Professional Tailgating: It's Bryce Harper Day

As a Nats fan, Friday was a big day, it gave me a chance to see the future of the franchise in Bryce Harper when the Hagerstown Sun visited Lakewood. While Harper was went 1-4, you could see what makes him the best prospect in baseball.

Even fans of Nascar ole number 3 even came out for the event.

 Harper's name was one of the first on the lineup card for the Sun

Lakewood players get ready for the game

 Harper takes his position in right field with people looking on.

Harper flies out in the top of the third inning

Harper in between innings

We will be posting more on the prospects involved in the game including AJ Cole, Jesse Biddle, Zach Collier, Anthony Hewitt, and Aaron Altherr.

Could Spurs still end up at the Olympic Stadium

With West Ham United squarely looking at the trap door to the Championship, could their move to the Olympic Stadium be on hold? It's a question that needs to be asked.

On 11 February 2011 the Olympic Park Legacy Committee selected West Ham United and Newham Council as the preferred bidder to take over the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games. The decision in favour of West Ham's bid was unanimous. However Leyton Orient have complained that the stadium is too close too their ground and would breach FA rules. They claim that West Ham's plans could force them into bankruptcy. On 3 March 2011 West Ham United's proposed move to the Olympic Stadium was approved by the British government.

Their relegation to the Championship could throw a huge wrench into their plans, gone will be the huge crowds that watch Premier League football and the large revenue that comes from both tickets sales and the Premier League TV deals worldwide. How is a club with such a decline in revenue, even if its for just a year, going to be able afford to make the needed changes to the Olympic Stadium. It's expected to cost about £95m to convert the venue from an 80,000 seat stadium to a 60,000-seat venue for football, athletics and cricket, according to the BBC. The Olympic Delivery Authority is to give £35m of that to West Ham, while most of the remaining funds have been provided by a £40m loan arranged by Newham Council.

Could West Ham issues, allow Spurs to call the Olympic Stadium home. Spurs have the money to pay for the changes that need to be made to the stadium in order to bring it up standards for Premier League football. Spurs have the supporters to fill the stadium.

I know nothing is set in stone, but if it all plays out like this, it could be very hard for The Hammers to hold on to their proposed new home.

This Banners sums it up

Move over Liverpool, the Reds are marching on to title 19.

Professional Tailgating: For what its Werth

As a Nats fan, I was not a big fan of them signing Werth and after seeing in the that jersey on Thursday night it still does not look right

Werth in his familiar spot at Citizens Bank Park, this time in different colors.

 John Mayberry Jr., Werth replacement.

Outside the stadium, this guy plays a tune celebrating the Phillies win

At least on Friday night, I will be able to celebrate the future of the franchise, when the OTWT group heads to Lakewood to watch Bryce Harper,  can not wait.

Is Brandon Coleman Rutgter's version of Jonathan Baldwin

During his time at Pitt, Frank Cignetti had a tall receiver names Jonathan Baldwin to use. Last year Cingnetti did his best to put Baldwin in the best positions that he could. Cignetti, now the offensive coordinator at Rutgers, may have found the next vversion of the Baldwin in red shirt freshman Brandon Coleman. During the Spring Game on Saturday, Coleman was the star of the showing catching five balls for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Teaming Coleman up with Sanu, Deering and Harrison could make the Rutgers receiving corps the best in the Big East. 

Chas Dodd throws a 28-yard td pass to Coleman

Professional Tailgating: Spring is Always Fun

Spring Games are fun for everyone but the players. So yesterday, the OTWT Tailgating Crew headed to Rutgers Scarlet and White Game and it was a ton of fun. The event gave fans a chance to see the new offense that is being installed.

Going to the Spring Game starts at an early age.

 The Believe Bowl, an alumni game, features teams lead by for former qbs Ryan Hart and Mike Teel

 A nice crowd took in the game, officials said it was approximately 21,000 people  

 The new offense looked good, more on that in the coming days.

Professional Tailgating: The Fifth Beatle

On Friday night the world was introduced to the fifth Beatle, Vance Worley. Worley made the start for the Phillies and dominated the Mets. Are are some of the sights from it.

