Time for a new sports update for 2023. The covid virus finally has subsided and no longer has an impact on sports. No games have been postponed and just a few players have missed games because of covid-related problems this past year in all sports. The fans have returned to watching the games with no limited attendance in person and a just few fans wearing masks. But, I personally have not been to any sporting event the past three years.
The Washington Nationals won the World Series in 2019, but had another bad 2022 season and missed the playoffs for the third year in a row. The Nats have lost most players from their World Series team, including star Juan Soto traded during the past season. They still have not found a third basemen and have no real star on the team. They had the worst record in baseball last season, and could be again this coming season. The last Nat star left is Steven Strasburg, and he was injured most of last year and may never pitch again.They have added arms to the bullpen ,but need better starters. This coming season will be hard because NL East is extemely strong this season with three teams possible World Series contenders.
The Washington football team is a mess. They may or may not have a good head coach in Ron Rivera, having missed the playoffs this past season. They officially got rid of "Redskins" and are called the "Washington Commanders" this past season. They have a good defense and some very good receivers on offence, but still need a quarterback after Carson Wentz was a total failure. The team has several good young players on both offense and defense. There is a stong possibility the team will have a new owner by next season which would be a blessing. The team needs new leadership. The NFL East division is very strong and the Commanders need a lot more pieces to challenge for a playoff spot this coming season.
The Washington Wizards traded away several veteran players the past year which has helped the team. They re-signed guard Bradley Beal and added a few good players, including Kyle Kuzna and Kristaps Porzingis, but this team of semi-stars has not totally jelled. They have a good coach in Wes Unseld, Jr. They are playing good this season and should barely make the playoffs this year. But this is a team that just can't make it over the hump and become a very good team. The Wizards need to keep building and need to continue getting better.
The Washington Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2019(yes!!! finally!!), and are good(again) this season, and should be in the playoffs. Hopefully they get on a run during the playoffs like 2019 and win another Stanley Cup. Alex Ovetchkin had another great season and keeps getting better with age, and is having a great year so far this season. Alex is now the number two all-time goal scorer with only Wayne Grestsky with more total goals. Alex could pass Grestsky in a couple more years if he continues to play like he has the past few years.
In college sports, the Maryland Terps football team had a winning(barely) season with their head coach Mike Locksley. They also got a bowl bid and won the bowl game. The Terps have a good passing game, great receivers and good running back. The defense has to get better. The Terps had another good recruiting season again this year, but need to show more improvement or won't keep getting good recruiting classes.
The Maryland Terps basketball team got off to a great start last season and made the NCAA playoffs but lost in the first round. This year the Terps were ranked in top 30 pre-season with a new coah, but got off to a bad start and are a "bubble" team for making the NCAA tournament this March. They need to win a few more big games to make the tournament.
The Maryland Terps baseball team was better last season and made the College World Series playoffs but did not advance past the second round(regionals). Ryan Ramsey pitched a perfect game last season which is really rare to do in college baseball. The Terps have a good young coach and had another great recruiting class this year. They are ranked in the top 20 for this coming season and are looking to advance to the college World Series.
As usual, the Maryland Terps have good teams in both women and men in the minor sports of Lacrosse, soccer and Field Hockey. The men won a National Title in Men's Lacrosse last year. The women's Field Hockey team loast in the final 4. Both the women's gymnastics and volleyball team keep getting better each year with good young coaches and good recruiting classes.