With just about a week until pitchers and catchers report, the Nationals are still busy finalizing the details for next season. Stan gave a tour of the new stadium recently, and promised that the stadium will be completed by opening day. Hard to believe its only 53 days till the season opener!

We finally have the official word on radio extraordinaire Charlie Slowes. He and the Nationals have agreed to terms, and Charlie will rejoin Dave Jageler for the 2008 season. Hopefully we will hear a lot of Charlie’s trademark “bang zoom go the fireworks” next season. This is a step in the right direction.

Also somewhat buried in the news of Charlie’s contract, comes the blurb about the Nats signing Asian pitcher Katsuhiko Maekawa to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Both Barry and WFY have more info, but it seems he’s had some trouble with the law also. Sure looks like he’ll feel right at home next to fellow misfits…er oops…I mean teammates.

Lastly, we kicked our baseball withdrawal a bit by following the Caribbean World Series. Both Jesus Colome and Ronnie Belliard had some great performances.

That’s about it for now. Let’s start the countdown…9 days till Spring Training!

ps - Both Babe Ruth and Ronald Reagan were born today in 1895 and 1911.

Given all the discussion about catchers —

Thanks to Doug for informing us that two time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady was originally drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1995 as a catcher. Brady instead went to Michigan to pursue his football career.

But it makes you wonder. Love him or hate him, Brady’s talent is undeniable. Anyone feel certain he could be throwing out more baserunners than Lo Duca* or Estrada?