It looked like a filming of the Kung Fu movie before the game started.

 Its a little early to be voting for the All Star Game

 Going ole school Nails

 These guy thought they were at a Flyers playoff game.

OTWT Draft Predictions

Everyone does it so why not OTWT, so here is our Top 10 NFL Mock Draft:

1. Carolina (2-14): Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

2. Denver (4-12):  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

3. Buffalo (4-12): Von Miller, DE, Texas A&M

4. Cincinnati (4-12): AJ Green, WR, Georgia

5. Arizona (5-11): Patrick Peterson, DB, LSU

6. Cleveland (5-11): Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

7. San Francisco (6-10): Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

8. Tennessee (6-10): Jake Locker, QB, Washington

9. Dallas (6-10): Tyron Smith, OL, USC

10. Washington (6-10): Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

Can not wait

Every year the OTWT Tailgating crew takes in a soccer game of a EEuropean giant that is touring the United States. One year it was Barca, another year it was Real Madrid. Last year it was Manchester United vs the Philly Union. Now this year its Barca vs. my beloved Manchester United in Washington DC in late July. Can not wait, it has the potential to be a rematch of the Champions League Final.

Everyone Knows Your Gone

Since the end of the regular season one topic has continued to dominate discussion among Eagles fan, what does the future hold for former starting QB Kevin Kolb. At this point, the smart money is on the former University of Houston Cougar being traded at someone point during this crazy off season.

The idea of Kolb being is not a secret to anyone including the staff at Babies R Us. During one of my weekly trips to the baby superstore, I noticed a bunch of Kolb jerseys were sitting on a "By 1 get 1 free" rack at the store, a sure sign that his career with the Birds is over.

Once Babies R Us starts reducing your merchandise you know that your time in a city is almost over.

Land of the Children

The old saying goes: "and a child shall lead them", well at North Carolina that has been the case on the both the basketball court and the lacrosse field. Both teams have been lead by a freshman that are well beyond their years. In basketball the team was carried in the second half of the season by Harrison Barnes (above), while on the lacrosse field the team has been lead by Nicky Galasso (below).

The pair both have a ton in common. Barnes came to North Carolina as the number one player in high school basketball, while Galasso showed up on campus as the best high school lacrosse player in the counry. The two have also fit in really well with their teams. Barnes, after a slow start, came on as the season went on as other members of the teams started to see the skill set that he had. The same is true with Galasso, as the year has gone on he has become a focal point of the offense with his goal scoring and playmaking skills.

While freshman are making an impact at a variety of sports across the board, its rare to see two that are this good, playing this well at the same school. North Carolina has truely become the Land of the Children

Rooney and Rutgers: A perfect match

Wayne Rooney sporting a Rutgers cap as he travels to the UEFA Champions League game against Chelsea. Rutgers and Rooney what a team.

Professional Tailgating: Its a great night for a football game

It was a great night for a football game, too bad it was a baseball game that was scheduled to be played. For my first baseball game of the year, I went to the Phillies and Mets game on Tuesday night and boy was it cold

Citizens Bank Park new fancy HD scoreboard

 Yes those clouds are cold and dark

 I had joked with a bunch of people about seeing Kyle Kendrick and guess what he was pitching, thanks to a terrible outing by Cole Hammels

 By the fifth inning, it was on to reading the media guide in order to pass the time

FA needs to have their heads looked at

So let me get this straight cursing at a camera is more of an offense against football then breaking a players leg with a terrible tackle. That is the message that the FA is sending with their decision to seek a two match band against Wayne Rooney for swearing at a camera after scoring the winning goal against West Ham on Saturday morning. Rooney has accepted a Football Association charge for using offensive language, but not the automatic two-match ban. He is set to miss the league game against Fulham and the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City. But Rooney has submitted a claim, which will be heard on Wednesday, that the suspension is "clearly excessive".

For years the FA has turned their back on various issues issues, so based on the FA charge Wayne Rooney's action are more of a crime against football then Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross's tackle that broke Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey's leg in Feb. 2010. During that incident Shawcross was given a straight red card and served his one match band.

