The World Cup

For those of you that know me you know that I am not a soccer fan. I have never liked the game and for years have denounced its claim to be a "sport." Somehow, however, every four years I get sucked in and find it hard to not glance at the matches taking place as part of the World Cup. Just this morning, as I was getting ready for work, I flipped on ESPN to see South Korea taking on Greece. Immediately I began rooting for the Republic. My Aunt taught there for a few years so I feel a small connection to South Korea. As for Greece, gyros are good but not enough to back the Papadapalous' of the world.

That's what the World Cup does to people. It makes them pick their favorite of two countries and root against the one they deem the "bad guys." Each match is like a little war between countries with the winner taking home much more than bragging rights. But all politics are put to the side. There is no discussion of peace treaties or terrorism at the World Cup. This is a get away, for many countries, from the bad things that are taking place in their homes. All they have to think about is soccer...or futbol if you want to be technical.

So, yes, I will be breaking my own rule today and watching as the United States goes up against England in their first match this afternoon. England is heavily favored, but hey, they were favored in 1776 too...how'd that turn out? The U.S. also handed England one of the biggest losses in their history back in 1950 I believe. Again, a heavily favored English team got taken down by a bunch of scrappy no-namers. It may be one of the first matches in this edition of the World Cup, but it's a match as big as the World itself.

The Strasburg Era Begins

Tonight, Stephen Strasburg takes the Major League mound for the first time and it could potentially change the course of the Nationals history for years to come. If he's good, the Nats have the #1 spot in their rotation filled for the next decade. If he's bad, they've got a ton of money locked up in a player who can't be the integral piece to their team that they need him to be. Either way, we will learn a LOT about the future of the Washington Nationals tonight.

I have to say, this is the most excited I've been for a baseball game all season. I have never been a die-hard Expos/Nats fan but I like pitching. It's my favorite part of the game, and when someone like Stephen Strasburg comes along and is touted as "The Next Big Thing," I can't help but be a fan. I will definitely be watching tonight as the Pittsburgh Pirates head to the Nation's Capital to face Strasburg.

The Nationals couldn't have planned Strasburg's arrival any better. I hate to say it but the Pirates are the closest thing to the Minor League competition Strasburg will see. It's a good team to get his feet wet against. The only real threat to his ego will be Andrew McCutchen. Luckily for Strasburg, Major League rules prohibit "Cutch" from batting before or after himself. Strasburg will probably be on a pitch count in the 80-90 range which should, if he pitches well, get him to the 6th inning or so.

In other baseball news, the Nationals selected Bryce Harper with the first overall pick in the 2010 First Year Player Draft. The other reason I'm curious to see how Strasburg does is because it's pretty rare that back-to-back #1 picks turn into everyday players in the Show. I think Harper has the potential to possibly be a bust. All his power has been shown with Aluminum bats and the switch to Wood could hurt him. Luckily, he's only 17 years old so he'll be given a couple years to develop in the Minor's before he is expected to perform at the Major League Level.

So, enjoy your look into the future this evening. One way or another, it will be historic!