DMV sports

As you may have figured, I am a supporter of DMV-based teams. And, if you follow sports, you probably realize that it is difficult and agonizing. Of the six professional teams I follow – Baltimore Orioles, DC United, Washington Capitals, Washington Commanders, Washington Mystics and Washington Wizards – championships are few and far between and consistent contention virtually doesn’t exist outside of maybe the Capitals.

The last championship the area experienced was the Mystics in 2019. One year before, the Capitals claimed their first and only Stanley Cup in franchise history. Although that is great, only one Cup is still a letdown in a sense considering they have been one of the best teams in the league for about two decades.

DC United has the most titles of any of these franchises (4), the last coming in 2004.

It’s safe to say there is somewhat of a drought. There are worse franchises with fan bases that suffer more out there, and I feel for them. They know, as I know, that when you are a small-market, opportunities are hard to come by and need to be taken advantage of.

First, Mike Elias has squandered the Orioles’ opportunity to be legitamte contenders. It only takes one year to do so, and that was this year. I don’t care about this young core being so great. All they know how to do is lose in the playoffs. The pitching has been pathetic, the bats are inconsistent, they have no leadership in the clubhouse and the injuries are excuciating.

This is going to sound controversial, but Tommy John surgery, in my opinion, doesn’t work. Yet, it seems like it’s the team’s only option.

Trevor Rogers has been good, so maybe that trade worked out. But it may be too late. By the time they turn it around, they are going to lose all these “great” young players who they won’t be able to afford anymore. It’s time Elias goes against his grain and figures out how this franchise can win its first World Series since 1983. The loyal fan base doesn’t deserve another rebuild.

Speaking of going against the grain. The Commanders need to sign Terry McLaurin now. Give him what he wants. He has been the only consistently good player this franchise has had since 2019, and has dealt with the garbage surrounding the organization and has suffered all the loses. The team has some momentum, but to take away one of their most important offensive pieces is asinine.

I get the argument that he is older. I get the argument that receivers aren’t necessarily needed to win Super Bowls. So why did they sign Deebo Samuel then? There’s no guarentee he’s back next year either. This team hasn’t made a good business decision since 1993 it seems, so perhaps going against the grain on this one may work out.

Or, the DMV area can just experience more of the same for decades to come.

You may have noticed I didn’t even mention the Wizards. That will probably remain the case forever.

Hooray, sports, yay.