First Down

WEEKEND REWIND IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Baseball trade deadline nears - Nationals fans have to be hoping Austin Kearns’ game-winning hit Sunday boosted his minuscule trade value enough for another team to take his salary off the Nationals’ hands. Sunday might have been the last time for fans to see Nick Johnson and Josh Willingham at Nationals Park before Friday’s nonwaiver trade deadline.

T.O. speaks out in favor of Michael Vick - Unfortunately for Vick, Terrell Owens’ words might not help his case with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. No word if Pacman Jones, Tank Johnson and Chris Henry will be next to speak out as character witnesses.

TWT FIVE 2010 FIRST-TIME BASEBALL HALL OF FAME CANDIDATES

1. Barry Larkin - One of the game’s best shortstops, Larkin was a 12-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner and the 1995 National League MVP.

2. Roberto Alomar - Arguably the best second baseman of his era, Alomar was not only an offensive threat (.300 career average, 210 HR, 474 SB), he also won 10 Gold Gloves.

3. Fred McGriff - Playing in the “steroid era” may cost McGriff, whose 493 homers fall just short of the 500 club. But he was the first player since the dead-ball era to lead both leagues in homers (AL in ‘89, NL in ‘92).

4. Edgar Martinez - The best designated hitter of all time, Martinez’s power numbers (309 HR) may keep him out, but from 1995 to 2001 his average season (.324, 27 HR, 110 RBI) was as good as any hitter’s.

5. Andres Galarraga - The Big Cat’s numbers compare favorably to Jim Rice’s, but Galarraga faces the stigma of not only the “steroid era” but also the Coors Field Era — 47 HR, 150 RBI in 1996?

HE SAID WHAT?

“We are totally incompatible. In the end, Armstrong will go his way and I’ll go mine.” - Alberto Contador on teammate Lance Armstrong