Sports briefs

Washington Redskins Training Camp

Starts Thursday 7/29 at 4 p.m.

Redskins Park in Ashburn, VA will be buzzing a little more loudly this year than in the previous ones. That’s because there’s a new head coach, a new quarterback and what appears to be a new direction. The man in charge is Mike Shanahan – a two time Super Bowl-winning coach with the Denver Broncos. Calling the signals will be Donovan McNabb, acquired this April in a trade with NFC East division rival Philadelphia Eagles. Training camp’s importance not just lies in fans getting to see the newest and biggest names in the burgundy and gold, but rather in positional battles on the depth chart. After Thursday afternoon’s initial practice session, the Redskins will take the field for practices beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day until August 5. All practices will be open to the general public.

 MLB Trade Deadline

Saturday 7/31 at 4 p.m.

The wheels started to turn on the wheeling and dealing earlier this month, when the Texas Rangers landed starting pitcher Cliff Lee. However, most activity is done at the end of July, when the trade deadline nears. Most recently, starter Dan Haren was shipped from Arizona to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Notable names still on the trade block include Houston starting pitcher Roy Oswalt, who appears to favor a deal to the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as Chicago Cubs lefty Ted Lilly. In a year when the market for quality pick-ups is extremely low, the most intriguing hitter that’s being offered appears to be the Florida Marlins’ Jorge Cantu. Multiple teams, including the Colorado Rockies, have shown interest.

 Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Friday 7/28 – Sunday 8/1

A short six-game homestand concludes with a three game set versus the two-time defending National League champs, the same team that opened the season at Nationals Park in 2010. Philadelphia was widely expected to make a return trip to the World Series, but it certainly hasn’t been easy. Even with a new ace on the mound in Roy Halladay and a bevy of sluggers, the Phils haven’t exactly shown their might. They’re in second place in the National League East and more than a handful of games behind the Atlanta Braves. But with plenty of season to go, it’s likely that Philly will muscle up a run soon and be a major player in the playoff chase. Sunday’s will likely have Stephen Strasburg on the hill for Washington, going up against what is arguably the best hitting team he’s face in his short big-league career.