Professional Tailgating: On the Road Again

The Only Time Will Tell hit the road again on Sunday to go to see the most expensive team in the world, Real Madrid. So the crew loaded up the car and headed to DC to see Madrid take on DC United. Here are some of the sites and sounds of the game that drew approximately 72,000 people to FedEx Field.

The grill was cooking some fresh meatsThe most expensive team in the world, Real Madrid, arrives at the stadium

FedEx Field would make a classic World Cup venue in the future

Real Madrid take the field to warm up

Both teams take the field




A moment of silence for Daniel Jarque, the Espanyol captain, who passed away late last week

Our seats were really high up, but were really not that bad

OTWT goes to Washington

Follow the Only Time Will Tell Tailgating crew as they go to Washington for the DC United/Real Madrid game at www.twitter.com/JWVerticalJump updates all day long.
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The proper way to honor a legend

What is the proper way to honor a legend?

Is it to retire his jersey, have a special day for them, or build a statue in their honor. That is what we do in the United State, but in England they do it a different way. Take a look around at the classic stadiums in England and many of them have stands that are named after long time club heroes.

Take West Ham United's Upton Park, two of their stands are named after all-time great players Bobby Moore (above) and Sir Trevor Brookings. Nottingham Forest has a stand named after their iconic manager Brian Clough at the City Ground, and Wolves have a stand named after Wolves legend Bill Wright at Molineux.

I know what people are asking right now, what is the point of this. Last week the Eagles lost long time Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson. Johnson was the heart and soul of the defense and meant so much to the crazy fan base. I wonder how the Eagles are going to handle honoring a man that was one of the faces of the franchise for so many years.

The Eagles should name one of the stands after the Johnson. Doing this would allow fans from all generation to remember how much Johnson contributed to the Eagles. At West Ham, kids ask their parents to tell stories about Moore and Brookings, just imagine the situation at Lincoln Financial Field when a young child ask his father about how great a coach Jim Johnson was, all because they are sitting in the Jim Johnson Stand. I know the Eagles will do the right thing and honor him in a variety of different ways, but naming a stand after him would allow the fans to keep his memory for a long time.

Say it with me, the Jim Johnson Stand, it has a real nice ring to it.

The Champions League Playoffs are interesting

In some years the final round of Champions League Playoff can be almost a bore, but this year that could be different with one tie Arsenal vs. Celtic. The team that drops this tie could be in financial trouble. Both clubs count on the Champions League group stage money in order to fund their spending, so going out before that stage could be a mess for both. Rangers went out in an earlier playoff round last year and they are still trying to dig out from the lost revenue.

Here are some predictions for the playoff round:

• FC Sheriff v Olympiakos: Olympiakos
  
• SV Red Bull Salzburg v Maccabi Haifa: Red Bull Salzburg
  
• FK Ventspils v FC Zurich: FC Zurich
  
• FC Copenhagen v Apoel Nicosia: FC Copenhagen
  
• Levski Sofia v Debrecen: Leveski Sofia
  
• Lyon v Anderlecht: Lyon
  
• Celtic v Arsenal: This has PK written all over it, but I can not see Wenger going out at this point.
  
• FC Timisoara v VfB Stuttgart: VFB Stuttgart
  
• Sporting v Fiorentina: Fiorentina
  
• Panathinaikos v Atletico Madrid: Panahinaikos, the shocker of the round. Last years the Greeks booked a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
  

Some leagues are up and running, while others about to start. It feels like it has been a long time since we have all had club football.

Is he staying or is he going?

The Daily Mail Soccer section has differing views on what is going to happen to Liverpool's Xabi Alonso. On the top of their site, they have a story about Liverpool and Real Madrid agreeing to the fee for Alonso, while right under it they have a story about Real dropping their interest in Spanish midfielder. I think the real story is that Alonso is heading to Real, but maybe the Daily Mail should update their site a little quicker.

Blast from the Past

College football preview magazines often focus on the positives of a football program, but often the positives turn out to be false. Here is a look back at some cover of the Smith & Street College Football previews from the last couple of years. Some cover choices now seem a little weird.

