The Bog: The 10 most popular in DC, you agree?
Dan Steinberg from the Awesomeness of the DC Sports Bog, polled over 30 Blogger/fan types. Relying on us must have been depressing as hell. But, regardless, here are the results . . .
Alex Ovechkin - 95
Chris Cooley - 49
Donovan McNabb - 46
Stephen Strasburg - 32
Gilbert Arenas - 22
Ryan Zimmerman - 15
Brian Orakpo - 13
Clinton Portis -11
London Fletcher - 6
Nicklas Backstrom – 5
Of that list, here is what we think are the Risers, Steadiers (my word), and Fallers
Risers: Stephen Strasburg, Nicklas Bakcstrom. Both of these guys wll move up to the Top 5 next year and beyond. Nicky’s 10 year deal and the great season he had wll likely increase his jersey sales and his fan hood here in Washington. Strasburg, need I explain. Strasburg has the potential to unseat Alex Ovechkin at the very top.
Steadiers: Ovechkin will always remain in the Top 3, not just because he is the best NHL player on the planet, but he has the personality that draws the fan base to him. Same with Chris Cooley.
Fallers: Clinton Portis and Gilbert Arenas. Deservedly so.
I would argue the sad state of Washington, DC sports right now is evidenced by Donovan Mcnabb’s name on this list, given he has not tossed one pass yet.
The battle ahead … Stephen Strasburg versus Bryce Harper (Yes, Harper will go No. 1 to the Nats)
We were asked by the Washington Post to participate and we did. Here was the Top 5 we submitted.
1. Alex Ovechkin
2. Chris Cooley: Despite missing half of last season, Cooley is still seen as a hard-working player who produces on the field and you never know when he'll drive tons of Internet traffic to local bloggers by photographing another body part and posting it on his popular website.
3. Ryan Zimmerman
4. London Fletcher
5. Donovan McNabb
I never hear/read Redskins fans say anything derogatory about London Fletcher and people seemed very pleased when he made his first Pro Bowl as a Redskin. Expect Stephen Strasburg to rocket up this list when he makes his DC debut in early June. Expect Albert Haynesworth to make this list when Hell freezes over. [Actually, not a bad idea for a list -- top 5 least popular DC athletes.] Gilbert will be back on this list if he averages over 20 ppg and the Wizards get back to the playoffs in 2011. Hey, stranger things have happened.