I'm not saying what Rooney did was right, but lets take a look at everything before we call for a band and if that is worth a two game band, then Ryan Shawcross should have been given 10 games for his actions. All I'm saying is lets just be fair.

Prospect Questions for the Upcoming year

While the major league season is underway, minor league baseball is still a couple of days from starting. Here are some of the story lines from the Only Time Will Tell Scouting Department:

1. How fast will Bryce Harper go through the Nats season. Will he still be in Hagerstown when they visit Lakewood in May.
2. How will the Phillies and Red Sox systems bounce back after being raided in major deals over the last couple of years.
3. How will Cubs prospect Matt Szczur do in first full season of pro baseball
4. As a graduate of Toms River South, this is an important year for Todd Frazier. Will the Reds deal him or hold to him.
5. How long will it take before we the Royals army of top ranked prospects reaches the majors. According to some scouts the Royals have five of the top 50 prospects in baseball.
6. Is Andrew Brackman a closer or a starter in the Yankees system. The former center at NC State has always had a huge upside.

Butler Legend?

Wow they are throwing the term legend around for anyone any more. I was listening to Mad Dog Radio on Sirius Radio this morning and this came across the radio: Butler Legend Gordon Hayward. Hayward is no legend, Brad Stevens is the only legend at Butler. Just think what they would have called Hayward if his half court shot would have gone in last year

Tailgating Flashback: National Pride

With Argentina returning to the United State to play tonight, its only fitting that OTWT takes you back to the last time the South American giants visited. They played the United State on June 7, 2008, when Messi was just a little kid.

The game ended 0-0 but a rain storm late in the match added to the fun. The OTWT Tailgating Crew was there and detailed all of the fun.

Blast from the past

While watching the Kentucky/West Virginia game over the weekend, one thing kept going through my head, what ever happened to former uber recruit, Jonathan Hargett.

Hargett was John Wall before John Wall was in high school. Hargett was the type of player that was supposed to turn the 'Neers back into a great basketball program.

Hargett was amazing. He attended four high schools in four years, including stops at nationally renowned Mount Zion Christian Academy in North Carolina as a junior and National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Md.



These are the words of The Draft Review on Hargett: "Few guards enjoyed the buzz Hargett received as he entered college. Much of this had to do with his jaw dropping athleticism and spectacular body frame. At 5-11 Hargett’s body resembled a compact linebacker. Many thought his game was tailor made for the NBA; some even thought he would be the first point guard to jump to the pros."

This tweet sums it up

The so-called business end of the season in the English Premier League can be full of excitment and stress, but this tweet sums from @ManUnitedYouth sums it up best:

"This time of year is just horrible and brilliant and nerve-wracking and thrilling and sickening and incredible.

Too Many Cooks

The NCAA Tournament got off to a great start yesterday afternoon with fantastic finishes all over the country, which is good for everyone from fans to the networks showing the games. While the games were great, one thing stood out to me while watching the games on the various networks, there are too many people doing the halftime shows. The Turner based networks and CBS, both have teams of four doing their half time show. 

I know that the networks want their people to be part of the coverage but there is no need to to have that many people on two different networks. Some of the people on the networks are NBA guys and have no right being on a halftime shows for March Madness. 

With the influx of NBA, great college analyst are getting lost like Seth Davis. Davis, who is a reporter for Sports Illustrated, is one of the best college reporters out there and has a great mind for the game, I guess that come from his Duke roots.

Having that many people taking part in a half time show is not the right amount to handle 15 minutes of time that you have to fill. With that many, people with the best information get lost and that is exactly what is happening with the NCAA Tournament.   

Just win more games and you will get in

Stop Crying Seth and win more

So the bracket of 68 has been made and now everyone is complaining about one thing or the other. For one they have nothing to complain about. I hear so "experts" complaining about VCU and UAB getting in over Colorado, 'Bama, and Va Tech.

In a year where college basketball has be down and the level of play has been terrible, no one has a right to complain about not getting in. Colorado could have won more games, 'Bama don't get beat by St. Peters, and Va Tech just stop.

My real problem here is with Seth Greenberg and Va Tech. Every year, hours after the selections committee has made its pick, Seth Greenberg is on TV talking about his team got shafted and this year is no different. The show is getting kind of old. Hey Seth how about going out and winning a couple of more games and stop leaving it up to the committee. You play in the ACC and have chances for big wins and maybe you should take advantage of it.

