By now, you've already heard that Verizon Center was a (not-so-positive) focal point of ESPN's landmark study on food safety in stadiums and arenas, as well as Ted Leonsis' commendable response. Reports of Verizon Center's "mice droppings" were part of a state-by-state rundown, which also highlighted the rest of the league's arenas. Some other observations:
Madison Square Garden also suffered from similar problems as Verizon Center: "At one stand, inspectors found '53 mouse excreta' (38 on top of a metal box underneath the cash registers in the front food-prep area and 15 on top of a carbonated-beverage dispensing unit)."
Canada's six locales fared extremely well, with Toronto's Air Canada Centre and Ottawa's Scotiabank Place getting perfect scores. Edmonton's Rexall Place had the worst rating of the bunch: 25 percent of vendors had critical violations.
At HP Pavilion in San Jose, "inspectors found Chinese chicken salad had warmed to 60 degrees, about 20 degrees above a safe temperature." A warm version of a similar salad was highlighted at Minnesota's Xcel Energy Center: "Chicken strips for topping a Caesar salad were found at 105 degrees, when they should have been at least 140 degrees."
Showing some unique cuisine, Staples Center staffers had to throw out "9.5 pounds of sushi after inspectors found that it became too warm."
Florida's two arenas did not do well. BankAtlantic Center, home of the Panthers, had 67 percent of its vendors with critical violations for "soiled ice bins and coolers," while an inspector at Tampa's St. Pete Times Forum (88 percent) "saw an employee handle dirty dishes and then put away clean dishes without washing his/her hands or changing gloves. The same location lacked soap at a hand sink."
The most interesting findings came from Chicago's United Center, which earned a perfect score with a very big caveat: "Chicago health inspectors inspect vendors while the stadiums are empty, when no workers are preparing or serving food." Hmmm...
The worst violation, in my opinion, came from RBC Center, home to the 2011 all-star game: "Inspectors cited one vendor after watching employees handle raw, breaded chicken while loading fryers and then handling cooked food without changing gloves or washing hands. The employees placed cooked chicken back in the same container used to pre-portion raw chicken before cooking."
Overall, ESPN is to be commended for compiling such a comprehensive survey. Although food safety has been in the news a lot lately, this is the first study of its kind and magnitude to examine most of the major professional sporting venues in the United States and Canada.
July 26, 2010
July 25, 2010
Standings of Local Teams
For several years, I've been keeping track of how local teams fare against each other (starting with 1996, when DC United and the Baltimore Ravens entered the picture). I've just completed a major update/verification of all the numbers and added a bunch of historical information. The latest standings:
You can find everything on my State of Local Sports page on the right side menu.
1. D.C. United (197-160-71, .543)
2. Washington Capitals (490-418-83-75, .531)
3. Baltimore Ravens (116-107-1, .520)
4. Washington Redskins (103-120-1, .462)
5. Baltimore Orioles (1,041-1,225, .459)
6. Washington Nationals/Montreal Expos (1,010-1,257, .446)
7. Washington Wizards/Bullets (467-649, .418)
8. Washington Mystics (158-238, .399)
You can find everything on my State of Local Sports page on the right side menu.
July 21, 2010
Ted Leonsis: the Not-So-Undercover Boss
Ted Leonsis continues to impress. Even though he's got many more responsibilities as owner of the Wizards and Verizon Center (in addition to the Caps, of course), he continues to connect with the fans and take what they say to heart.
First, he was heard about the ketchup dispensers. Then, it was the urinals. And now, he's even helping his iPhone-bearing fans surf during a game (in between action, of course) -- despite the phone company rivalry.
But it gets better: Ted's going to help clean up after games so he can learn more about that part of the gameday experience. Name another owner of a near-billion dollar empire who's going to do that (and not for a TV show).
This certainly isn't the first time he's committed himself to fixing things at Verizon Center since he officially became Wizards owner. And it won't be the last.
As Caps fans, we can thank our lucky stars that we've got an owner that truly cares about the fans and literally puts money behind his words. I'm not talking about player contracts, I'm talking about every little nuance that goes into attending a game.
Cal Ripken, even after playing 2,632 consecutive games, always committed himself to get better. Fortunately for Caps and Wizards fans, Ted feels the same way.