2006 Washington edition: WSU's Jason Hill. It's been a touch couple of years of state of the Washington when it comes to college football.

2005 Pennsylvania edition: Pitt's Tyler Palko. He was once thought to be a superstar but now it seems like a bad choice.

2004 Washington edition: Charlie Frederick, really. Wow it must have been a weak year in Washington.

2003 South Carolina edition: Really Dondrial Pinkins. I'm a big college football fan and this name caught me by surprise.

2003 Texas edition: Coach Fran and A&M. This had to be long before the secret email newsletter.

Making a Case

For the last three season, Mike Teel has both loved and vilified for his play as the QB at the State University of New Jersey, but one thing is clear Teel should have his #14 retired for good. I know what people are going to say, ya he started the season 1-5 last season, while some of that was his fault, some of the blame has to go the players around them.

After starting the season so bad, Teel rallied to bring the Knights to a bowl. On October 25, 2008, Teel threw 6 touchdown passes for 361 yards against #17 Pittsburgh, a school record. He was chosen as National Player of the Week for the first time in his career. On December 4, 2008, Teel had a career night in the final home game of his college career, completing 21 of 26 passes for 447 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions as Rutgers routed Louisville 63-14. The yardage and touchdown totals were single game school records as the Scarlet Knights finished their schedule at 7-5. After being so bad, Teel finished the season with 25 TD passes and a completion percentage of 61.6 percent, the highest in his three year career as a starter.

Teel's career is almost story book. He won three straight bowl games as a starter also beat two top five teams at home in nationally televised games, South Florida and Louisville. Those two wins are the two biggest in the history of the school.

During his career, Teel set passing records in all major categories including yards, 9,383, and touchdowns, 59. Those are numbers that you can not turn your back on. He was also drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the Seahawks.

I know some people that sit in my section during the season hated Teel, but I have always been on of his biggest supporters. The staff at Rutgers should show their appreciation for him contribution to the program and retire his #14. Thanks Mike for making Rutgers football matter.

OTWT Preseason Notebook #2

OTWT home office is a buzz as ESPN 360 is up and running that means more preseason games for the second installment of the preseason notebook.

• After a terrible Champions League Final United's Anderson looks like he is going to grow up a little.
• He might not be Ronnie, but few are, Valencia might be better then people think.
• Watching United vs. Boca Game, it looks like Rooney might be playing in a role similar to Totti's at Roma. That creative player between the forwards and the midfielders.
• Everton is still Everton and that means that they are just solid, so solid.
• After watching Milan in the Audi Cup, I can only say one thing they are terrible. I would be shocked if they qualified for the Champions League next year.
• Why do I have this feeling that Gibson is going to have a huge roll for United this season.
• Munich looked to be a team that is deep enough to make a run to Champions League Final.
• Ever time Michael Owen goes down I hold my breath, cause he could always be out for a while.
• Watching the Ajax and Atl. Madrid game and am wondering if Martin Jol is going to wear a hat all season like he did last year, when he was in Germany.
• The Barca kids are amazing. Its like the football factory never stops.
• Sometimes I think that Wenger knows something that no one else knows.
• Wenger needs to find more playing time for Jack Wilshere. He was super impressive during Arsenal game vs. Rangers.
• What is a more valuable preseason Cup to win the Peace Cup or the Emirates Cup.
• Villa's Peace Cup win could give them the confidence to get off to a good start in EPL.

Fashion Disaster

I know they are not as bad as Newcastle United yellow look, but Readings neon green road kit might rank right up there. The Royals unveiled them today when they played Chelski in a friendly. Neon green letter on a white shirt and neon green shorts, just screams classy.

The Nick Johnson Era is Over, Thank God

Wow for one day I'm proud to be a Nationals fan. Why you ask, cause they did the right thing in trading often injured first baseman Nick Johnson to the Marlins for left handed prospect Aaron Thompson.

I know its not a big deal to most but to me it means something. Johnson was never going to be part of the teams long range plans, so why not move him and get a player that might help you down the road.

