Nat's Comeback Win - Sign of Things to Come

Dan Uggla (26) blasts go-ahead 3-run home run in 9th inning of last nights
come from behind win. Uggla went 3-5 with 5 RBIs

It's not time to hit the panic button in Washington -- just yet. Despite a troubling start by the pre-season World Series favorites, last night's 13-12, come from behind win over the division rival Braves is the best thing the National's could have asked for. Yes, they still remain 7 games back from the division leading Mets, but with May right around the corner, there is still plenty of time to overcome that gap. Currently, the National's would have to play .560 baseball to catch the Mets if they were to play .500 baseball, a generous low-bar for a team with one of the most underrated rotations in the majors. 

After last night's game, it seems the turnaround Nat's fans have been waiting for is not far off. For one, their hitting at .224/.297/.668 line, still down from last year's .253/.321/.714 line. Last night, the club hit .375 with four walks, but more importantly a much better average with runners in scoring position, a problem that has nagged at this team to start the past three seasons. Considering Rendon is still on his way back, and Jayson Werth is still getting up to speed, these numbers should improve drastically. Additionally, the club has a 3.81 ERA and WHIP of 1.44, far above their 3.03 and 1.16 averages in 2014. When relief pitcher Aaron Barrett leads the team in wins with two, there is a problem. These numbers should also improve for a rotation that is, at the very least, just as good as last years. Let's not forget, this is a team that had 8 walk-off or overtime wins in the month of August alone in 2014. Last night was a demonstration of this team's focus; play good baseball and the wins will come. Over the first month of the season, we've been expecting for things to go wrong. After coming back from a 9-2 deficit to win, we can start expecting for things to go right again.

Spring Cleaning - John Wall Leads Surging Wizards to First 4-Game Postseason Sweep in Franchise History

John Wall, just 24 years old, has led the Washington Wizards to the first
four game postseason sweep in franchise history.

Getting complacent when leading, giving up on games when behind, and a dismal record against playoff bound teams. All were red flags for the Washington Wizards heading into their first round series with the Toronto Raptors, a team they had gone 0-3 against in the regular season by an average of 9 points. During the best of seven series, the first sweep in franchise history, the Wizards displayed none of their regular season issues. Team defense, unselfish offense, and an intensity reserved for a team with a chip on their shoulder is what got it done. Fueling the surge was the face of the franchise, 2010 1st overall pick John Wall. Wall is playing like the best all-around point guard in the league in the postseason so far. Averaging 18.3 points per game to go along with 13.3 assists, Wall leads second place James Harden in dimes by a whopping 4.6 per game. Combined with his defensive prowess, it's easy to see why the Wizards have been so effective. In Sunday's game Wall tallied 14 points and 10 assists, while making all 7 of his attempted free throws, in just 25 minutes of play. 

Otto Porter Jr (22) goes for rebound with Marcin Gortat (4) in
 first half of Sunday's series clinching win over Toronto (credit ESPN)

Despite being the catalyst, Wall isn't the only reason the Wizards have looked like one of the top teams in this years NBA Playoffs. Bradley Beal has been stellar in all aspects of the game, Marcin Gortat has been a presence inside offensively and defensively, and Paul Pierce has provided the veteran presence and clutch shooting he was brought to Washington for. But perhaps the biggest x-factor, has been Otto Porter Jr. Averaging 32 minutes a game, Porter has added 9.5 points and just over 7 rebounds while shooting 55.6% from the floor and 50% from beyond the arc. This coming from a guy who averaged 19 minutes, 6 points, and 3 rebounds per game on 45% shooting (33.7% from beyond the arc) this season, all career highs. Porter's development, long awaited in Washington, is making a promising young squad's future look even brighter. Continued production from him will be essential to Washington's next series against the winner of the Atlanta-Brooklyn series, currently at two games to one.

