the Divison lead.  

Caps grabbed two defensive goals for the second time this season and added a power play marker.  Nicklas Backstrom got the Caps on the score board first in the first period with a power play goal.  Backstrom was fed nicely by Mike Ribeiro in front of the net to pick up the helper, along with Alex Ovechkin.  The first period ended with a 1-0 Caps lead as they out shot the Canes 17-12.

The last two tallies came from the Caps blue line.  John Erskine unloaded a bomb in the second period to give the Caps the 2-0 lead,  it was Erskine's second gaol of the season, one day after being rewarded with a two year contract extension.  Backstrom and John Carloson picked up assists.  Caps took a 2-0 lead into the second intermission and out shot the Canes 14-8.

John Carlson scored the final goal of the game at the 11:28 mark of the third period.  The goal was assisted by Mathieu Perreault  and Joel Ward.  Both Ward and Jason chimera were held scoreless tonight, but had excellent multiple opportunities during the night.  

Braden Holtby recorded his fifth career shutout and his second blank of the season.  He improves his record to 6-6 on the season.  Holtby stopped all 33 Carolina shots.

MULTIPOINT SCORERS

Nicklas Backstrom: 1 goal, 1 assist

John Carlson: 1 goal, 1 assist

Jason Chimera led the Caps with 7 shots on goal and Carlson had 6.

Caps were1 for 4 on the power play and a perfect 2 for 2 on the penalty kill. 

Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis has been cleared to resume full practice when OTS commence.  Davis missed part of last season with a torn Achilles tendon. He is now fourth months post surgery. 

The Redskins need to determine what future, if any, Davis has in DC.  They do not have that long to make that determination.  Davis' contract expires in two weeks, after that, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.   Although the Redskins offense dramatically improved last season, they missed Davis' presence as a big play threat. 

Davis had 24 receptions for 325 yards, averaging 13.5 yards per catch, before going down to injury last season.  One season prior, David caught 59 passes for 796 yards and 3 TDs.  That was through 13 games.  Davis was suspended the final four games of the 2011 season because of a drug violation, his third such violation.  Davis' disciplinary past complicates long term deal scenarios.  One more violation and Davis would be suspended for an entire season.  Coming off injury combined with the drug issue, the Redskins may be able to negotiate a more cap friendly deal with Davis. 

Davis was franchised last year by the Redskins. 

TEs on the roster:  Chris Cooley, Niles Paul, Logan Paulsen

USA Today did a nice job breaking down tournament hopefuls, with both Maryland and Virginia bubble teams.

Maryland: Record: 19-8, RPI: 65
Plus: Beat Duke and N.C. State
Minus: No. 295 NC SOS, 3-6 on road/neutral
At-large ranking: 42
Next two games: at Georgia Tech (Feb. 27) | at Wake Forest (March 2)
Analysis: The pros (two top-25 wins) and cons (dreadful nonconference schedule mostly designed before coach Mark Turgeon added three pieces to his rotation) are obvious. There's no fixing that problem, but the Terrapins really just need to string together a few wins. That might not be especially likely, since the Terps have not won more than two in a row since a 13-1 start. (Feb. 24)

Virginia: Record: 19-8, RPI: 77
Plus: Beat N.C. State, Wisconsin; 6-2 vs. T100
Minus: 6 100+losses, No. 305 NC SOS
At-large ranking: 37
Next two games: Duke (Feb. 28) | at Boston College (March 3)
Analysis: The Cavaliers might just be befuddling right up until Selection Sunday. The great record against the top 100 helps them and the dreadful nonconference strength of schedule and six dubious losses (including the clunker of the year against Old Dominion) drags the Hoos down. Beating Duke, even at home, would provide another much-needed asset for a team that's difficult to judge (Feb. 24)

Maryland took a giant step towards March Madness with the big win over Duke last week. The loss that followed at Boston College tempered expectations a bit. The win over Clemson swung momentum back their way, but there remains work to be done.

With four games remaining, Maryland probably needs to win three, beginning Wednesday night in Atlanta. The Terps should be favored and at Wake Forest on Saturday as well. It may come down to the Terrapins needing to split their final two games, the home finale against UNC and the season ender in Charlottesville.

