Thursday, July 28, 2011

Nationals News and Notes

Yesterday the Nationals officially put outfielder Johnny Gomes on the active roster. In order to do so, they had to take somebody off. The Nationals designated Matt Stairs for assignment yesterday, likely ending his career.

Stairs was signed to be a big bat that could come off the bench and pinch hit. That never happened. Stairs began the season 0-16 and finished the season 10-65. At the July 4 game at Nats Park Stairs' walk-up song was Toby Kieth's "I Ain't As Good As I Once Was"...how true that is.

Redskins News and Notes

It has been a busy 24 hours for the Redskins. Trades, trades, and more trades! Let's recap.

In the afternoon hours yesterday Ryan O'Halloran reported that the Redskins acquired yet another wide receiver. In a trade with the Denver Broncos, the Redskins sent defensive end Jeremy Jarmon for Jabar Gaffney. The Redskins now have 13 receivers on roster.

In the late hours last night it was reported that the Donovan McNabb trade to Minnesota has been made official. One year after the McNabb era "begins, it ends. In return for McNabb, the Redskins will get a 2012 sixth round pick and a conditional 2013 sixth round pick. The deal will be formally announced today.

Just this morning, however, the Redskins finally got rid of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. The franchise traded him to the New England Patriots in return for a 2013 fifth round draft pick. After the elimination of McNabb and Haynesworth, the Redskins have gotten rid of their two biggest headaches and distractions.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Redskins Agree With Clemens

On the same day that the Redskins prepare to deal away Donovan McNabb Adam Schefter reports that they have agreed to terms with quarterback Kellen Clemens. Clemens was a back-up for the Jets this past season. The deal is reported to be for 1 year and the financial details have not been released.

The Redskins will now have three quarterback under contract by Friday evening: Kellen Clemons, Ben Chappell, and John Beck.

Skins Sign Receiver

Adam Schefter reported today that the Washington Redskins have agreed to terms with wide receiver Donte Stallworth on a 1 year deal. Stallworth cannot officially sign with the team until Friday evening.

Just yesterday the franchise reached a deal with Santana Moss. With the agreement with Stallworth you can count out the possibilty of the Redskins signing Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards.

This is a great deal made by the front office. Stallworth is a proven playmaker and the deal does not appear to break the bank, either. The Redskins appear to be spending smart this free agency.

Redskins Reach Deal With Giant

Ryan O'Halloran reported this morning that the Redskins have agreed to terms with Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield. The deal is for 6 years.

Cofield played in a 4-3 defensive scheme for the Giants and will have to make the transition to a 3-4 scheme. The Redskins have plans for him to be able to anchor the defense at nose tackle.

In 5 seasons with the Giants Cofield has tallied 10.5 sacks and 155 tackles. He also started 78 out of 79 games, a sign of his toughness and durability, something that the Redskins have lacked at nose tackle. Look for the transition from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense to be rough at first, but by the end of the season the Redskins should have a fierce defensive front.

Redskins, Moss Agree to Terms

CSNWashington.com reported yesterday that the Washington Redskins have agreed to terms with wide receiver Santana Moss. The contract is for 3 years and reportedly for $15 million with a $5 million bonus. Moss cannot officially sign with the Redskins until Friday.

Because of this signing it becomes a little clearer what the Redskins plans are for free agency. It was rumored that they were going to go outside the organization to find a number one receiver. They could have possibly been looking to sign Santonio Holmes of Braylon Edwards. Now that may not be the case. The Redskins could be looking to nab Nnamdi Asomugha. 

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Vikings, Redskins Discuss McNabb

According to ESPNs Adam Schefter the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Redskins are discussing a trade in which quarterback Donovan McNabb will be sent to Minnesota. However, the Vikings cannot make a deal with the Redskins unless they make a deal with McNabb.

Last off-season the Redskins began the drama that was the Donovan McNabb Saga. The club gave Philadelphia two draft picks this in return for what was hoped to be "Shanahans new John Elway." As history says, that did not happen. McNabb never became the QB he was supposed to be and by the end of the season he was riding the pine.

Because of his lack-of success last season the price of the once high priced McNabb has plummeted. In my opinion, the Vikings will only be getting a back-up quarterback. The Redskins will only be getting a late round draft pick at best. It's all about cap space at this point. If the Redskins deal McNabb, that would free up some cap space.

As of right now the franchises have figured out the logistics of the trade but not the financial part of it. Expect the Redskins to only get a late round draft pick from Minnesota. The official announcement of a deal could come within the next 24-36 hours.