Thompson is the 13th ranked player in the deep fish system. The left-handed pitcher out of Houston features a fast ball that touches the low 90s, according to Baseball America.

Ok it does not sound like he is a top of the line starter, but to get a guy that can filled out the back end of the rotation is a good thing for a player that was part of future plans.

A Tale of Two Cities

At the start of the year, the Mets and Phillies were supposed to battle to the end for the NL East crown, but that has not happened. Just take a look at the back pages of the Philly Daily News (left) and the New York Daily News (right) and the story will be told.

The Phillies are talking about if they want to give up Kyle Drabek in a deal for Toronto ace Roy Halladay, while the Mets have a fine mess built around attacks on beat writer and a executive who wanted to fight a group of minors leagues.

The two front pages could not better tell the story of the two teams different stories. The Phillies are trying for back to back World Series titles, while the Mets are just trying to get people to take them seriously.

Soccer Preseaon Notebook #1

Every where you turn there are preseason soccer games on the TV. From the Peace Cup to the World Football Challenge to the Emirates Cup there have been a tons of games to sample. Here are some OTWT thought about different this games.

• Chelski Zhirkov looks like he might be the best signing in the EPL.
• Diego and Melo might be the pieces that Juve might need to win Serie A.
• The one thing that still bothers me about Real Madrid is that they still need a creative mid-fielder.
• Its weird seeing Ronnie in the all white of Real Madrid. He will always be a United player in my eyes.
• One thing that has been good to see in the World Football Challenge is how good Club America are. Shows how good the Mexican League is.
• There was no one at the Peace Cup in Spain a real shame, cause it has quality teams.
• Is there a better name in soccer then Porto's Hulk.
• AC Milan stinks, its that simple. If it continues they might be in the Europa League in 2010/2011.

Other preseason notebooks coming in the coming weeks.

The Tickets have arrived

Got home yesterday and look what was sitting in my mailbox, ya my tickets to see Real Madrid vs. DC United. Can not wait.

Soccer's Lost Souls

Three years ago, Jose Antonio Reyes and Ricardo Quaresma were the talk of the football world. Both were talented offensive player that played with flair. Fast forward a couple of years and both have almost lost their ways.

Reyes dazzled as a young player at Sevilla and then Professor Wenger made a move to bring him to his football factory in London.

Things started well for the young Spaniard, but it soon turned sour after reports surfaced that Reyes was not happy in London and wanted to return the Spain. Arsenal loaned Reyes to Real Madrid for the 2006-2007 season, but he did not impress enough to earn a permit deal. Arsenal then decided to sell Reyes to Atletico Madrid where he spent a season before he was sent out on load to Benfica for the 2008-2009. While playing well at the Portuguese giants, a full time move was not agreed upon. So to start this season Reyes will again be with Atletico Madrid looking to settle with a club for more then one season. Despite being only 25, Reyes has played for five different clubs and is in the process of being an lost player on the world stage.

Quaresma is the Portuguese version of the Reyes, a ton of talent but has yet to settle at some of the worlds better clubs.

Quaresma started his career at Sporting and then moved to Barcelona, but things did not go well there and he high tailed it back to the place of his birth, this time with Porto. After a couple of impressive season at both club and national team levels, Quaresma found himself at Inter Milan, where people thought that he would flourish under Jose Mourinho, just like Ajen Robben did at Chelksi. But that has not happen, after failing to impress during the first half of last season, Mourinho sent Quaresma out on loan to Chelski. While at Chelski things did not go that well and at the end of the season he was returned to Inter. Things have gotten so bad that Turkish side Besiktas have asked about taking him on loan for this season. Just like Reyes, Quaresma has already been through give 5 teams and his only 25 years old.

Despite having great skills Reyes and Quaresma both have to establish themselves this year or their dreams of being a world class player will be dead for good.

The Final Count Down

The clock is running on the Nats to sign top overall pick Stephen Strasburgh. I like many Nats fan hope the clock does run out without him in a Nats jersey.

The King is in the house

Getafe CF are hoping that the 2009-2010 season is a whopper of a season, ya I know its terrible joke. The Spanish club agreed to a sponsorship deal with Burger King, while that not mean anything the new kits include an interesting wrinkle.

