William World News William F. Yurasko's blog v.14 – Nats, Redskins, Capitals, D.C. life, transportation, not so much Penn State anymore,

1. Ok, so the Blue White Game and spring practice is done. Whether you just read the reports, or actually watched the game… (a) What’s one glaring team/unit/player issue you’re still concerned with? (b) What are you most pleased with?
I am always concerned with the offensive line because they have been the weak link, though [...]

TIM LEMKE — Nats can fill stands – The Wash. TimesLemke offers five suggestions to improve the slumping Nationals attendance. I’m adding mine as well and agree that winning cures all.
Focus on the kids – Yup, really go after tomorrow’s fans today. Perhaps selling a more kid friendly, half-half smoke. I don’t have much to [...]

MICHAEL WILBON – Now the Circus Comes to Town – The PostFor the first time I can remember and possibly since 1998, Wilbon has written a column about the Capitals. It is actually a pretty good summation about what this upcoming series with the Penguins is all about, so for people not following until now, [...]

Ask Boswell: The Caps, the Nats, the Redskins, More – The Post“Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, April 30 at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions about the Caps, the Nats, the Redskins, the latest sports news and his columns.”
Washington Nationals, Nats, ThomasBoswell
©MMX William F. Yurasko

From Start to Finish, A Rare Night for Nats – The PostNationals finally get some relief – The Wash. TimesScott Olsen pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up only a first inning home run to Shane Victorino. The bullpen combination of Garrett Mock, Kip Wells and Julián Tavárez held the powerful Phillies scoreless for the remaining [...]

1,727 Words On The Bullpen Shake-Up – Nationals Journal, The Post
A moment for reflection, if you will. I think it’s already fair to say that Jim Bowden greatly miscalculated his team’s needs/weaknesses this offseason. Think back, for instance, to the bullpen this team had in February. No Beimel. No Wells. No Tavarez. No real back-up [...]

Old Hand, New Result – The PostCaps vanquish Rangers – The Wash. TimesFor only the second time in their history and for the first time since 1988 the Capitals won a game 7. They were outplayed by the Rangers for two periods, but stayed in it thanks to #1 star Simeon Varlamov, the 21 year [...]

More of the Same as the Nationals Suffer Their Fifth Loss in Six Games – The PostPhillies air out Nationals – The Wash. TimesA 7-1 loss to the Phillies. John Lannan doesn’t pitch well, but has no help. Only an Adam Dunn homer for the Nats.
Tavárez, Wells to Replace Hanrahan in Closer Role – The [...]

Capitals 2 Rangers 1Ted Leonsis gets his first playoff series win as owner! Sergei Federov has the game winner late in the 3rd. Three wins in a row to come back from 3-1 deficit! More tomorrow morning!
Washington Capitals, Caps, NY Rangers
©MMX William F. Yurasko

UNIVERSITY PARK, Penna. — As reported previously, elm yellows has invaded Penn State’s elm population and there is little hope for survival. I wanted to make sure I got a few photographs while I was up there last weekend since I don’t know how many other chances I will get before they are all gone.
[flickr [...]