"The Truth" Will Set DC Free

"DAGGER!" It seems as though there may have been a collective chant across Washington of Steve Buckhantz's classic exclamation after the man known as "The Truth" hit the third of his four threes to put the Wiz up 98-90 with 1:58 left to play against the Toronto Raptors. Pierce would go on to hit two free throws and sink another "dagger" to seal the victory that would put the Wizards up three games to none in their first round series in the NBA playoffs. "That's why I'm here." That's what Paul Pierce believes; and his play on the court would suggest. Pierce has played an immense role in two of the Wizards three postseason games to date. Yet, if asked this summer, many would have claimed his best basketball was behind him.

"That's Why I'm Here" 

Pierce was brought to Washington this past offseason on a modest two year deal. The move was hailed as a solid one. Washington got the veteran, playoff tested presence it sorely needed, while at the same time replacing departed veteran swingman Trevor Ariza. The deal did not cost Washington much, not nearly the sum it would have cost to keep Ariza, while maintaining the kind of financial flexibility a team chasing Kevin Durant would need come 2016. The veteran impact Paul Pierce has had off the court, and in the locker room has been quite apparent (I wrote earlier about who this reminded me of from the GoT realm). However, until the start of the playoffs, we hadn't yet seen why he was here. The confidence exuded by Pierce is undeniable, as exhibited by the ability to hit key, contested shots on the big stage. And that confidence has rubbed off. Primarily on Otto Porter Jr, who has played in the playoffs the way Washington expected when drafting him third overall in 2013. With a second round series against the top seeded Atlanta Hawks almost guaranteed, we'll continue to see if "The Truth" can set this youthful squad free to play contender level basketball.

Zimmerman A Revelation at First

Ask any Nationals fan and it was an inevitable move, Zimmerman to first. Yet, some would probably be surprised how quickly it happened. Many third basemen have made the move in an attempt to prolong their career, so it was only logical that the National's first draft pick since returning to DC would make the move as well. With the emergence of Anthony Rendon, and Zimmerman's difficulty throwing in the past two seasons, Zimmerman was moved to first this year after the departure of Adam LaRoche to Chicago. 

Zimmerman's offense has always been a boon. A career .285 hitter, Zimmerman already has 12 RBI's in 12 games this season, despite an uncharacteristic .228 batting average. Before the past few seasons, Zimmerman's fielding was equally impressive, as he played at a Gold Glove level in 2009. The move to first has precipitated a return to Gold Glove form, as Zimmerman is yet to record an error, and has already flashed a myriad of web gems including this diving catch on April 17. If Zimmerman's bat can come around in the next few weeks, he could find himself back in the All-Star Game for the first time since 2009. 

Escobar Trade Paying Early Dividends

Tyler Clippard traded to Oakland this winter for Yunel Escobar

Flexibility. That's what Yunel Escobar brought the Washington National's on paper. Earlier this year, the National's traded set-up man, and all-around solid reliever Tyler Clippard for Escobar, whose primary position is shortstop. Clippard, whose sports glasses have become iconic in Washington since he was acquired from the New York Yankees, was not easy to part with. But, with the addition of Tanner Roark in the bullpen, and the already stellar rotation, the benefit Escobar outweighed the loss of Clippard.

It's clear what Escobar brought the National's on paper. Escobar has already played great at third while Anthony Rendon recovers from a sprained MCL suffered in March, recording only one error to date. He'll slide into the second base spot once Rendon returns, and offers the ability to grant off days to both Ian Desmond and Rendon without forcing reserves Danny Espinosa or Dan Uggla to play out of position. Escobar even gives the Nationals flexibility in the coming offseason. If Desmond walks in free agency, Escobar will still be under contract for another season, giving Washington the opportunity to look for a new second baseman or shortstop.

Pleasantly however, Escobar has provided some much needed pop in the line-up as the Nationals try to get 100% healthy. Already with a lead-off home run, and Tuesday night's walk-off home run in the 10th inning, Escobar is hitting .280 with an OPS just below .800. A career .276 hitter, Escobar has shown the ability to come up big in the clutch, including his two-out, three RBI double in the 3rd inning of last nights game with the St. Louis Cardinals. Coming up big in the clutch will be huge in the playoffs if the Nationals are to live up to their preseason billing.