So in the end no one has anything to complain about, the teams that where left out should have done one thing and they would not have to worry about anything, Just win more games and take it out of the hands of the committee.

The Real Stars of Championship Week

Usually the stars of ESPN Champions League are the players that hit the last minute shots to win a game and send a team on to the next round, but this years Championship Week star might be a little know broadcaster.

During the course of his work on the Big East Tournament, Dave Pasch, a Syracuse graduate, has shown that he is ready to be a big time star on TV. While working the tournament Pasch was at the controls for the two biggest moments of the week: the ref error in the Rutgers vs. St. John's game and the game winner by UConn's Kemba Walker against Pitt.

On both calls Pasch showed grace and a flair. While others also do that, Pasch let the moment breath and did not over power it, which is something that you rarely see anymore as announcers try to brand themselves.

This is how little a name Pasch is, check out his Wikipedia entry: "Dave Pasch is an American sportscaster. As of 2010  Pasch works for ESPN, for which he calls play-by-play of college football, college basketball, NBA, WNBA, and Arena football games. He has also been the radio voice for the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL since 2002, teaming with Ron Wolfley." Not exactly the wikipedia entry of a big time sports announcer.

With his performance on the mic I would expect Pasch's stature to continue to grow in the coming years and maybe take on a bigger role at ESPN.

Ryan Giggs: The owner of Arsenal

This banner is set to be debut tomorrow during United game against Arsenal in the FA Cup and boy is it true. Giggs has owned Arsenal over the years.

Craig Burley owes Nani something

While yesterday was not the greatest day to be a Manchester United fan, it was made worst by  the action of TV Commentator Craig Burley on FSC. During the game Jamie Carragher slide into Nani with studs showing creating a huge gash on the Portuguese winger leg. After the tackle Nani went down and check then injury and then went running over to the ref asking for a red card and then falling down again in pain.

While this was all going on Burley went off on the winger questioning his tactics and basically calling him a cheat. After the match was over photos came out that showed the severity of the Nani injury, it looked like someone took  a knife to his leg.

The one thing that got lost on Burley was the fact that Carragher should have been shown the door for his tackle, it was studs up and high, not at one point during this rant did Burley go off on Carragher for the irresponsible challenge. I think that has something to do with Carragher being English, but that is another story for another day.

While I'm not saying Nani was in the right in his actions, but Burley was not right to question the players injury and he should apologize for his comments. 

This Shirt Says it All

Nothing beats winning a regular season championship, especially when you beat Duke to do it.

Obertan: Maybe he is a bust

After CR7 left Manchester United for Real Madrid two years ago, United brought in a promising french winger named Gabriel Obertan to help fill that void. After a year and a half, I'm really starting to question if Obertan is going to make the grade.

During the season Obertan has had his detractors for his performances, I was not one of them. I thought that he had not been given a fair chance to show his skills, but that all changed on Saturday against Wigan and it had nothing to do with his performance on the field, but rather off of the field.

While watching the game on TV, the telecast showed a shot of Ryan Giggs sitting next to Obertan and Bebe in the directors box. One thing was different about the three of them, Giggs was sitting their watching the game, Bebe was checking his phone, while Obertan had head phones on. I'm not excusing Bebe for checking his phone, but who really knows if he was on during the whole game. I don't care if you are an academy player that has not been used all year, you should not be wearing headphones in the directors box.

If Obertan really cared about his spot or his future at United he would act like a professional and professionals don't sit in the director box wearing head phones, its not acceptable.

Professional Tailgating: Flyers vs. Islanders

As part of my birthday gift my wife sent me to the Flyers Islanders game on Thursday night and here are some of the sites and sounds from the game.

The old Spectrum is no more, so sad

The flyers hat trick wall

This seat could be yours for next season

Former United States World Junior Championship hero Al Montoya in goal in goal for the Islanders. Montoya was named top goalie during the 2004 event.

