All The News That's Fit To Blog

--DCRTV reports that current Wizards broadcaster Dave Johnson and WTOP's Shawn Anderson are being "looked at" for the broadcasting job. I don't know exactly what "being looked at" means, but I hope it isn't meant in the way Dayn Perry would do it.

I've heard the Wizards broadcasts a few times--not intentionally, honest!--and nothing I've makes any sorta impression one way or another. Which is just a roundabout way of saying, I've got nuttin'.

--Eric Fisher looks at the 35 companies looking to design the new ballpark and the instructions they were given. Their designs are due February 15 and the winning bid will be announced at the end of the month.

The proposal document specifies a desire for a stadium that is "timeless, unique in the nation's capital and its waterfront setting, and representative of 21st-century architectural ideals," Mr. Lew said. Buttressing that is a requirement for each bidder to have experience with "projects of similar national or international significance in urban environments."

But Mr. Lew was quick to say that does not mean the stadium will be a staid, formal facility mirroring many of the city's federal office buildings.

"We're not suggesting that this just look like something along the Mall," he said. "What we're after is a truly fresh approach."

Also critical to the design project is a strong linkage to the forthcoming Anacostia Waterfront Initiative, a massive redevelopment in which the ballpark will play a central role. District officials, through a relocation contract with Major League Baseball, have targeted the new stadium's completion for March 1, 2008.

--Thom Loverro gets a few good quotes from Wilkerson and Schneider while they're in town. It's mostly about how they're looking forward to playing in a city that hasn't had the life sucked out of it and their optimism for the upcoming season.

--The Post notes the difficulties RFK's shared tenants, DC United, are going to have with the changeover from a baseball to soccer field/pitch.

United Coach Peter Nowak said he's not concerned about the new playing surface.

"Nothing changes -- it's still [75] yards wide, [110] yards long with 22 players, a referee, same atmosphere, same ball," he said. "We're not going to change anything. No excuses. It's our job to play the game."

Good answer.