COVID. Generally one word names are positive. Prince. Madonna. Serena. COVID, not so much. The sports world has not been exempted from the loop that we have all been knocked for this past year. But as we start this upcoming spring, there are some things to look forward to regarding our local sports teams.
The Washington Nationals, two years removed from a championship, are picked second by the pundits behind the Atlanta Braves for the division title. This year's fresh face is free agent signee Josh Bell. Bell is entering his age 28 season coming off a 37 HR 116 RBI season two years earlier. He adds some pop to a solid lineup that includes MVP candidate Juan Soto, who had 34/110 in his last full season himself in 2019. For us to have a successful season, it still will have to come from our starting pitching featuring Stephen Strasburg (18-6 in 2019) and our most "intense" thrower Max Scherzer.
When I look at the Washington Capitals, I go to my personal checklist for seasonal success. Do they have the superstar? Future Hall-of-Famer Alex Ovechkin's 18 goals is seventh in the league. Check. Do they have a enforcer who protects their stars? Can you say Tom Wilson, who is just outside the top ten in fighting major penalties. Like I said, my checklist. Vitek Vanecek is in the top five among goaltenders. I smell another playoff run in the making.
As for the Wizards, I've become more of a Russell Westbrook fan and I hope Bradley Beal gives us one more year for us to get our act together.
That's all I got.
I just hope I'm able to venture out and enjoy my teams safely later this year.