Redskins Add QB

HogsHaven.com reported this morning that Washington Redskins have signed quarterback Ben Chappell from Indiana University. Chappell was a two year starter at Indiana and also saw significant playing time his sophomore year. The terms of the deal have not been released.

Redskins Agree To Terms With Tackle

Chris Russell reported this morning that the Washington Redskins agreed to terms with offensive tackle Willie Smith from East Carolina at 3 A.M. this morning. Smith is an undrafted free agent. The details of the deal have not been released.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Are You Ready For Some Football?

It's back!! Multiple sources confirmed today that the player representatives have unanimously approved the collective bargaining agreement proposed by the owners. This vote comes 136 days after the lockout began. Get excited fans! More to come later on The Skinny On Sports! Stay tuned for details on the NFL schedule and CBA details. Are you ready for some football?!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Strasburg to Return Soon?

Mark Zuckerman reported yesterday that Stephen Strasburg pitched 45 pitches against live hitters in a batting practice session at the teams spring training complex in Florida.

At the end of his 45 pitches Strasburg said that there was no pain in his arm. The club plans on him throwing another round this coming Monday. He could potentially rejoin the Nationals line-up by the end of the season.

GM Mike Rizzo believes that if his rehab schedule goes as planned, he could rejoin the Nationals as soon as September.

Before Strasburg can return, he must pitch a minor league rehab stint. Since the minor league season ends September 5 the schedule is a tight one.

The Nationals want Strasburg to pitch 50 innings. It doesn't matter where. He could pitch them in the minors, majors, or even after the season in the Florida instructional league.

So cheer up Nats fans! Our Ace could return as early as September. Keep an eye out if you live near a farm team for the Nationals; you just never know who could be on the mound.

Caps ReSign Alzner

A team source confirmed yesterday that the Washington Capitals resigned defenseman Karl Alzner to a two year deal.

Alzner stated in an interview with The Fan960 that he hadn't received any offer sheets from any other franchises. "I know that some teams may not like to put one out there and then have that happen to them two years down the road, so it’s a tough situation. ... you have to be patient at times like this and it works itself out.”

According to Mike Vogel, the deal is for two years and a very cheap $2.57 million. That dollar amount is far lower than any analyst had expected. Alzner was a restricted free agent coming off of an entry level contract.

Alzner was an important part of the Washington Capitals playoff run last year. He appeared in all 82 games this past season.

Redskins Have Cap Space

CSNWashington reported yesterday that the Washington Redskins have roughly $26 million in cap space. The franchise currently has $93 million tied to contracts. Once the new CBA is in place the cap is expected to increase to $120 million. That will leave the Redskins $26 million dollars in cap space. That is plenty of room to allow them to be aggressive.

Expect that number to increase, however. If Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth are dealt away from the team the Redskins will then have $34 million in cap space. That will be more than enough for the high spending Dan Snyder.

Keep in mind that not all of the money will be used to sign free agents. The Redskins still need to sign the twelve players drafted this past year. They will also need to look at extending contracts for players such as London Fletcher and LaRon Landry.

If the Redskins want to go out and acquire Santonio Holmes they will be able to. Keep in my mind that the Jets may have the right of first refusal which would surely stop the 'Skins from acquiring him. If the Redskins play their cards right, they could sign multiple quality free agents. The coming weeks should be crazy.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Redskins Have Ideas for Free Agency

Jason La Confora reported today that the Washington Redskins have at least four players on their radar for free agency: WR Santonia Holmes, DE Cullen Jenkins, NT Kris Jenkins, and G Marshall Yanda. Let's break this down.

The possibility of signing former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes are very slim. The Jets have been adamant that retaining him for this season is a top priority. So don't get all ga-ga eyed over this. There's a better chance of Albert Haynesworth running his 40 yard dash than the Redskins signing Santonio Holmes. Holmes would be an excellent addition to a thinning receiving corp. Especially now that Devin Hester has suggested that the Chicago Bears sign Santana Moss.

Defensive end Cullen Jenkins, however, is a different story. The 30 year old Green Bay Packer recorded seven sacks last year. That's only two less than the 'Skins defense COMBINED last season (9). The Packers seem to be somewhat okay with parting ways with Jenkins. He would be a great addition and would certainly help free up the already dominant Brian Orakpo. The Redskins would have a lethal one-two punch coming off the edges. This also suggests that the Redskins coaching staff are looking for play makers up front, not just guys to sit there and take up space.