First, he was heard about the ketchup dispensers. Then, it was the urinals. And now, he's even helping his iPhone-bearing fans surf during a game (in between action, of course) -- despite the phone company rivalry.
But it gets better: Ted's going to help clean up after games so he can learn more about that part of the gameday experience. Name another owner of a near-billion dollar empire who's going to do that (and not for a TV show).
This certainly isn't the first time he's committed himself to fixing things at Verizon Center since he officially became Wizards owner. And it won't be the last.
As Caps fans, we can thank our lucky stars that we've got an owner that truly cares about the fans and literally puts money behind his words. I'm not talking about player contracts, I'm talking about every little nuance that goes into attending a game.
Cal Ripken, even after playing 2,632 consecutive games, always committed himself to get better. Fortunately for Caps and Wizards fans, Ted feels the same way.
July 20, 2010
Time for McPhee to Make His Move
The Caps might not have trouble winning the Southeast Division for the fourth consecutive year, but the team certainly has bigger goals -- and, in that quest, the road isn't going to be easy.
Just in the division, the Tampa Bay Lightning have added Simon Gagne to an attack that already includes Rocket Richard Trophy co-winner Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. New GM Steve Yzerman also added defenseman Pavel Kubina and goalie Dan Ellis.
The New Jersey Devils, meanwhile, signed Ilya Kovalchuk, provided they can agree on a deal that the NHL doesn't reject, who joins earlier additions Henrik Tallinder and Anton Volchenkov.
And those are just two examples.
The silver lining is that there are still teams (such as the Chicago Blackhawks) who need to rid contracts to get under the salary cap and the Caps could swoop in for some decent players at little or no cost in a trade. And there are still plenty of players looking for work who might sign for cheap (such as Bill Guerin and Paul Mara).
Yes, the Caps won the President's Trophy going away last season and probably don't need to change anything to win their division. But to win the Stanley Cup, the Caps certainly need to make some alterations because the competition's getting a lot stronger.
Just in the division, the Tampa Bay Lightning have added Simon Gagne to an attack that already includes Rocket Richard Trophy co-winner Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. New GM Steve Yzerman also added defenseman Pavel Kubina and goalie Dan Ellis.
The New Jersey Devils, meanwhile, signed Ilya Kovalchuk, provided they can agree on a deal that the NHL doesn't reject, who joins earlier additions Henrik Tallinder and Anton Volchenkov.
And those are just two examples.
The silver lining is that there are still teams (such as the Chicago Blackhawks) who need to rid contracts to get under the salary cap and the Caps could swoop in for some decent players at little or no cost in a trade. And there are still plenty of players looking for work who might sign for cheap (such as Bill Guerin and Paul Mara).
Yes, the Caps won the President's Trophy going away last season and probably don't need to change anything to win their division. But to win the Stanley Cup, the Caps certainly need to make some alterations because the competition's getting a lot stronger.
July 14, 2010
Top Posts of the Past Season
While Development Camp has a few days left, hockey's summer hiatus has basically arrived. With that in mind, here's the STC top-10 list (in no particular order) of most popular posts from the 2009-10 season (with one exception). Read and enjoy!
- * Alex Semin, the System Smasher (Oct. 13, 2009)
- * Defending Nicklas Backstrom (Oct. 20, 2009)
- * Caps Hold Last Home Practice For a While (Feb. 9, 2010)
- * The Kovalchuk Question (Jan. 7, 2010)
- * What's Wrong with the Second Line? (April 22, 2010)
- * Inside the Press Box: Michelle Scalise (Oct. 21, 2009)
- * Bruins, Flyers Most Likely First-Round Opponents (April 7, 2010)
- * Future Watch: It's Pretty Bright (March 19, 2010)
- * Inside the Press Box: Lisa Hillary (Dec. 17, 2008)
July 13, 2010
Is Marcus Johansson the Caps' Second-Line Center?
As Development Camp continues, and Marcus Johansson gets rave reviews, it's becoming apparent that GM George McPhee hopes the team's newest Swedish center might be on the middle of the Caps' second line when the season begins. That might be too much to ask of a player beginning his first season in North America, but the team's lack of movement -- and the repeated defense of this course of (non) action -- increases this probability by the day.
