Send a guy to Florida.

All over the Natosphere today is a push to send former Washington Times Nationals beat reporter, Mark Zuckerman, to Florida to cover Spring Training. (See here, here, and don't miss here where FJB went so far as to make it seem apocalyptic...and announce he gets 5,000! visitors a day.)

Zuckerman was laid off at the end of the year when the Washington Times dropped their Sports section.

He's looking to raise $5,000 so that he can get to Viera.

Half Street Blues has made no bones about the terrible coverage the Nationals get. The Post's reporters are JV and Bill Ladson just writes happy-talk....even though there's rarely anything to talk happy about.

Zuckmeran is the only true beat reporter who tries to give it straight.

My main issue is underwriting someone else's trip to Florida. HSB was fortunate to go last year. (See here, here, and here.) My wife and I had a great time and we would like to do it again this Spring. But we've got bills to pay...

Also, he's another blogger, taking up more space in an already cramped sphere.

I admit that HSB isn't as consistent a poster as we should be, but financing the competition (of course, we wouldn't flatter ourselves to think that we're competition for anyone) just doesn't sit well.

HSB works hard for the money. Of course we'd like to be able to retire and cover the Nationals full time. But we can't.

I'm torn.

On the one hand, I would like more balanced coverage coming out of Spring Training. On the other, I'd like to go myself.

Hank Baskett Finally Climbs Out from Kendra's Shawdow...

So, you're a receiver, playing special teams, and covering the line of scrimmage on a kickoff.

There's really only one thing you have to avoid....the ball hitting you.

But don't worry Hank, nobody watches the Super Bowl. Not to mention, your wife was there to witness the whole thing.

In the twisted world of reality TV, this will probably benefit them all. Ratings will go up when she dumps him for Tracy Porter, and then Basket will do his own show to find a new girl - preferably one who doesn't know sports.

If he's smart, he'll issue a release today blaming the loss on Peyton's interception. He really has nothing to lose, he probably wasn't even allowed on the team plane....

The Colts Win....

Or at least you might think so if you live in Haiti.

As an act of charity, the NFL donates the championship gear of the losing team to a faraway land. In this case, Haiti.

Previously, Arizona Cardinals stuff went to El Salvador, and you Patriot fans can get your 19-0 t-shirts in Nicaragua.

I can sleep better at night knowing somewhere...someone believes the Bills won four Super Bowls in a row and has the t-shirts to prove it.

Next year we could be (legally) betting on the Super Bowl.

No doubt, there will be millions of dollars wagered online for today's Super Bowl.

Everything from the score, the spread, the coin flip, how long it takes Carrie Underwood to sing the national anthem, how many times Mrs. Reggie Bush Kim Kardashian is shown in the in the stands. The list goes on and on...

As of now, all that is "illegal".

Now there's a move afoot in the Halls of Congress to legalize online gambling.

Not only would it make every home computer a gambling kiosk, but it could also be a boon to the federal coffers. A current proposal would include a 2% tax on deposits. Some say that could mean $42 billion in revenue over the next 10 years.

My first job in Washington, DC, was with the National Gambling Impact Study Commission. One of those commissions that are Congressionally created, write a report, and never see their recommendations to Congress taken seriously.

I'm agnostic on Internet gambling. Probably lean more to the it's-none-of-my-business-what-people-want-to-spend-their-money-on camp. But here is the recommendation that the Commission came up with in 1999.

Chapter 5. Internet Gambling
5-1 The Commission recommends to the President, Congress, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) that the federal government should prohibit, without allowing new exemptions or the expansion of existing federal exemptions to other jurisdictions, Internet gambling...

Shawn Estes is Nick Johnson...

Nationals News Network lays out the facts...

HSB comes to the conclusion...

Shawn Estes is Nick Johnson, but with a dog...

Lindy's Baseball Preview

Federal Baseball has a review on Lindy's baseball preview of the Nationals, which is like having the CliffsNotes to a book you don't want to read...

We like Mr. Cliffs.

Anyway, Lindy says that the Nationals will finish last in the NL East...no surprise that's where the intelligencia are.

FB gives a few questions for Nats nation to consider. I'd answer on his blog, but I don't know how to sign in to post comments. So with apologies to FB, I'll answer them below:

?'s For The DC Faithful...

• Are you assuming Scott Olsen's right back in the rotation?

If he gets starts, it will be short-lived. He hasn't been healthy and when he's healthy, he's not good. Maybe he gets a filler role for a couple of weeks, but I don't see him helping the team. He'll sulk in middle relief, but that's where he belongs.

• Garrett Mock? It's obvious DC GM Mike Rizzo likes Mock, he drafted him in Arizona and the Nationals traded for Mock once Rizzo moved to the nation's capital, have you seen enough out of Mock to pencil him in as a starter?

Unlike Olsen, I like Mock. He's got some good stuff. We talked about Mock last season and looked forward to nights that he pitched. He slowed down a bit at the end, but with some conditioning, confidence in his stuff, and an experienced catcher helping him through the game, I'm hoping for big things this season.