Desi's Big Game A Sign, Slump Is Over

Not pretty. You'd probably get this, or a similar response, if you asked someone to describe the first two weeks of the Washington National's, and more specifically shortstop Ian Desmond's season. The World Series Favorites got off to a less than stellar start, going 2-6 and giving up 10 unearned runs, while Desmond committed 6 fielding errors. It took him until late April to tally as many last season; a season that started over a week earlier than this years. Suffice it to say, baseball fans know we only really pay attention to April baseball so far as it affects our fantasy team. There is no need to worry. Despite a tantalizing start by the division rival Mets, since getting Jayson Werth back healthy, the Nationals have pulled to .500. With Anthony Rendon still on the mend, and Denard Span and Werth still getting their swings back, the Nationals still look like the best candidate to come out of the NL East.

But where does that leave Desmond? After starting the season batting .115 through 7 games, Desmond has been on a tear. He comes into tonights matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals batting a team leading .304 with a .364 OBP and OPS of over .800. More importantly however, is the confidence with which Desmond is fielding. Despite early struggles, and visible frustration on the field, Desmond made several terrific plays, turning two double plays and turning in this web gem. Confidence can go a long way in a 162 game season. Tuesday night showed us, Desmond's got his back.

A Song of District Sports - DC Sports Icons That Remind Us of Westeros

It's been 24 years since a D.C team has been crowned champion in one of the four major sports (props to D.C United for an extended period of success). In honor of the season premier of season five of HBO's Game of Thrones series, we take a look at several D.C sports icons that remind us of those battling to sit the Iron Throne.

Paul Pierce - Sir Barristan Selmy

Once respected as one of the greatest knights in the NBA, the man known as "The Truth" can still handle his own in the league. Like Selmy, Pierce's skills are quite diminished, but that doesn't prevent him from being one of the most respected men in the realm. Once a key component of a powerful dynasty, each man has assumed the role of mentor for a young leader of the next generation of competitors for a crown.

Alex Ovechkin - Bronn

Perhaps the most skilled warrior on the ice, Ovechkin makes it look easy, sometimes taking on multiple men and able to be effective from his backside. Like Bronn, he has used his unique skill set to strike it rich, while dispensing his foes with ease. However, what both men truly seek is a title.

Bryce Harper - Jaime Lannister

Both revered for their skill from a young age, Jaime and Bryce have yet to live up to the hype. Hard on the outside, but more endearing once you get to know them, each man is looking to find his place among the greats. Following hand surgery last season, Bryce Harper now dons a protective glove when running the base paths, eerily similar to the golden hand of Sir Jaime.

London Fletcher - Stannis Baratheon

Shying from the spotlight, duty is what guides Stannis Baratheon. The realm has never seen a more gifted tactician. The same can be said of London Fletcher. He always had a knack for dissecting his opponents, and putting his allies in a position to reap big rewards. 

John Wall - Arya Stark

He won't overpower you, and neither will Arya. However, underestimate Wall and his speed and finesse can be deadly. With seasoning, Wall has developed a game with many faces, that is hard to predict, and defend. Both Arya and John's ability to adjust on the fly has led to deadly results.

Robert Griffin III - Sansa Stark

Once the darling of the realm, both RG3 and Sansa's fairy tail start in their respective capitol have come to a screeching halt. After his failed marriage to Mike Shanahan, we'll see if RG3 can adapt his strategy and learn how to truly be a player for the throne of NFL excellence. If he can follow in Sansa's footsteps, we could see this primaddona truly turn into a contender. (Can we all agree a comparison to Bran's mangled legs was too easy?)

Albert Haynesworth - Robert Baratheon

In their youth, each of these two was a terror on the battlefield. Both Haynesworth and Baratheon were two of the most feared warriors in their respective realm. However, after being crowned (most expensive contract for a defensive player), sloth got the better of each man. A shadow of their former selves in athleticism and motivation one would only expect the realm to improve after their departure from it. Yet, both Washington and Westeros are still embroiled in chaos.