Yes, there are still plenty of players out there (especially since the league has been pretty quiet too) but it's apparent that the "promote from within" portion of GMGM's plan remains the top option. If Johansson follows in Nicklas Backstrom's footsteps, or earns even half of what No. 19 did his rookie year, then No. 90 will register 30 or so helpers and rank ahead of everybody on the team not named Backstrom, Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin or Mike Green. (Brooks Laich had 34 assists last season, so he's in the mix too.)
There also is a possibility that Mathieu Perreault might be the team's third-line center, which certainly would be an interesting scenario. (That spot also could go to either Keith Aucoin, a -- hark! -- free agent, or even a returning Eric Belanger.)
As has been discussed before, a trade (either during the off-season or once the campaign begins) is a strong possibility. And, of course, McPhee could shock the world and convince Ilya Kolvalchuk to sign a one-year deal to form the Russian super team.
McPhee's certainly pulled many a rabbit out of a hat before, and this off-season might just be right up his alley.
Yes, there are still plenty of players out there (especially since the league has been pretty quiet too) but it's apparent that the "promote from within" portion of GMGM's plan remains the top option. If Johansson follows in Nicklas Backstrom's footsteps, or earns even half of what No. 19 did his rookie year, then No. 90 will register 30 or so helpers and rank ahead of everybody on the team not named Backstrom, Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin or Mike Green. (Brooks Laich had 34 assists last season, so he's in the mix too.)
There also is a possibility that Mathieu Perreault might be the team's third-line center, which certainly would be an interesting scenario. (That spot also could go to either Keith Aucoin, a -- hark! -- free agent, or even a returning Eric Belanger.)
As has been discussed before, a trade (either during the off-season or once the campaign begins) is a strong possibility. And, of course, McPhee could shock the world and convince Ilya Kolvalchuk to sign a one-year deal to form the Russian super team.
McPhee's certainly pulled many a rabbit out of a hat before, and this off-season might just be right up his alley.
July 7, 2010
Caps Sign Schultz, Continue Trend
One of GM George McPhee's strategies is to sign restricted free agents to a contact that, for the most part, will take them to unrestricted free agency. And GMGM did it again today, inking Jeff Schultz to a four-year deal that will make him a UFA after the 2013-14 season.
McPhee turned the same trick with Boyd Gordon yesterday, Alex Semin a while back, and several others along the way (with Tomas Fleischmann possibly continuing that trend soon). Mike Green was one of the exceptions, as he'll still be a RFA when his four-year deal expires after the 2011-12 season.
The genius of this, of course, is that he gets the player in a contract year (or several, in this case) and then, if there is any underperformance, can rid the Caps of an unwanted deal.
Schultz, though, seems to be a keeper. He may not be the "top-four" defensemen that Mike Vogel describes him to be, but he's certainly a solid blueliner who led the league in plus/minus this past season and is a very impressive plus-80 in just 247 career NHL games. And on a team that needs help defensively, this is a good signing.
McPhee turned the same trick with Boyd Gordon yesterday, Alex Semin a while back, and several others along the way (with Tomas Fleischmann possibly continuing that trend soon). Mike Green was one of the exceptions, as he'll still be a RFA when his four-year deal expires after the 2011-12 season.
The genius of this, of course, is that he gets the player in a contract year (or several, in this case) and then, if there is any underperformance, can rid the Caps of an unwanted deal.
Schultz, though, seems to be a keeper. He may not be the "top-four" defensemen that Mike Vogel describes him to be, but he's certainly a solid blueliner who led the league in plus/minus this past season and is a very impressive plus-80 in just 247 career NHL games. And on a team that needs help defensively, this is a good signing.
July 6, 2010
Caps Keep B. Gordon for Another Year
The Caps are good at keeping their restricted free agents, and today's signing of Boyd Gordon kept that trend intact. It also added him to the list of unrestricted free agents for next summer.
Gordon, 26, was drafted by the Caps in 2002 and has played his entire career with the organization. The checking line player led the team with a 61 percent faceoff rate, which would have led the league had he taken enough draws to qualify. He ranked third on the team in average shorthanded ice time (2:39 per game) and had a goal and an assist, both while shorthanded, in the playoffs.