Nose Tackle Kris Jenkins (32 year old brother of Cullen Jenkins) has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons. Jenkins missed 25 games over the span of two seasons and was released by the New York Jets. Jenkins is physical, tough, and nasty. If he stays healthy, he would be an excellent addition for the Redskins.

Offensive guard Marshall Yanda played right tackle for the Ravens last year to fill for the injured Jared Gaither. If the Redskins were to sign Yanda, he would most likely play Gard. If the team is unable to sign Yanda, Gaither could certainly be signed as well.

For those of you wondering, Mike Shanahan is dead serious about having John Beck as the starting quarterback in 2012. The team is also planning to try to retain wide receiver Santana Moss. As of right now, free agency appears to begin on July 28, two weeks from now, expect the Redskins to be talking to either of these free agents.

Caps Re-Sign Center

CSNWashington.com reported today that the Washington Capitals re-signed center Mathieu Perreault to a one year contract.

Perreualt spent much of last year in the AHL with the Hershey Bears. He was called up numerous times, however. While in the NHL the 23 year old center tallied 7 goals and 7 assists in 35 career games.

The Caps acquired Perreault via a sixth round draft pick in 2006. He has played three seasons and four postseasons with the Hershey Bears. Expect Mathieu Perreault to be a front runner for the lone opening in the Capitals forward lines this fall.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Hairston to Return July 18

The Washinton Nationals website reported today that Jerry Hairston Jr could return to the line-up as soon as July 18. Hairston has been on the DL since June 29 when he broke his wrist after being hit by a pitch. Hairston has been busy this weekend rehabing his wrist.

This past Saturday Hairston was fielding ground balls as well as throwing from shortstop. Sunday he was able to take dry swings. On Wednesday he plans to hit off of a tee and take full batting practice. This Thursday he plans to have a full workout and expect Hairston to play the first of three rehab games on Friday.

"Throwing the ball is not really an issue or problem," Hairston said. "Swinging a bat, being in the fire and trying to swing it 100 mph, that's going to be the biggest test. I'll know more after I play in a couple games."


Quote from MLB.com

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Kimball Needs Surgery

NatsInsider.com reported today that Washington Nationals rookie reliever Cole Kimball will need surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.

Due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder Kimball has been on the disabled list since June 10. This past week Kimball attempted to throw but the pain was still there. The Nationals sent the reliever to New York for an MRI with specialist David Altchek. The scan revealed the torn rotator cuff and surgery is scheduled for next week.

Kimball was a quality 12th round pick in 2006 for the Nationals. In 12 appearances for the club he was 1-0 with an ERA of 1.93 and striking out 11 batters in 14 innings.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Caps Need Cap Space

CSNWashington reported today the Washington Capitals have traded right wing Eric Fehr to the Winnepeg Jets. In return the Capitals acquire a fourth round pick in 2012 and minor leaguer Danick Paquette.

The franchise came into today $1.8 million above the salary cap. This move freed up $2.2 million in cap room.

This is just another move in which the Capitals have unloaded big name players from their roster. Just last month the team parted ways with Semyon Varlamov, Boyd Gordon, and also Jason Arnott. They have acquired the likes of Troy Brouwer and Joel Ward as well as a number of upcoming draft picks.

Pudge to DL, Flores to Majors

A team source for the Washington Nationals confirmed today that catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez has been placed on the 15 day disabled list due to an injury to his oblique muscle. Rodriguez suffered the injury yesterday during batting practice and was scratched from last nights line-up because of it. The Nationals have since called up Jesus Flores from Class AAA Syracuse to fill in.

Rodriguez has been solid for the Nats hitting .214 with 2 home runs, 19 RBI, and 7 doubles as backup to rookie catcher Wilson Ramos. The 39 year old catcher is 158 hits short of 3,000 for his career.

In 56 games for Class AAA Syracuse Jesus Flores was hitting .234. He has totaled 5 home runs with 30 RBI and an on base percentage of .252. Much of the last two seasons was lost due to a major shoulder injury but Flores is back at 100 percent.

The move to the DL for Rodriguez is retroactive as of his last game played in. Expect him to be back in the line-up around July 22.

Tonight the Nationals begin a 3 game series with the Colorado Rockies. The Nats just came off a successful series with the Cubs by taking 3 of 4 games. The Nats look to continue their success tonight behind the arm of John Lannan.