02/27/13	at Georgia Tech *	Atlanta, Ga.	8:00 p.m. ET
03/02/13	at Wake Forest *	Winston-Salem, N.C.	12:00 p.m. ET
03/06/13	vs. North Carolina *	College Park, Md.	7:00 p.m. ET
03/10/13	at Virginia *	Charlottesville, Va.	6:00 p.m. ET

The ACC Tournament tips off two weeks from Thursday in Greensboro.
 

The Washington Nationals picked up their first Grapefruit League win last night with a 6-4 decision over the New York Mets.  Gio Gonzalez (1-0) threw two scoreless and hitless innings in his Spring debut.  Gonzalez, Ross Ohlendorf, and Nathan Karns combined for nine strikeouts in the first 7 innings, scattering just two hits and allowing one run, charged to Ohlendorf.  Karns, the fifth rated prospect in the Nats system, threw two scoreless innings and allowed just one hit.   

Eury Perez continues to impress at the plate for the Nats, going 3 for 3 on the day with 2 runs scored and a stolen base.  Perez is now 5 for 9 (.555) in three games.  Steve Lombradozzi was 2 for 3 with two RBI as he continues in his battle to increase playing time at second base over Danny Espinosa.  Lombo scored a run and drive in two runs.  Will Rhymes was 2 for 2 at the plate.  Tyler Moore, Adrian Sanchez, Destin Hood, and Carlos Rivera also drove in a run apiece.  Overall, the Nationals battered Mets pitching for 6 runs on 17 hits. 

The Nats improved to 1-1 with 1 tie in three games.  Washington will face the Atlanta Braves today. 

Here is a little more from the Wash Post on Karns debut.  And from the Wash Times.   Recap from CSN on Gio's starting debut.  Recap from Federal Baseball. And one more from Nationals Prospects. 

News Links:

Adam LaRoche is enjoying spring training with his son.  Speaking of LaRoche, he will join Jayson Werth today in making their respective spring debuts. 

Nats are continuing to be pleased with the progress of Wilson Ramos as he continues his recovery from off-season ACL repair.  Henry Rodriguez is nearing readiness for the Spring.  Rodriguez is recovering from off-season elbow surgery.  Pinch hitter Chad Tracy is scartched the next two games after taking a pitch off his arm. 

Anthony Rendon is taking advantage of his time playing in the bigs. 

More notes from Bill Ladson.

Former Nats' closer Chad Cordero is attempting a come with Anaheim. 

The Wizard and Raptors turned Toronto into Brick City tonight, as the two sub-.500 Eastern Conference teams put on a putrid offensive display filled with bad decisions, bad turnovers and, most of all, bad shooting. However, Washington outlasted the Raptors thanks to some good defense and out-rebounding Toronto 49-39. It's the thrid straight win for the Wiz and 14th in the last 22 games. This is only the second road game the Wizards have won against an Eastern Conference opponent. [Milwaukee was the other.] The Wizards have won 7 of their past 9 games and are 7-4 this month, guaranteeing them a winning record for the month of February. 

It was not an aesthetically pleasing game, as Washington missed 9 straight shots during one stretch of the first quarter. The Wizards hit only 27% of their shots in the first quarter, but led 17-16 because the Raptors were so careless with the ball. Toronto committed 12 turnovers before halftime.

The Wiz shot only 42% from the field and attempted 10 fewer free throws than the Raptors. But Washington made those free throws count, hitting 15 of 17 from the stripe. The bigger difference, though, was from long range, where the Raptors missed 14 of 19 [26.3%], while Washington was careful and superb, hitting 7 of 12 [58.3%] on 3-pointers. 

"Our defense gives us a chance," Head Coach Randy Wittman said after the game. He's right. The Raptors shot under 37% from the floor on the night. Trevor Ariza, Martell Webster, Nene and Emeka Okafor all had good games defensively, important contributions on a night when Ariza, Nene, and Okafor combined to miss 22 of their 33 shots. Toronto guard Rudy Gay, who played his high school ball in the D.C. area, lit up the Wizards for 24 points in the Raptors' win in D.C. last week, but he couldn't get rolling tonight, with the harassing Wizards defense crawling all over him. Gay missed 10 of 11 shots and scored only 7 points, a big reason Washington got the road win tonight. 