If a players scores a goal and covers his face with the shirt, the King comes out (photo courtesy of Football Shirt Culture) It's an interesting and clever shirt.

The Fryar Fan Club

Three seasons with the bird and you get your own fan club. I spotted the girl above at the Cowtown Rodeo last weekend and I could not believe my eyes when I saw that she was wearing an Irving Fryar t-shirt jersey, hey I never knew they made one. Hey you never know what you are going to find when you go to the rodeo. I'm wondering if there is someone out there with a Mike Zordich t-shirt jersey, if so please contact OTWT.

D.C. here we come

After the fun of the last couple of days, today I figured that I would try to get tickets to see Real Madrid and DC United in DC on Aug. 9. At first I figured there would be no way that I would get the tickets, but I was able to score a pair in Section 430. I know there not the best seats but it gives me, a United fan, a chance to see Ronnie and as I have stated here before I wish him all the best at Real except when it comes to playing United in the Champions League. Can not wait to go.

Happy Bastille Day

In honor of Bastille Day, OTWT features great moments in french football featuring everyone favorite colorful french striker Djibril Cisse.

Broken leg vs. Blackburn

Broken leg vs. Chinese National Team

So happy Bastille Day to all of the my french readers.

A new number 7

Best, Charlton, Cantona, Beckham, Ronaldo, and now Owen. Yes Owen. Manchester United announced today that former Kop hero Michael Owen will wear the famed number 7 shirt. It may sound a little strange to have the former Anfield legend wear the shirt, but if you think about it might make total sense.

People say Nani could one day fill Ronaldo's shoes, but giving him the famed jersey at this point in his career might bring him undo pressure.

Owen might not be the long term number 7 but he is a good choice to hang on to it in the short term until Nani is ready to take over full time.

Future Thoughts

The OTWT Scouting Department loves the MLB Futures Game and here are some of the departments thoughts on the game:

• The length of the rain delay has been so long that some players are now eligible for free agency.
• Feliz has electric stuff. The Rangers have great pitching in the minors. He might be up in the next couple of weeks.
• GM can not be happy that their prize kids are playing in rain like this.
• I bet Blue Jays scouts are really examining Kyle Drabek during his outing. He will be the center piece to any deal. Showed great command in his inning of work.
• Another Phillies guy takes the mound, Flande. The Jays will have their choice of pitchers in a trade. He has good stuff. A couple of years ago the Phillies system was terrible, now its loaded with high ceiling players. Ed Wade deserves a lot of credit for it.
• The M's Tyson Gillies has speed, speed, and more speed. He is not afraid to run.
• Colorado's Eric Young has surprising power. The home run he hit just kept going.
• Devils Rays prospect Desmond Jennings looks like the typical Rays outfield prospects, long and athletic.
• I could listen to Peter Gammons talk all day about prospects and the Cape Code League. A true legend.
• Astros Jason Castro showed off a great arm in gunning down a runner trying to steal third base. Besides the arm Castro also hit a home run. He is showing all of the tools.
• I can not believe that there have been 11 Futures Game. Alfonso Soriano the first MVP of the game, sounds weird.
• .190 against BA against for Casey Kelly, Red Sox, in the minors. Very impressive inning and his last for the season, now he is going to play SS after the game.

Simply The Best

I know it has taken awhile but here is how different newspapers cover Federer winning is record breaking grand slam in tennis. Fed is simply the best.

The Times of London

Basler Zeitung (Switzerland)

Chips to Trade

One of the best things about the South Atlantic League is seeing players that will have a huge impact on the Major League Baseball trade deadline. During the OTWT Scouting Departments trip to see the Lakewood BlueClaws, the single A affiliate of the Phillies, we reviewed some of the players that could be used in trades for the defending World Series Champions.

Travis D'Arnaud, a former first round pick, shows signs that he is going to hit and could be nice chip to have. Catchers are usually tough to come by, making his value a little higher. Baseball America says that he has a line drive swing and gap power.

