Live Q&As

This is a day old, but it's a good place to start, since Caps angst isn't over. For Caps fans, I'm sure it felt like the day after Northern Iowa. For me, it didn't, but I was disappointed because I was totally getting into hockey -- a relatively new sport for me -- and wanted more.

The cops just called me; someone turned my cat in for biting a tech at the place he had surgery. This is the first I'm hearing of it, a week later. My cat is going to have a record. I'm incredibly unhappy about this. (I might add he's completely up to date on everything so no one's life was endanged by Dr. Forrest C. "Phog" Allen.)

Hope all of you are having a better morning than Phog and me. Grrrrr. I'm going there after we're done and *I* may bite someone.

As far as I've heard, and yes. Hammies tend to be persistent.

If I had a nickel for every greeting I've gotten from Bratislava ... I'd have change for a dime.

I'm not sure .500 is sustainable but after this start, I'm not sure it's not. They're doing this with an injured Ryan Zimmerman, after all, and no Wang, and Strasburg and Storen (and oh I wish, Wilkie) to come. I think you'll get back to town to see a team that's pretty fun to watch.

Someone remind me, did I predict them to win 72 or 75? I can't remember. I think I said 72. Might have low-balled a bit.

If this is John in Minneapolis, I'm happy. If not, I'm still happy. Do you know John?

Yes, you bought the wrong cable package. And Detwiler -- thanks for reminding me! Good golly, how could I ever have criticized them for having no right fielder. I take it back. All is forgiven.

Oh, we've all debated this, and I think it WAS the greatest collapse in Washington sports history. We're not done with the Caps by any stretch but I thought maybe a change was in order. They will be making moves and stuff will be happening and we'll talk about them again. Maybe we'll even debate this "greatest collapse in Washington sports history" one day next week. Not that that will make anyone feel better...

Now, back to the Nats.

I think 2012 is very achievable and they might surprise some folks in 2011. I think they'll be very fun to watch in 2010.

Now is the time for the Nats to strike, while there is literally no competition. No Caps, no Wiz, little Skins. Catching fire in August in too late because the NFL will dominate again. I think the Nats do have a shot at picking up some fans this summer. Strasburg will obviously help but right now, I'm eager to go see Atilano and Livan as well. And Capps! Who knew? I freely admit, not me.

Not my regular vet, the hospital, but they have been beyond awesome so this is just puzzling. I have talked to people there probably 20 times since this incident and no one mentioned it. Well, in about an hour there's going to be an explosion in Vienna. As you can tell, I'm fired up.

Agree on everything except Strasburg, who WAS born in a manger. Seriously, of course, if they finished the season at .500 it would be a serious overachievement. But it sure is fun right now, and don't we need some fun?

(The Laich story is awesome, by the way.)

Oh, it's never too early for hyperbole. Hey, that rhymes! These early-season division matchups are very important.

Probably not. I am not sure Livan and Capps can sustain this, or Atilano either, although I will withhold judgment until I see him pitch.

Dunn had a slow start, and Zim's been hurt, so you factor that in, and I think there is some reason for optimism. Not finishing in the basement of the NL East would be an accomplishment and I believe well within reach.

You're welcome. Thanks for joining in. I do get some benefit for my columns; it's interesting to get a lot of takes on different subjects.

For instance, this next person...

Well, that's the craziest damn thing I've ever heard. Let me assure you, I wouldn't take a job where I was forced to watch teams I hated. Who would?

Joy in the Caps' failures? Really? I don't see it. Remember, it's not our job to be boosters, though. We're supposed to be impartial. I am, thus far, impartial about the local teams. I am not, by comparison, impartial about the Jayhawks. There is a huge difference. I am not going to cry and moan when the Caps lose because that's not my job. I'm going to say why I think it happened. If you want commiseration, go to the fan boards. Yeesh.

When reporters and columnists and editors become fans of the teams they cover, the coverage ceases to be of value. It's not my job to be rah-rah. That's your job.

The Post contigent at the Caps game Wednesday night was joking that we'd see each other again next week at the Nats, where we'll be fighting for seats. I'm very eager to get out and see this team. I am not sure I agree with the "snarky attitude" remark, but ... see previous answer, I guess.

Ha!

Um, there is nothing I like better than to be lumped into a group like this. I'm not surprised Rizzo is succeeding. I defy you to find a negative word I've written about Rizzo thus far, other than to say that perhaps they could have found a starting right fielder before Opening Day. I've been a big proponent of The Plan. I am surprised by the 12-10 start against a tough schedule and I'll bet Rizzo and Kasten are a little surprised, too. Is this "Willfully Misinterpreted" day? Because I didn't mark it on my calendar.

And will it also be the day Teddy wins?

I think that's the conventional wisdom at the moment.

Having Teddy win that day would be brilliant. But can they ever really have Teddy win? Because then what?

He's excellent. How do you know he's a Royals fan? Because he tells you so, right? That's the difference. If I was in the tank for any local team, I would have to say it. Currently, I'm not. I will try not to be. When I am, I will reveal it. That's all.

Ugh. Hope that's not the case but you may be right.

Oh, I'm not shirking responsibility or diminishing the risks. But why oh why didn't they call and ask me about his rabies vaccine? Instead, they waited EIGHT DAYS and then had the police call. If they were so worried about the effects, wouldn't they ask about the rabies vaccine? I know some people don't even bother with them, especially for indoor cats. I feel terrible someone was bitten. I'm angry the police were told before me.

No, every single discussion degenerates into a chat about my cat. :) Is that better? (And yes, you did see a Penguins contribution on Nats Journal. I saw it too.)

Four of six against the Marlins would be good; you are right, they always have trouble with them. Getting excited to get to the Park! (Even though I hate everything and everyone associated with Washington sports.)

Devil's advocate: Teddy wins. Strasburg gets hammered. Then what? Poor Teddy.

Yes, I think Strasburg probably won't get called up. No room on the roster. :)

I miss the Nats and Nats Journal, too. I'll be back. In the meantime, I've got to get my very angry cat out of the bathroom and get to the vet's office where his very angry owner is going to tee off.

This was fun! Let's talk again Monday. Topic tba, but greatest collapses in D.C. sports history is possible some day next week. Until then... may your cats continue to elude the authorities.