Fomrer Shore Conference hockey player JVR interviewed between the second and third periods

Wow UEFA got this right

For years the Round of 16 of the Champions League had been played over two days and it was hard to get the chance to see all of the action, but this year that has change. This year the eight match ups were played over four days allowing for time for hardcore fans to see all of the match ups.

In the past it would be hard for everyone to see the games and now we are able to see them and enjoy them, its easier to watch two games a day then having to watch four games a day.

While UEFA might screw up most thing, at least for the Round of 16 of the Champions League UEFA has done something that is fan friendly.

Baseball season is almost here

Every year around this time, pitchers and catchers report for spring training and OTWT gets their hands on the Baseball American Prospect Handbook, the bible of player development and that later happened today. For the last decade, the book has been a great source of information for OTWT. Anytime there is a deal made, everyone calls to see the prospects that are given up.

South Carolina's State Holiday

Yesterday was a big day in South Carolina as Jadevon Clowney, the number one high school football player in the country announced that he was going to be a Gamecock. The story was such a big deal that it was shown all over and it played a huge part in the front pages of three major state newspapers. Wow who ever said recruiting was not a big deal has never been to the south, its a season in its self.

A true great: Ronaldo

Over the last couple of years people have talked about the joke Ronaldo has become, but lets not forget the greatness of the player he was before injuries took their toll. Simply Amazing.

Finally the '94 Expos are crowned champions

As an Expos fan, the 1994 team holds a special place in my heart. They were the best team in baseball when the strike hit, ending my dreams of seeing Youppi's gang crowned World Series Champions. But now Baseball America Columnist Jim Callis has made that dream come true, i know it happened in sometime of internet game but its still a title. During the course of the last week, Callis has been tweeting about this historic win:

• My 1994 Expos swept the 1931 A's in the World Series of Seamheads.com S-O-M celebration. Too bad they didn't get chance to win in real life
• My 1994 Expos have advanced to the World Series in the S-O-M celebration run by seamheads.com. Not the biggest sports result tonight, I know
• Mike Lansing with the game-winning single in the bottom of ninth of Game Four at Olympic Stadium. Go crazy, Montreal! You too,

As the tweets came rolling in I could not think but get emotional, the thought of Mike Lansing, Wetland, Pedro, Larry Walker, Sean Berry running around The Big O with the trophy is an amazing. So thanks you Jim Callis, somewhere Youppi is smiling after hearing the news.

FIFA only talks about the key soccer issues

While questions still linger with FIFA about the awarding of the future World Cups to Russia and Qatar, FIFA's executive board is set to discuss the future of snoods in soccer, yes they are going to talk fashion. During the course of the cold winter in the Premier League many stars have taken to wearing Snoods to keep them warm during games. Many of the Manchester City Millionaires crew have been sporting the neck wear.

The term Snoods applies to a tubular neck protector or warmer, often worn by skiers or motorcyclists. The garment may be worn either pulled down around the neck like a scarf, or pulled up over the hair and lower face, like a hood.

Fifa said they are going to look at the idea of banning the neck wear because of safety reasons. A FIFA spokesman told the Daily Mail : 'We want a debate over the snood and whether it could be dangerous. There may be a safety issue - if for example a player was running through on goal and an opponent grabbed his snood, that could pose a potential danger to his neck.'

I'm all for people trying to stay warm while playing gloves, Under Armour that is fine, but come on these thing look terrible and makes me question their fashion. So come on tough it out, and leave the snoods for your night life.

While I'm against players wearing them, I don't understand why FIFA is looking into the matter, don't they have enough issues to worry about like fixed World Cup bids and goal line technology. This would be like the United States Government talking about fixing the BCS and not worrying about what is going on in the Middle East. Its not worth the time spent debating it, FIFA should be focusing on more important issues rather then stupid stuff like banning snoods.

Rodgers now has his belt

So Aaron Rodgers now has his championship belt. Rodgers and the Packers beat the Steelers last night in a really good football game. Here is how newspapers in Green Bay and Pittsburgh covered the game.

OTWT Super Bowl Pick

Everyone is doing it, so why not us. Here is my Super Bowl pick for later today: Green Bay 28, Pittsburgh 31 on a last second field. If I'm wrong who the hell cares.