Anthony Gose, the former second round pick, is a great athlete but it might take some time for his bat to come around. Some scouts might fall in love with him which could make his trade value a little higher. Baseball America says that he is the best athlete in the system and if it does not work out in the outfield he could always be a power arm.

Zachary Collier, a former first rounder, is another athlete that might generate some interest from other teams. According to Baseball America, Collier swing and build has brought comparisons to Garret Anderson.

With untouchables like Dominic Brown, Kyle Drabek, and Michael Taylor in the system. The Phillies will look to using their chips in Lakewood to go make a deal for a starting pitcher.

Professional Tailgating: Men with guns

The OTWT Scouting Department made another trip to the see the Lakewood BlueClaws this week and boy where there a lot of the men with radar guns at the game.

Scouts looking for a trading partner for the upcoming trading deadline. OTWT Scouting Department noticed scouts from Brewers, Royals and Rockies checking out the action. Could a deal for Gil Meche be in the cards.

A moment of silence for former SAL President John Henry Moss, who recently passed.
Despite not having a radar gun, the OTWT Scouting Department still had scout type seats.
The BlueClaws Ground crew does a great job getting the tarp on the field

Rain delay can only mean one thing, watching another game on the big screen.

Over the next couple of days I will break down the prospects from Lakewood that could be moved as the deadline moves closer.

Really

When I first read the headline: Owen to United. I first thought it would be a great signing for Leeds, but the more I read I was surprised it was Manchester United. After thinking about it for a little bit, it might not be that bad an idea.
First of all its not going to cost a transfer fee and Owen's contract is going to based on performances so if he stinks he will not get paid. If it happens he will be an extra part and will not beat out of names such as Berba, Rooney, Walbeck, and Kico for starting spots. He could be a great asset coming off the bench in the 70 minute. While it sounds crazy to bring the former Kop legend to United, it does make sense on a couple of levels.

Professional Tailgating: Pork Roll Egg and Cheese races

Minor league baseball has hit an all new low, pork roll egg and cheese races. During the Lakewood BlueClaws game on Wednesday and during one of the innings the pork roll, egg and cheese all hit the field in a match race. Only in New Jersey can this be considered a classic.

It makes me proud to be from New Jersey.

The home of Bronze Balls

Eutaw Street at Oriole Park at Camden Yard is famous for one things, balls hitting the pavements. Everytime a home run leaves the Park and lands on Eutaw Street, no matter which team, the Orioles mark the spot with a bronze ball detaling the day, team, and the distance of the home run. While street is littered with great home run hitters, there are some names that just make you think about the game of baseball.

A great signing for the New York Yankees

Mr. Congress himself

A former Expo that was traded to the Dodgers for Pedro Martinez

And Mr. Papa

Professional Tailgating: All You Can Eat

So for a quick get away the OTWT Crew head for the sunny shores of Baltimore, yes Baltimore, what did you think that I was going to say Aruba. So the crew headed to see their beloved Nationals take on the Orioles.

Saint Cal is everywhere in Birdland, it almost gets annoying

All you can eat tickets are a good deal, this was just round one of many. Ice Cream Sandwiches included

The wall of fame features such great players of Gregg Olson and of course Brady Anderson.

Should a person who had a 30 game hitting streak have a higher batting average. So the Nats win in the end, but the highlight of the day had to be when the scoreboard showed the highlights of the US vs. Brazil Confed Cup final. The crowd went nuts when they found out that the states had the lead, but in the Brazil ended up being too much.

OTWT NHL Draft Notes

Another day, another draft, and another edition of the OTWT Scouting Department Notebook.

So here we go:

• There are a ton of Islander fans at the draft glad to see they made the trip to Montreal.
• Pronger to the Flyers, now all they need is a goaltender. The Flyers gave up a ton two first rounders and a young defenseman.
• Garth Snow had to pick Tavares. If not the fans would have burnt down the arena.
• Love the GM trying to speak French in honor of the draft being in Montreal. They sound like I did when I took French in middle school.
• Avs pick Matt Duchene gave everyone a lesson on the different sticks players use.
• Just saw a guy at the Ottawa Senators table playing on Twitter.
• Having Toronto GM Brian Burke wired for sound is awesome, so refreshing.
• Ottawa gets a steal in Jared Cowan, was great as a 17 year old in the Memorial Cup in 2007.
• All of the European draft picks have the classic slim ties. They are classic.
• The Preds selected my favorite player Windsors Ryan Ellis. Love him.
• Love the video of the high school players drafted, its like the old videos of european basketball players that are drafted in the NBA draft.