• Is Craig Stammen in your 2010 rotation? Collin Balester? Stephen Strasburg? Miguel Batista?

Good question. Batista probably gets in as a 4th/5th starter. He'll eat some innings. Stammen and Balester each had their moments last season, hopefully we'll see something in Spring Training. And Strasburg, he really is the wild card. I'm in the "bring him along slowly" camp. I don't want another Jordan Zimmermann situation.

On a side-bar here, I blame Zimmermann's injury on the coaching staff. He never should've been allowed to pitch for pay until he fixed his delivery. I remember the first game he pitched for Washington, actually the first pitch he threw - I gasped. He was "all arm". There was no fluidity to the wind-up, no transfer of power from the legs, to the hips, to the arm.

I remember saying, he's going to have arm trouble.

But the coaches never helped him fix it. And it's cost us.

I'm going to try to find some video of him pitching later.

• Are you giving the Nationals any chance to escape the NL East's basement?

Nationals stay competitive all season. Finish 2nd in the NL East. Can't get by Philly.

• Should the Nationals take Bryce Harper or a pitcher? As of now, where do you stand?

Let's see how Harper progresses this season. He should, just for sport, be hitting with a wooden bat in games.

• In an small feature included in the Nationals' organizational overview the Lindy's Sports' writers select "3 Breakthroughs" which picks three, "Prospects Close To Making Their Mark". Strasburg is obviously no. 1 on the list, but which two players join the '09 no.1 overall pick?

Mock and Desmond.

• Who will be the biggest surprise on the Nationals' roster? I'm picking Elijah Dukes to finally put it all together. Will Jesus Flores sit Ivan Rodriguez down like he sent Paul LoDuca and Johnny Estrada to the bench?

Would Dukes be a surprise? I expect great things from Dukes. Flores won't sit Rodriguez for cause (he might get the nod late in the season because they're trying to get him reps, but I'm guessing Flores is hurt by then (or still).)

Mock will surprise us. My darkhorse, is Drew Storen, makes his way to the DC bullpen and makes an impact.

The Nationals Sarting Lineup

So, as I see it, here's the Nationals' Opening Day lineup:

1. Morgan CF
2. Hudson Guzman SS
3. Zimmerman 3B
4. Dunn 1B
5. Dukes RF
   
6. Willingham LF
7. Pudge C
8. Kennedy 2B
9. Pitcher

Looks pretty good to me. Get some help on the mound and the Nationals might be a surprise....

The Stud is out - the Dud is in....

The Nationals' dance with Orlando Hudson has come to an end, and now they're left to take home whomever is left at the end of the night...in this case, it's Adam Kennedy.

The Nationals, so it would seem, were a couple million off from signing Hudson. Word is they offered $3 million plus another $1 million in incentives. The Twins signed him for $5 mil.

Kennedy is 34 and a stop-gap for the hole at second base. The move keeps Guzman at shortstop.

I like Guzman.

Although Kennedy has had a couple of decent seasons recently, he is past his prime and the signing probably gives the Nationals the oldest most experienced middle infield duo in the Majors.

And now Kennedy is trying to convince us that he's tanned, rested, and ready...

I'm not done yet. I'm only 34 years old. The way my body feels right now, hopefully I could combine that with a little bit of knowledge and go from there.

Nick Swisher acts...

Spoiler Alert: How I Met Your Mother

First off - if you haven't seen last night's How I Met Your Mother - you're a loser. If you never watch How I Met Your Mother - you're an uber-loser.

I realize this clip isn't as funny if you didn't see the whole episode. But Jim Nantz rules and Doogie Howser carries the show...All. The. Time.

For those of you who watched it, here's a straight-up bio on the only person to ever have a perfect game and a perfect week, Roosevelt Peter "Mustache Pete" Drexel.

For those of you who didn't, Yankees star Nick Swisher made a cameo.

Here's the tape:





HSB.com supports watching television at work, so here's last night's epidsode, in it's entirety.

Orlando Hudson.

I like the idea of Orlando Hudson coming to the Nationals. I like even more that he actually wants to come here.




















He would give us another Gold Glove in the infield and solid bat in the lineup.

If this deal gets done, credit has to go to Adam Dunn.

The guy is good for the team for more reasons than just his bat. He's our ambassador.

Hype Harper...

H/T to Nationals Enquirer for posting Bryce Harper's first hit as a collegiate Coyote. A weak single going the opposite way.

Let the hype begin anew....




I tell you, the kid has to stop doing all that fixing of the pants, playing with the batting gloves, fidgeting stuff between each pitch. It's like watching someone with turrets.

And if he keeps adding hitches, by the time he plays in the majors we'll be able to hit the head between swings.

Nationals trying to extend Dunn...

Liking the word that the Nationals are looking to sign Adam Dunn to a contract extension.
























Also like that Dunn is serving as an ambassador. Orlando Hudson would look good in Nationals' red...