The Wiz got a big assist from the bench, with backup point guard AJ Price playing almost as much as John Wall, as the starter got into early foul trouble. Price scored 12 points on 5-7 shooting [2-2 on 3-pointers]. 

The Wizards built a 40-28 lead late in the second quarter and led 40-32 at halftime. However, the Raptors chipped away at the lead in the third quarter, finally tying the game up at 49. However, that's when Washington turned the tide for good. Beal scored to put the Wiz back up and then Ariza dropped a 3-pointer and AJ Price hit a runner in the lane. Quick and slick the Wiz were back up by 7 and although the Raptors went on a couple of runs, they never took the lead away. Washington led 63-54 going into the fourth quarter. 

It looked like the Wizards might run away with it, as they hit 6 of their first 8 shots in the fourth quarter and built the lead back up to 12. However, Beal had to leave the game with foul trouble [he finished with 5] and Washington struggled to score without their rookie on the floor. 

Rookie Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 20 points [18 in the first three quarters], hitting 8 of 13 shots and grabbing 6 rebounds. Nene shot terribly for most of the game, but finished strong, scoring 11 points on 4-10 shooting and grabbing 9 rebounds. Even worse as a shooter, tonight, Emeka Okafor hit only 4 of 14, but he did grab 13 boards and played solid defense. Martell Webster scored 12 points on 4-8 shooting, while Wall had another brutal shooting night against the Raptors, missing 8 of 11 and scoring only 10 points. He did a bit better as a point guard, though, dishing 7 assists and committing only 1 turnover. 

Leading 83-77 with one minute and 30 seconds left, the Wizards forced a bad miss by Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry. John Wall ran the clock down on offense, dribbling aimlessly before putting up a hideous jump shot -- worse than most of his ugly jump shots tonight -- that returned the ball to Toronto. However, a foul on Nene gave the Raptors two free throws and the chance to cut Washington's lead to four. However, DeMar DeRozan made only one of two, so Washington led by 5 points with 1:04 to play and Wizards coach Randy Wittman called timeout to talk things over. 

The Wizards had committed 20 turnovers leading to 25 Raptors points so it was critical they protect the ball. However, John Wall inexplicably lost his footing and fell down as he crossed half court. Wall quickly called timeout before Lowry could tie him up and force a jump ball. The Wizards set up a new play and Wall took a slick pass as he cut to the basket, blowing past Amir Johnson who committed himself too far out on the floor, and layed the ball neatly off the glass to extend Washington's lead to seven with 46 seconds to play. 

Rudy Gay missed a long three-pointer from the corner, but Trevor Ariza fell out of bounds as he grabbed the rebound. It looked like Ariza was fouled by Kyle Lowry, but nothing was called and the Raptors got the ball back. That led to long shots from Rudy Gay and Kyle Lowry, both of which missed, as the Wizards struggled to grab rebounds and hold the ball. Finally, Wall grabbed a Lowry miss and, after taking an in-bounds pass, was fouled by Lowry, sending Wall to the line. Wall calmly sank both shots, putting Washington up by nine points with 17.4 seconds to play. 

Lowry quickly hit a 3-pointer on the next play to reduce Washington's lead to 87-81 with 15 seconds left. Martell Webster took the in-bounds pass and was fouled immediately and sent to the line. Webster, 19th in the NBA in free throw shooting, hit both shots to push the lead back up to eight, 89-81. Lowry then hit another 3-pointer, this one from about 30 feet, to cut the lead to 89-84. Garrett Temple snuck behind the defense and was tripped as the long pass arrived. The call probably should have been a clear path foul, giving Washington two free throws and possession, but the refs went with a standard foul. Temple made the first shot, but missed the second. The Raptors threw up a desperation three, but it missed and the clock sounded game. 

Final score: Washington 90 Toronto 84. 

Next game: Wizards host Detroit Pistons on Wednesday at 7 PM.