RIP MJ

Over the past couple of years, few players have kept the dance moves of Michael Jackson going like Donovan McNabb. So here is McNabb doing the moonwalk. He has also been know to break out the Thriller dance when he scores touchdowns. Our little tribute the greatness of Mr. Jackson.

NBA Draft Notes

Who doesn't love a good draft, here are some of the notes from the OTWT Scouting Department about the NBA Draft.

• Beard and bow tie. Tell me James Harden is not old school and cool.
• Draft fashion has always been a big deal and Hasheem Thabeet’s watch is bigger then his arm. Never draft a guys whose watch is bigger then their arm.
• I think that Ricky Rubio could use a hair cut. From Spain to Minnesota talk about a climate change.
• Wow Knick fans are nuts. Don Nelson screws the Knicks again by taking Curry have to love that, years after being run out of town he still can stick it to them.
• Really missing Stephen A. Smith but it was good to see that he was active on twitter during the draft.
• There was a players from Guadalupe and the Congo just picked in the first round, who said the NBA was not international.
• I hope the Timberwolves are working a trade cause Rubio, Flynn and Lawson. That is three point guards for one ball. Reports suggest that Lawson is on his way to Denver for a future one.
• Who said Hansbrough made the wrong choice in going back to North Carolina, he was still a lottery pick. For all of the people that were hating on him, look he is a lottery pick.
• Ellington, Hansbrough, Lawson have it all. Nationals Championship rings and all three first round picks.
• The ACC rules. ACC has at least 6 picks in the first round for the 3rd time in five years (6 in 2007, 7 in 2005). This year the conference has seven, three from the Heels.

Welcome Back David

Since the 2001 British Open something has been missing from the PGA. The 2001 British Open was the last time before this weekends US Open that David Duval, in the responsibility of full disclosure he is my favorite player, was lurking around the leader board.

While Lucas Glover may have run off with the trophy this afternoon, Duval may have been the biggest story at Bethpage Black. For the last eight years the former Number 1 player in the world could not find his golf swing, but that appears to be changing. During the US Open, Duval swing looked back to the classic Duval swing when he was Number 1 in the world. The fans at the Black Course tried to will Duval and his trademark wrap around Oakley's to victory, but a second p lace is a great place to start. People forget that he was he was the person that took the Number 1 ranking away from Mr.. Woods.

Based on one good performance its hard to go nuts, but lets hope that is just the start of Duval getting really back on the track. With his tie for second Duval his now in the field for the next four majors, so maybe this is the start of the second coming of Duval.

This is why its a bad idea

Just think what would happen if the rain that has wrecks havoc on the 2014 US Open, like it has this year so far. Instead of screwing up one tournament it would wreck havoc on two of them. In 2014 for the first time in Open history one course will host both the Men's and Women's opens. Pinehurst #2 will do the honors.

While having both of the tournaments at the same site sounds like a great idea for a variety reasons, it does come with its drawbacks. If there would be a delay at the Men's Open it could destroy the Women's Open. Say by some act of god rain washes out a round of the Men's Open and plays gets pushed back to Monday. Then the course crew would have to change the set from the Men's Open to the Women's Open. So the earliest that a women would get a practice round would be Wednesday and it would simply be unfair to just give them one day of practice before they play in the biggest tournament in their sport. By having them both at the same site you are also asking people to spend a ton of money to go see both events.

While the thought was good any delay could cause an issue, it will be interesting to see what happens at Brandon Dunes in 2011 when both the Mens and Womens Amateur is held at the same venue.