Gordon is part of a great group of gritty players who have done a good job of providing some sandpaper for the team but, unfortunately, not providing too much offense. That's a necessity for a team that aspires to win the Stanley Cup, but it also would be great to add some more grit to many of the skilled players who may be lacking in that department.
Gordon, 26, was drafted by the Caps in 2002 and has played his entire career with the organization. The checking line player led the team with a 61 percent faceoff rate, which would have led the league had he taken enough draws to qualify. He ranked third on the team in average shorthanded ice time (2:39 per game) and had a goal and an assist, both while shorthanded, in the playoffs.
Gordon is part of a great group of gritty players who have done a good job of providing some sandpaper for the team but, unfortunately, not providing too much offense. That's a necessity for a team that aspires to win the Stanley Cup, but it also would be great to add some more grit to many of the skilled players who may be lacking in that department.
July 4, 2010
McPhee Exerts His Independence
Quiet and stoic, GM George McPhee has not wavered from his position: we're going young and sticking with who we've got (unless something makes sense, of course). This position has led to a mix of reactions; but in this blogger's mind, there's no doubt: McPhee will be making trades to fill any holes (not including any minor signing).
While trades do not allow any recipient to set the initial salary, there are inherent advantages. For example, it would allow the Caps to rid themselves of some unnecessary players (and their unwanted contracts), and more importantly, select some players who are not on the free agency market.
With the restricted free agents being scheduled to be discussed next week, there is one player who fits perfectly into the Caps' plans and isn't an unrestricted free agent: Marc Staal. Yes, it's unlikely the New York Rangers will give up on their stellar young d-man, but they've also been unable to get close to re-signing him either.
McPhee isn't the type to poach another team's RFA with a fat offer sheet, but some kind of trade to send Staal to the Caps might be plausible. While the GM is sticking with the blueliners currently on the roster, two of them (Tom Poti and John Erskine) might not -- or probably won't, depending on who you ask -- be back after next season. Another, Tyler Sloan, inexplicably has two years left on his deal and certainly is not to be confused with an NHL regular.
So, while it would take work to get Staal onto the Caps, but it's most likely something that's crossed McPhee's mind. (Not that he'll ever talk about it.)
A scenario to fill the second-line center spot is that Marcus Johannson will exceed all expectations and evolve quickly like his countryman, Nicklas Backstrom. Or that Mathieu Perrault (or Keith Aucoin, for that matter) will transform into a young Jason Spezza. That most likely would make any of the three the best center available right now and, therefore, confirm McPhee's convictions.
But the most important thing to remember is that, unlike the trade deadline, the free agent frenzy does not come with an expiration date. In fact, the Caps don't need to make any final decisions until the regular season begins. And that's why McPhee's stand is so unique -- and commendable.
While trades do not allow any recipient to set the initial salary, there are inherent advantages. For example, it would allow the Caps to rid themselves of some unnecessary players (and their unwanted contracts), and more importantly, select some players who are not on the free agency market.
With the restricted free agents being scheduled to be discussed next week, there is one player who fits perfectly into the Caps' plans and isn't an unrestricted free agent: Marc Staal. Yes, it's unlikely the New York Rangers will give up on their stellar young d-man, but they've also been unable to get close to re-signing him either.
McPhee isn't the type to poach another team's RFA with a fat offer sheet, but some kind of trade to send Staal to the Caps might be plausible. While the GM is sticking with the blueliners currently on the roster, two of them (Tom Poti and John Erskine) might not -- or probably won't, depending on who you ask -- be back after next season. Another, Tyler Sloan, inexplicably has two years left on his deal and certainly is not to be confused with an NHL regular.
So, while it would take work to get Staal onto the Caps, but it's most likely something that's crossed McPhee's mind. (Not that he'll ever talk about it.)
A scenario to fill the second-line center spot is that Marcus Johannson will exceed all expectations and evolve quickly like his countryman, Nicklas Backstrom. Or that Mathieu Perrault (or Keith Aucoin, for that matter) will transform into a young Jason Spezza. That most likely would make any of the three the best center available right now and, therefore, confirm McPhee's convictions.
But the most important thing to remember is that, unlike the trade deadline, the free agent frenzy does not come with an expiration date. In fact, the Caps don't need to make any final decisions until the regular season begins. And that's why McPhee's stand is so unique -- and commendable.
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