White House Correspondents Insider

Behind the scenes of one of the most powerful clubs in America.

Nationals Sure To Win World Series This Year Because of '86 Mets

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Much like the plot of Rocky Balboa, The Washington Nationals are supposedly going to take the 2013 World Series because they’re statistically on par with the 1986 New York Mets. In their upcoming baseball issue–complete with local covers–“Mr. October” Stephen Strasberg will be a key factor in bringing another title to the Nats sez Sports Illustrated.

The pullquote of the year from Tom Verducci:
“Manager Davey Johnson has managed this team before: the 1986 Mets. Like the ’86 Mets, the Nationals are coming off a 98-win season, are loaded with young pitching, star players and a deep bullpen and expect to win. Washington has no obvious flaw.”

Meanwhile in the “Who will have a better year” psyhic category the Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout edges out Bryce Harper 4:3. The Mets and The Nationals are natural enemies, of course: Washington and New York have spared together for years. Even this weekend for the Easter game the Nationals will have a rare outing against the Yankees at National Park. This sort of tea leaf reading may seem strange, but we’re a town that appreciates hardcore stat analyzation and going off gut choices. Honestly, without that love of bet hedging 1100 Wilson Boulevard would just be another Baja Fresh/Cosi hybrid and not Politico. And if this miracle season doesn’t occur, DCist notes we at least know who to blame at Sports Illustrated.

Veterans, Families To Enjoy A Night of Baseball

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The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has added a family friendly twist to America’s favorite pastime.

The Orioles and Nationals baseball teams will each be hosting a special night next week for IAVA members and their families as part of the “Summer of Engagement” series. Dozens of these events have been held around the country since July 4, including one at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles where 15 IAVA Member Veterans took to the Dodgers dugout before the game to watch the teams practice and shake hands with legendary Dodgers Coach Tommy Lasorda and Dodgers players.

On Monday at Camden Yards and Wednesday at Nationals Park, hundreds of locally based IAVA Member Veterans and their families will be treated to a pregame event with free food, drinks, activities for kids, and lots of GI Bill, mental health and veterans support information – all as a special thanks and recognition of their service. IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff and IAVA Director of Government Affairs Todd Bowers will be throwing out the first pitches.

Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Monday, Aug 9, 7:05 PM

Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals
Nationals Park
Wednesday, Aug 11, 7:05 PM