It's Schedule Day in the EPL

The schedules have been released in England now its time to plan and look to the future. Thanks to Setanta for this pix

Who needs a TV for the US Open

The toughest test in golf is here. The USGA will be putting on the US Open at Bethpage Black in New York, but this years tournament has something new, twitter. All types of different players and media outlets are tweeting about the destruction that is about to happen this weekend at the black course. Everyone from the USGA to Ian Poulter to Stewart Cink.

Here are a couple of the better ones from this week so far:

• Ianjamespoulter http://twitpic.com/7kdag - Just got my gear for the week, balls gloves, waterproofs, I'm ready to rock. The course is awesome, long thou ...
• usopengolfOn the 2nd tee at the U.S. Open. Wandering back through the crowds after setup meeting. Send photo requests to @usopengolf. We'll shoot it!
• stewartcinkWho could've lost this ball in the weeds at Bethpage last week? Found this Nike in weeds near 18 green. http://yfrog.com/4rcv4j

With information like this who the hell needs to put on the TV this weekend.

The Best News for a Nationals Fan

You know your season is bad when excitement comes when a high school sophomore decides to go to junior college in order to be eligible for the 2010, well that is how bad it is. The Nats currently have a nine game lead in the race for the 2010 #1 pick, according to ESPN Keith Law. Around the country Nats fans rejoiced when word came from Nevada that SI Cover boy Bryce Harper decide to leave Las Vegas High School and enroll at College at Southern Nevada. So you are asking why Nats fan care, well because junior college players are eligible for the draft after one season. Harper has been hailed as a once in a lifetime type of prospects. He hits 500 feet home runs, throws left hand and hits 95 on the gun he is a organizations dream.

If Harper was not available, the #1 overall pick becomes a little less valuable with North Carolina pitcher Matt Harvey being the top choice. Harvey is an ok starting pitchers but he is no where in the class of this years #1 San Diego State pitcher Steven Strasburg.

Scott Van Pelt in Cardboard Form

Tiger Woods will not SVP be in the game but his voice is.

The Might Pens

The longest playoffs in all of sports are all over, the Pittsburgh Penguins are the Stanley Cup champions. The Pens wrapped up the Cup with a dramatic 2-1 win over the Red Wings in game 7 last night. Here is how newspapers in Detroit and Pittsburgh covered he event.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

The Detroit News

Detroit Free Press

Saying Good Bye in video form

Saying good bye to Ronnie, with great video from Country Football.

The King of All Newspapers

Only one soccer player can turn the front pages of papers around Europe into his own personal playground, Ronnie. His move from United to Real Madrid dominates the front pages of newspapers in England, Portugal and Spain.

The Guardian (England)

El Mundo (Spain)

Journal de Noticias (Portugal)

AS (Spanish Sports Daily)

Marca (Spanish Sports Daily)

Bye Bye Ronnie and Thank You

The hair gel, the step overs, the temper tantrums, and the goals it has been a remarkable run at Manchester United for Ronaldo and that run now appears to be over. Real Madrid have made an offer of 80 million pounds for the Portuguese winger and United have accepted so all that has to be done is personal terms between Ronnie and Real, which will happen really soon. So this is the end.

Some people will say good riddance, but I can not. All I can say is thank you Ronnie. You always said Real Madrid was your dream move now you will be able to live out that dream, and good luck.

During the last six years there have been so many moments of magic from the goal in the championship league final against Chelski, to the goal at Porto in this years Champions League, to the come back against Spurs and Aston Villa, and the thropies. Oh yes the thropies. Premier League Trophies, an FA Cup, League Cups, World Club Cup, Community Shields and Mr. Big Ears it has been a great six years and now we go our separate ways.

But in two decades when people list the best players to ever wear the number 7 at United you are at the top of the list. I have faith that United are not done, but rather this is just the next great team that Sir Alex is building. It was fun while it lasted and again good luck at Madrid.

OTWT Scouting Department Draft Views

For the last year, Nationals fans have been billed yesterday as the day that turned around the franchise. On Tuesday all Nats fans rejoiced as they selected San Diego State righthander Steven Strasburgh, hopefully this will be the moment the franchise turns around.

