TSD Quick Hitters: Strasburg Shines, Fat Albert? Semin trade bait and does Wall in mean Arenas out?
By: Turner Sports Desk
Jim Turner
Turnersportsdesk.com
June 10, 2010
Stras-mas in June!
Washington Nationals rookie pitching sensation began a new era of credibility of baseball in DC with a stunning first game. He is so good
that he erases the past transgressions and missteps of the franchise. Step #2
of this process is making the Nationals more than just a Strasburg outing. The
Nats have some decent pitchers coming back from injuries so all of a sudden
they look like a team that can make a run. Stay tuned.
Fat Albert?
Albert Haynesworth made plenty of news this offseason with
his refusal to participate in the Redskins off season team activities. Haynesworth
also made news with his outright refusal to learn/practice the new 3-4 defense.
Then there was the lawsuit from a stripper he allegedly impregnated. For those
of us watching the Redskins last year we agree Haynesworth was the best
defensive lineman but we also noticed the fact that Haynesworth was out every other
play due to horrid conditioning. Next week’s mandatory workout will give the
Redskins coaches/front office an opportunity to see if Haynesworth is in better
shape. Will Shanahan try to trade the disgruntled player if he is out of shape
or refuses to learn the new defense? Stay tuned.
Will Alexander Semin be traded on draft day?
Washington Capitals ultra talented Forward Alexander Semin
is a guy to watch this coming NHL draft. The Caps have needs and Semin is a
coveted 40 goal scorer with one year left on his extension at an affordable 6
million. The Caps could use a rugged defenseman, a veteran goalie and a legit 2nd
line center. Semin is a guy that will draw a ton of attention from teams in
desperate need of wing scoring. The Caps can maximize Semin’s trade value at
the draft so this will be an interesting time for Caps nation. Stay tuned.
Does John Wall in mean Gilbert Arenas out?
Most of the sports talking heads in Washington believe if
the Wizards draft John Wall that spells the end of the line for Gilbert Arenas
as a Wizard. Is Wizards General Manager, Ernie Grunfeld playing games when he says Gilbert will
be an important part of the Wizards next season? How can you bring back the guy
that ripped the heart out of the team and community like nothing happened? Stay
tuned.