Hope Springs Eternal....

It's snowing in the nation's capital, but baseball is in the air.

Tomorrow is Nats Fan Fest. Weather permitting, I guess. Just called the weather line and the recorded lady says it's still a go.

It's a bit frustrating that I hadn't heard anything about it. I never got an email. (And I get A LOT of emails from Nats Nation).

I'm like the Rodney Dangerfield of six-year season ticket holders.

Interview with LIVAN!

Earlier today HSB wasn’t fortunate enough to have an interview with LIVAN! but if we did, we think it would have gone something like this.

HSB: LIVAN! Good to have you back in a Nationals uniform. You were the heart and soul of this team while you were here. What’s it like to be so awesome?

LIVAN!: Thanks for having me today. I like Washington very much and this organization. I’m actually looking forward to seeing Frank when I get back to Washington. It’s cool being awesome, but cooler still to be interviewed by HalfStreetBlues.com.

HSB: Thanks for saying that, it means a lot. Do you mind if I give you a hug?

LIVAN!: Um…sure.

HSB and LIVAN! Hug.

Still hugging….

HSB: Thanks for that. Anyway, I’ve got a few more questions for you, if you don’t mind.

LIVAN!: Sure, go ahead…although the hug was nice.

HSB: I thought so too. But, to the questions. First off, any truth to the rumor that you’re going to batting 5^th right behind Dunn?

LIVAN!: I think that would be great. As you know I like to hit. And I think I do it pretty well. Although The Prophet Elijah has played well lately and that grand slam he had last night was quite a site. I wouldn’ t mind hitting 6^th if Elijah wants to hit 5^th.

HSB: What are the thoughts about you playing with the Nationals next season? We could really use a steady arm in the rotation – not to mention a reliable DH for Alberto Gonzalez, if he’s our everyday 2^nd baseman.

LIVAN!: I’d like to stay. I’d like to retire a National. There's no way that Gonzalez stays. Ronnie's way better. And he can fend for himself. I think that I can, hopefully, help develop some of these young arms. Maybe teach Strasburg that it’s not all about the fastball, that it’s more about finesse. And that boy needs to eat. Did you see how skinny he is? That’s not going to fly.

HSB: He was skinny. You could also teach him a thing or two in the batting cages.

LIVAN!: [Laughs] Yeah that would be fun.

HSB: LIVAN! earlier you mentioned Frank. Readers of HalfStreetBlues.com know that I’ve long been a supporter of Frank Robinson. He wasn’t treated right by the organization and then they bring that Acta guy in here – who stunk. I would like to see Frank back, but it looks like the job as field manager is Riggleman’s to lose. What do you think about that?

LIVAN!: Come on, we all know that Frank’s the man. He’s my man. He’s Fonzi’s (Alfonso Soriano) man. He’s Guzie’s man. And it would be great to have him out here. I don’t know much about Riggleman, but I’m glad he’s giving me the chance to play here again. But we need some Frank.

HSB: Now, some of the players you played with are still around like Guzie and others are gone like Nick Johnson and I think Brad Wilkerson is in the minors somewhere. What do you think about that?

LIVAN!: Me and Guzie are boys and I’m looking forward to hanging out with him again. I never got to know Nick Johnson well because he was always hurt and hanging out in the training room. I think I went in there once during my whole time here – and that was to get some Icy Hot to put in Vidro’s jock. Boy was he mad! It was so funny though. Ahh…yeah…that was funny. What a little cry-baby he was too – I remember when he cried that the wall in RFK was too far away…Whatever…I jacked a couple out that year.

HSB: Yeah, what a little bitch he was. Now you’ve been known to just eat up innings. What’s your secret.

LIVAN!: My secret? That’s easy, an 81 MPH fastball and a 68 MPH curve. Sometimes I’m surprised they even make it to the plate.

HSB: Right, but you’ve still managed to strike out nearly 1700 batters.

LIVAN!: Suckers…

HSB: Yeah. Suckers. So what’s your game plan going out there tonight against the Cubs?

LIVAN!: I’m just going to stay in there and pitch my game and hopefully get a win. You’ll see all my pitches tonight. It’s going to be fun.

HSB: Cool. No Livan. I see that you’re birthday is February 20, 1975. And I look at you and I know there is NO WAY I’m older than you. How old are you…really?

LIVAN!: 42.

HSB: No shit.

LIVAN!: That’s right 42.

HSB: Well you look good for 42. And again, I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re back. Can I get another hug?

LIVAN!: Sure.

HSB and LIVAN! Hug…

WELCOME HOME LIVAN!!!

We L.O.V.E. Livan!!

LOVE HIM!

And we're glad to have him back. And how about the fact he gets the start as soon as he puts the uniform on! That's Livan for you!

Hell, I don't care if he loses tonight 9-2. He'll probably go the whole game and bat 2-3 with an RBI and run scored.

I wish I could fly out to Chicago and give him a big hug! He's the best.

LIVAN!