Here are some other views on the draft:

• MLB Network coverage is not bad, it was pretty good for their first, but there is so much room for improvement. The room makes it looks really cheap, but you have to remember the first time that ESPN did the NFL Draft it was in hotel ball room and look what that has turned into.
• Enjoyed the fact that MLB Network brought in Jim Callis from Baseball America he has always been a favorite, he could become their Mel Kiper Jr.
• I don't understand why the Pirates did what the did. Ok so Sanchez could be a good player but not the outstanding player that could have gotten. Rule one of drafting that high is never draft a guy with a questionable bat.
• I know that there are issues with North Carolina pitcher Alex White, but how can the Braves take Vandy's Mike Minor. Watch the two of them and tell me who is the better pitcher.
• When people thing about baseball in the SEC they think of Florida, Ole Miss, Georgia; but few programs have produced the number of the first round picks over the last couple of years that Vanderbilt has. Price, Alvarez, Weathers, and now Minor.
• Over the last couple of years the Rockies have played it conservatively when it came to the draft but this year they did not by drafting left handed pitchers Tyler Matzek and Rex Brothers. Sure Matzek will take a ton of money to show, but in the end it could be the best pick of the draft.
• The Detroit Tigers never shys away from players with signability issues. In 2006 it was Andrew Miller, in 2007 it was Rick Porecello and this year it was Missouri High School righthander Jacob Turner. Turner has the best arm of any of the high school righthanders.
• According to Baseball American, the Texas Rangers have the number one farm system in baseball and during the draft might have added two of the best arms in Matthew Purke and Tanner Scheppers to an already stocked system. Its only a matter of the time before the Rangers return to the playoffs.
• Keep an eye on South Carolina pitcher Sam Dyson, who was drafted by Oakland, and Clemson pitcher Christopher Dwyer, who was drafted by Kansas City. Have seen both on TV and both have a ton of talent and power arms. They could be two steals in this draft.
• The best name drafted was when Atlanta drafted Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg, a first baseman from Nova Southeastern, 478 overall and the Braves thought that Saltalamaccchia was tough to put on the back of a jersey.
• Love the fact that Mike Trout was at the show, it would be great if MLB Network could get more of the players to the draft it would make it more fun and would add a nice touch.
• Now that the 2009 draft is over its time to look ahead to the 2010 draft with a name: North Carolina pitcher Matt Harvey.

Professional Tailgating: A Waste of Money, So Far

After the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft, I sang the praises of the Washington Nationals for shelling out $1.8 million signing bonus for Massachusetts high school lefthander Jack McGeary (above). Last night I got a first hand view of the kid, that I thought would be one of the foundations of the franchise for years to come and boy do we need a new foundation.

McGeary pitched against the Lakewood BlueClaws last night and struggles, just like he has been doing all season. Last night McGeary went four and a third innings giving up six hits, three earned runs and walking two batters, while only striking out one.

The numbers seemed ok for a young pitcher who is just getting back to being a full time player, but the one thing that really bothered me is that he did not seem to have that electric stuff that everyone raved about when he was coming out of high school.

His curve ball was when he could locate it, which was an issue all night. His fastball did not go above 90 mph, which is also concerning. His command was not great at all. Watching him last night you never felt like he was in control of any of his pitches. It's still early in his career and there is still time to improve, so as a Nationals fan all I can do is stay patient.

Pure Class

OTWT never touches on tennis but today is a different day. This morning I sat in the home office and watch Roger Federer complete the career grand slam. For the last five year the French Open has caused Federer all kinds of heart break but today was different. During every stoppage the crowd was chanting his name, they knew that they were going to see history and they wanted to will him to do it.


After dispatching his foe Federer fell to the grown and started to cry. For man who has won so much, it looked like the weight of the world had been taken off his shoulder. Before the tournament began Federer had won 13 grand slam title, now he is on 14 equaling Peter Sampras. I know its only one title but to Federer it means that he can now be considered one of the greatest all around players.

I said this earlier and I will say it again, Federer is pure class. After winning, to show his respect, Federer gave part of his speech in French. It was a small thing but it shows the type of person he is.